Bangladesh: Seven killed by Cyclone Mora May 30-31 /update 2

Event

At least seven people have died since Cyclone Mora made landfall at 06:00 (local time) on Tuesday, May 30, between the cities of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar. The deaths, mostly due to falling trees, were reported in the districts of Cox’s Bazar and Rangamati.

Regular activities have resumed at seaports and airports in Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar after Mora weakened into a tropical depression as it moved north towards India. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, remnants of the storm are expected to result in thunderstorms and rains over North Bay, the coastal districts, and maritime ports on May 31.

Context

Authorities evacuated nearly one million people from low-lying areas located on the southern coastline, including around 200,000 residents from Cox’s Bazar and about 150,000 from Chittagong. Hundreds of homes were destroyed and many trees uprooted in Cox’s Bazar due to violent winds. Mora battered Rohingya Muslims refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and completely flooded the sites. 

Torrential rains and subsequent flooding and landslides inflict Bangladesh on a yearly basis during the rainy season that spans from April to October. Northern and central districts were affected by massive flooding throughout July and August 2016, with more than 1.5 million people affected across 16 central and southern districts; at least 60 people were killed by flood waters, while hundreds of thousands of residents were evacuated.

Floodwaters pose an increased health threat as they facilitate the spread of mosquito- and water-borne diseases. There is a risk of contracting malaria throughout the year in Bangladesh but transmission occurs only in rural areas. Dengue fever is endemic and is also transmitted through mosquito bites, including in urban areas. Gastric water-borne diseases are very common; epidemics usually occur during the rainy season.

Advice

Individuals present in affected regions are advised to keep abreast of weather forecasts and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous – 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult – and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs disposed of.

Due to the possible presence of mosquito-borne diseases, individuals are advised to take preventive measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (use insect repellent, wear covering clothing, sleep in screened-in or air conditioned rooms) and destroy possible mosquito breeding grounds, which include masses of garbage and small pockets of stagnant water, e.g. water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, vases, flower pots, clogged gutters, air conditioners, and water dishes for pets.

To minimize your risk of contracting water-borne diseases, practice good hygiene, consume only treated or bottled water, and avoid foods that cannot be thoroughly cooked or disinfected.