ActionAid is working with local partners in Cox’s Bazar to coordinate response work to support young children and women, following the devastating fire that tore through the refugee camp earlier this week.
Jahanu Begum’s shelter was completely burnt down in the fire and in the chaos that followed she lost both of her children.
Jahanu says: “I completely broke down; I didn’t know what to do. My home had burnt down, and I was looking for my children in the camps. I kept thinking of my memories with them and crying, they are so young only 7 and 9, I was scared for them. I found them at the ActionAid community center, and I am so happy. We are now living with my mother in a different camp because we have lost everything.”
Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, says: “ActionAid’s emergency teams are supporting families who fled the fire in the camp and have safely evacuated around 200 survivors from the two camps.
“We know the immediate needs of those affected will be access to medical support, emergency shelter, food, and sanitation services. ActionAid Bangladesh has distributed 1,200 litres of drinking water to displaced families, 3900 dignity kits women and girls, and ensured the ongoing availability of protection services through safe spaces in the impacted areas
“Due to overcrowding, addressing social distancing and preventing the spread of Covid-19 is an urgent priority.”
The Rohingya refugee camp is home to more than a million Rohingya refugees.
Community shelters and vital services, including health facilities, have been damaged. Displaced people are taking shelter in nearby camps while health facilities are being urged to remove gas and oxygen cylinders from their facilities.
