The New Nation - Internet Edition

A comprehensive relief programme(RP) was conducted by Kirtonkhola Forum a multicultural social & women development organisation, in the cyclone-prone South-East part of Barisal during November 29- December 2, 2007. The programme was supported by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI). The relief programme included medicines, warm clothes, sharee, shawl, food items like rice, pulse, onion, chilli, chira, gur, and other essential items like matches, candles, water purifier, saline, etc. Five- member team conducted the relief programme in collaborator with the local level private administrative authority and village people.

The Team covered areas like Kakchira, Taltoli, Majher Char, Katakhali, Padmar Char, Majher Khal etc.

The team provided medical support and health care services, distributed medicines while they treated more than 200 people which include a large number of children & women. They also provided treatment, consultation and cash money for buying necessary medicines. The team observed that a large number of injuries through tin, branches of trees and sharp nails and other known and unknown element caused severe infection to the human bodies, they need immediate long-lasting treatment for health safety.

While discussing with the local people, they mentioned that there are some other places like Nishan Baira, Nali, Badar Khali, Deme, Dhewal Gram, Kaliatoli, Naltora, Kollarchar, Joyalbhangha, Hatirkhola, Sakina, Tatulbuinna, where sufferings are no less.

The tream tried to contact local govt. organizations but failed. The places where the team distributed relief, local private associations were also distributing relief regularly and organising programme for the traumatised children. Paddy fields, forestry, roads, culverts, pontoons, community centres, schools and almost all tinshed houses were destroyed. Immediate shelters, utilities, agricultural inputs are needed from the government to improve the situation. From DCCI) Ms. Ferdaus Ara Begum, Additional Secretary(R&P) represented while Dr. Nasreen Jahan, former President Kirtonkhola Forum and an international consultant led the team. Other members were Engr Mr. Jahangir Miah, Md Zakir Hossain of World Fish and Mr. Sajib.