ActionAid spokespeople are available for interview via phone or Skype in India and Bangladesh.
Two million people were safely evacuated to cyclone shelters as deadly Cyclone Bulbul hit West Bengal in southern India and swept through the Sundarbans into Bangladesh over the weekend (9-10 November).
At least 20 were killed as strong winds of up to 75mph, tidal surges and heavy rains tore through coastal regions, destroying homes, farmland and fishing boats.
ActionAid has teams in the affected areas of both India and Bangladesh evaluating the extent of the damage and carrying out needs assessments.
Women and young people trained by ActionAid Bangladesh to be first responders during climate disasters, warned their communities about the approaching storm and supported people to cyclone shelters.
Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, says:
“Our country is on the frontline of climate change. Disasters and extreme weather events, such as cyclones, flooding and storm surges are becoming increasingly frequent and intense.
“The poorest and most marginalised, particularly women and young people, are the most impacted by the climate crisis. Now once more they are left to pick up the pieces.
“The rich countries that caused this crisis must take responsibility by providing funding to support countries left reeling from the loss and damage caused by climate change.”
Debabrat Patra, ActionAid India’s regional manager for Odisha, says:
“Cyclone Bulbul is the second disaster to hit communities in Odisha this year. They are still struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods after Cyclone Fani struck in May.
“Repeated disasters are wearing people out. The crop loss has been enormous this time, which will force people to take out loans, migrate to urban areas and we are concerned about the impact on food security.”
Ends.
For more information, images and interviews contact Jenna Pudelek in the ActionAid press office on jenna.pudelek@actionaid.org or call +44(0)7795642990.
