Afghanistan Flood and Bangladesh Cyclone Relief

On 10 and 11 May 2024, the northeastern provinces of Afghanistan, including Badakhshan, Baghlan, and Takhar, were hit by heavy rain and flash floods. At least 180 people have lost their lives, 242 have been injured, and a total of 8,975 houses have been destroyed or damaged, with 80% of the fatalities concentrated in Baghlan province.

Bangladesh’s first tropical cyclone of the year, Cyclone Remal, made landfall in southern Bangladesh on the evening of Sunday, 26 May 2024. The adjacent western part of India was also affected, with wind speeds reaching up to 135 km/h. The cyclone resulted in at least 23 deaths and nearly one million people were evacuated to about 9,000 shelters. Over 8.4 million people, including 3.2 million children, face health, nutrition, and sanitation risks.

In Afghanistan, many schools were destroyed, farmlands damaged, livestock killed, and bridges and power dams severely affected. Besides the loss of lives in Bangladesh, Cyclone Remal destroyed much of the infrastructure. Low-lying areas were inundated by heavy rain and tidal surges. Floodwaters also breached several embankments, causing seawater to flood farmlands, damaging numerous freshwater fish ponds, and contaminating drinking water supplies.

In collaboration with partners in both countries, CEDAR has swiftly allocated US$35,600 (approximately HK$280,000) to initiate relief efforts, distributing food, hygiene supplies, and cash assistance to the affected populations. Please pray for our ministry and take immediate action to support the disaster relief efforts, helping the affected communities in Afghanistan and Bangladesh through these difficult times.