The unprecedented mass devastation caused by Cyclone Sidr calls for all of us to work together as a global team and help out in whatever way possible. Approximately 31 districts out of 64 have been affected by the cyclone-the latest government figures indicate that over 8 million people have been affected. Millions require immediate livelihoods and life-saving relief assistance. Food, shelter, water, sanitation services, and cash are the priority areas for immediate assistance.

Drishtipat is collecting funds for survivors of Cyclone Sidr.

Funds collected are going to be disbursed through credible partner organizations in Bangladesh. Funds will be collected in two phases. During the first phase, funds will be sent to affected areas immediately to provide for imminent needs of the survivors. The second phase will consist of rebuilding homes and reviving livelihoods.

Funds for the first phase will be transferred to BRAC and Uttaran
Funds for second phase will be transferred to The United Bangladesh Appeal

Drishtipat’s Partner Organisations

Uttaran

Uttaran is an NGO that has been working in the southwestern region of Bangladesh since 1985, with significant experience working specifically in disaster intervention, recovery, and rehabilitation in southwestern Bangladesh.  

Following Cyclone Sidr, the immediate needs of the affected populations are food, medicine, drinking water, sanitation, shelter, and clothes. Uttaran is monitoring the situation closely and disseminating information to the government, NGOs, and donors. Uttaran plans to launch relief operations in Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Satkhira, and Khulna as the organization is already well-known from prior and ongoing involvement in those areas.  Uttaran has already begun relief operations in the aforementioned areas with its own resources but needs external support to sustain the effort.

This past week, Uttaran commenced relief operations from its three offices in Sharankhola and Morelgonj (under Bagerhat district) and Mothbaria (under Pirojpur district).  These three upazilas are among the worst affected by the cyclone and the needs of the people therein are truly dire. Moreover, Uttaran’s staff is providing support in the remote islands of the Bay of Bengal (under Sharankhola upazila).  Thousands of people have died in these areas.  Uttaran is providing food, temporary shelter, drinking water, clothes, and medical support.  Uttaran is trying its level best to rescue people from the remote areas.  Uttaran is also helping people recover dead bodies and bury them (both humans and animals).  The lives of thousands of people still hang in the balance and hinge on receiving external support as soon as possible.

Uttaran is appealing to you to provide assistance so that they can sustain their relief operations and mitigate the suffering of the victims.

For updated news on Cyclone Sidr, please visit: http://www.drishtipat.org/blog

Other Fundraising Initiatives:

Bangladesh Cyclone Relief Effort

As many of you may already know, the southern coast of Bangladesh was recently devastated by Cyclone Sidr - millions have been left homeless and thousands have lost their lives.  Many countries, bilateral organizations as well as international and local non-governmental organizations have already begun supplying aid to the affected areas but there is a lot more that can (and needs to) be done .  As part of the greater New York community, we have to take it upon ourselves to help out in any way we can.

And we've put together a fund raiser for just this purpose.  We will be requesting a minimum contribution of $20 ($10 with student ID). All the money raised will be given to Drishtipat (http://www.drishtipat.org/newyork/) as a part of their efforts to support the relief and rehabilitation efforts of Uttaran.
 
And you're invited - yay!  Not only that, we're expecting YOU to help us spread the word... so not only should you feel free to forward this on to friends and family, we're actively encouraging you to bug people about it!

So be ready to meet old friends and make new ones while helping a good cause, and don't forget to bring your generosity along on Thursday, December 6th at 7:30pm.

Evite
Contact: ashfia.rahman@omd.com
Phone: 917 667 9764

United Bangladesh Appeal
Drishtipat has partnered with other expatriate organizations in creating a unique compensation fund for the people who died in Cyclone Sidr.  Please contribute by going to the following site.
http://www.unitedbangladeshappeal.org