November 15, 2007, Dhaka, Bangladesh -- Emergency field staff, community based organizations and volunteers with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Caritas Bangladesh are mobilizing communities with loud hailers to warn them of the maximum alert (level 10) designated for the incoming cyclone, and to move them into safe shelters before its anticipated arrival tomorrow.
"People are moving into elevated shelters so a tidal surge can pass below them through the pillars. Many of these communities are following evacuation plans they established in preparedness programs just for this type of disaster. Community leaders are looking out for vulnerable groups and keeping people informed. With reports that this cyclone will hit at the maximum level, there is a sense of anticipation and fear for what the next 24 hours will bring," said Cassie Dummett.
From the head office in Dhaka, CRS partners are in constant contact with regional field staff in the areas threatened by the cyclone regarding disaster preparedness measuresÂa type of programming implemented throughout the year specifically for such emergencies. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a warning putting the low-lying country's three major maritime ports -- Chittagong, Mongla and Cox's Bazar -- on the highest alert.
Aid workers available for interviews:
In Dhaka: Cassie Dummett, CRS Emergency Technical Advisor: +88.0.11.99.812.366 / cdummett@crsindia.org
In Dhaka: Dr. Benedict Alo D'Rozario, Caritas Bangladesh Director: +88.0.17.13.010.412 / ed@caritasbd.org
In Delhi: Caroline Brennan, Regional Information Officer: +91.93.50.96.79.99 / cbrennan@crsindia.org.
In the U.S.: Elizabeth Griffin, Director of Communications: Tel: 203.249.7683 / egriffin@crs.org
CRS has supported emergency and long-term development programs in Bangladesh since 1971. Given the country's vulnerability to disasters, much of CRS programming focuses on disaster preparedness.
Catholic Relief Services is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency provides assistance to people in more than 100 countries and territories based on need, regardless of race, nationality or creed.
Press Contact:
Caroline Brennan
Catholic Relief Services, New Delhi
+91.93.50.96.79.99
cbrennan@crsindia.org
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
