'It's worse than we first thought'

December 12, 2007

Devastation caused by Bangladesh’s Cyclone Sidr has set communities back 10 years, says World Vision CEO Lisa Cescon.

“It’s so much worse than we first thought,” Miss Cescon said today after receiving word from World Vision staff in Bangladesh.

“Two communities – home to more than 6,400 sponsored children – are among the worst hit by last month’s cyclone, and the damage we keep hearing more about is just horrific.

“More than 1.2 million homes have been washed away, that’s the equivalent of every standalone house in New Zealand! Which, of course, translates into millions of ruined lives, like one of our sponsored children, 7-year-old Supria. She and her family lost their home – made of bamboo, rice straw and wood – their stored grains, the few items of clothing they owned, and precious schoolbooks.

“Like most things, this cyclone has hit the poorest people the hardest. People will literally have to rebuild their lives from nothing.”

In some areas, 10 years of World Vision’s development work has been destroyed, says Miss Cescon.

“Freshwater fishponds – valuable sources of income for many families – have been flooded with seawater, killing the fish. Crops, ready for harvesting, were destroyed.

“The impact of the cyclone will be felt for years to come and we urgently need to help in the recovery.”

World Vision New Zealand is aiming to raise at least $500,000 for the cyclone-affected families in Bangladesh, and New Zealand Cricket is doing its part by staging a special Twenty20 cricket match in Hamilton on December 23 between New Zealand and the touring Bangladesh team.

To donate to World Vision’s appeal for Bangladesh, call 0800 90 5000.