UN agency seeks $22 million to feed cyclone-hit Bangladeshis

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has appealed for $22 million to continue feeding more than 2 million Bangladeshis affected by Cyclone Sidr which tore through the South Asian nation late last year.

In the aftermath of the 15 November storm, WFP has been providing relief assistance to over 2.2 million Bangladeshis through a $52 million emergency operation. The agency needs the additional $22 million to meet the immediate food needs of vulnerable people in the cyclone-affected areas.

WFP Bangladesh Country Director Douglas Broderick said that thanks to the generosity of donors, the agency delivered 20,000 tons of emergency food to those affected during the relief operations. “But more food is needed for the poorest of the survivors who are trying to rebuild their homes and replant their fields for the next harvest,” he added.

Additional funds will allow WFP to provide food rations, including rice, pulses, oil and high-energy biscuits, in the affected districts. It will also be able to provide food-for-work rations or cash-for-work for individuals rebuilding homes and communities.

Some 9 million people were affected – and over 3,300 killed – by Cyclone Sidr. Within hours after the storm wreaked its havoc, WFP was able to provide biscuits and rice to the most vulnerable among the population with the help of the Bangladesh Air Force.