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SPECIALIST response teams have been deployed to at-risk areas of Bangladesh, ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Mahasen – reports children’s charity Plan International.
The storm, currently sweeping through the Bay of Bengal, is estimated to make landfall on Thursday.
Coastal areas of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and Mongla have been issued with a danger warning level of 7 out of 10.
“We positioned two GO teams in Chittagong on the south-east coast of Bangladesh, so they can be quickly deployed in surrounding districts that are forecast to be affected by Tropical Storm Mahasen,” says Mingming Evora, Country Director for Plan International in Bangladesh.
“The advance teams are coordinating preparedness measures with our local partner and the local authorities.”
Plan has pre-positioned 2500 packs of emergency food rations in Chittagong, as well as another 2500 packs of items like tents, mats and blankets.
Plan’s local partner – Young Power in Social action – has engaged 2000 volunteers to identify the locations and people most likely to be affected by the storm.
More relief items are on their way to Barguna, on the South-West coast of Bangladesh, which may also be hit.
“Children, as always, are the most exposed to the devastation of disasters,” explains Mingming Evora.
“While we are closely working with the local government and other INGOs and NGOs to prepare for an emergency response, our focus will be on addressing the rights and needs of children, particularly in regard to their protection in the first phase.”
Rakhine province of Myanmar is also under threat from Mahasen and evacuations are underway.
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
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