|
CH-53 "Sea Stallion" Crew
Chief from 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special
Operations Capable) unload containers of supplies from a
CH-53 "Sea Stallion" in Shoronkhola, Bangladesh. |
ShelterBox aid to Bangladesh
On November 16th ShelterBox acted swiftly to help victims of the
cyclone that hit Bangladesh.
Tropical Cyclone Sidr hit Bangladesh with 150mph winds creating a
15ft (5m) storm surge that overwhelmed coastal defences. The death
toll exceeds 3,000 people and is likely to rise much higher with
many additional people reported missing. Reports also indicate three
coastal towns with a combined population of 700,000 have been
devastated by the storm.
ShelterBox personnel had monitored reports of the storm from the
charity's headquarters in Cornwall UK, and help was arranged quickly
and efficiently.
However, rather than being dispatched from the UK, the charity is
using a consignment of boxes already pre-positioned in Dubai.
ShelterBox founder and chief executive Tom Henderson explained:
"Earlier this year we set up a number of strategic stores around the
world. These boxes were sent to Dubai by sea some months ago. Having
them ready and waiting means we can about halve both the flying
distance and the time to get the aid there - as well as reduce
costs."
230 ShelterBoxes stored at Dubai were on a plane to Bangladesh
within 24 hours. Contained in each box is a 10-person ShelterBox
tent, blankets, water containers and a variety of other equipment.
Volunteers from the ShelterBox
Response Team flew out to help oversee the distribution of the boxes
and assess what further help the charity can give.
Mr Henderson said: "With the number of people affected, it's quite
likely we will be asked for more help. This first consignment
contained aid for more than 2,000 people but a lot more will be
needed."
|
A solider from the Bangladesh
Army (left) and a Marine Corps |
Rotarians everywhere are encouraged to make cash donations via
Rotary clubs and Rotary districts to meet the cost of more
ShelterBoxes for the immediate need, and help replenish stand-by
boxes for future disasters. Rotary eClub One has responded
immediately with sponsorship of four ShelterBoxes.
The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and the embarked
22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) are
conducting Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief efforts in
response to the Government of Bangladesh's request for assistance
after Tropical Cyclone Sidr struck their southern coast.
Photo credit: Seaman Christopher Lange
Map credit: USA Today |