Southfield — As part of its ongoing efforts to alleviate human suffering, the American-based relief organization, Life for Relief and Development (LIFE), is currently working on the ground in Bangladesh to provide food and other essentials to some of the hundreds of thousands who survived the devastation of Cyclone Sidr.   

LIFE dispatched an Emergency Relief Team to Bangladesh to assess the situation and immediately begin distribution of emergency humanitarian relief.  As soon as the cyclone hit the shores, LIFE responded to the news by establishing an emergency relief fund to aid survivors.  Thanks to the generous donors who responded quickly to the appeal to provide food, clothing, and clean drinking water in the afflicted areas, LIFE was able to purchase relief items and begin distribution.

Phase One of LIFE’s response plan has already been implemented in an area 100 km from Khulna, Bangladesh’s third largest city.  Based on the recommendation of the U.N.’s World Food Program, LIFE packaged a very effective food basket for the cyclone victims and distributed two weeks worth of emergency food assistance to 300 families there. LIFE also distributed food packages to another 800 families in the sub-district of Shoronkhola. In addition, LIFE distributed durable poly-sheeting covers for the roofs of the homes which were damaged or completely destroyed by the cyclone. This portion of Phase One was carried out despite serious difficulties relief workers faced in getting to the area due to all major roads being washed out by the cyclone. LIFE has also agreed to fund an additional 400 food baskets, to be distributed in the next several weeks in cooperation with local relief organizations. Phase Two of the response plan is scheduled to address the water needs of survivors through the rehabilitation and restoration of fresh water resources likes wells and ponds. Commenting on the need for more relief aid to the victims of the cyclone, Mohammed Abaza, a LIFE staff member on the ground in Bangladesh said, “The devastation is so vast and the needs are so great, yet it is that wonderful part of humanity that allows us to help those who need it the most.” For further information on how you can help or on LIFE or its projects around the world, please call 1.800.827.3543 or visit the website at www.lifeusa.org.