The story of Mahidul
UNICEF supports Cyclone affected Bangladesh
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| Mahidul Islam [Photo: Prodipan] |
19 November 2007: On the evening of 15 November 2007, category 4 Cyclone Sidr hit the southwest coast of Bangladesh with winds of up to 240 km per hour. The cyclone brought with it tidal waves of up to five meters high destroying homes, schools farms and infrastructure.
Almost 9 million people in 30 southern districts were affected by the storm, which killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands.
“On the night that the devastating cyclone hit, I was at home with my family,” recounts Shahidul Islam. “We were worried about our dilapidated house and we intended to move to a safer place, but there were no shelters in the area”.
The storm damaged or destroyed 1.5 million homes, including Shahidul’s. Much of his family’s belongings were lost, including the warm clothes required for the cold season.
With CERF funding, UNICEF provided 500,000 people with shelter, blankets and warm-weather clothes.
Shahidul’s six-year old son Mahidul studies at grade one of the primary school in Jhalokathi district. UNICEF provided him and thousands of other school-age children with winter jackets.
“I was very much happy to see the jacket” recalls Mahidul. “I had no jacket earlier and it was very nice, colorful and new. I did not know the name of UNICEF earlier, but now I know UNICEF works for children. I go to school wearing this jacket. Many of my friends have the same jacket. We all are very much happy”.
Click here to read more about CERF in Bangladesh 2007
[Last Update: 26 June 2008]
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