Look at this scene from Kutupalong—a temporary home to more than half a million people. Families from Myanmar’s Rakhine state fled their homes and are seeking safety here, in Bangladesh. They’re living on unstable hillsides in structures made of bamboo, plastic sheeting, cardboard, and sometimes under corrugated iron sheeting.
As monsoon season approaches, aid agencies are fearing the worst: powerful cyclones that bring high winds and heavy rain.
The American Red Cross has already been working alongside global Red Cross and Red Crescent teams to provide lifesaving aid to the families. Now, we’re ramping up our aid and preparedness efforts.
We’re training hundreds of camp residents and local community members on disaster preparedness, first aid, early warning systems, and other lifesaving skills. We're supporting disaster simulation drills and equipping volunteers to warn fellow residents of danger via mega phones, a flag system, and even loudspeakers at mosques.
As monsoon season threatens families, the Red Cross and Red Crescent is doing what it can to keep families safe, healthy, and prepared for anything that may come their way.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.