Clinical Updates
19 November 2007
Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh – advice for relief workers and other travellers to affected areas
Tropical Cyclone Sidr made land fall in southwest Bangladesh during the late afternoon of 15 November 2007 [1,2]. The heavy rains and wind have caused extensive damage to the infrastructure. As of 18 November, 2,300 people are reported to have died [1]. However, this figure is expected to increase once access to remote areas has been established.
The ReliefWeb website has posted maps of the affected areas.
Advice to travellers
Cyclone Sidr has caused extensive damage to electricity supplies, telecommunications, water supplies and medical facilities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently advising against travel to the coastal areas of Bangladesh [3].
Those who do travel to the affected areas, for example relief workers should be aware of the potential hazards and health risks.
General advice for travellers intending to visit affected areas can be found in the NaTHNaC Natural Disasters Health Information Sheet. Specific advice for travel to Bangladesh can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Pages. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website should always be consulted prior to planning travel to assess safety at the destination and current travel restrictions.
References
1. World Health Organization Regional Office of South-East Asia. Cyclone Sidr causes extensive damage in Bangladesh coastal areas. Accessed 19 November 2007. Available at http://www.searo.who.int/en/Section1257/Section2263.htm
2. World Health Organization Country Office for Bangladesh. Super Cyclone ‘Sidr ‘in Bangladesh Situation report 17 November 2007. [Accessed 19 November 2007]. Available at http://www.searo.who.int/en/Section1257/Section2263/Section2
3. Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Travel advice by country – Bangladesh updated 16 November 2007. [Accessed 19 November 2007]. Available at http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2F
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Links
NaTHNaC Health Information Sheet. Advice for relief workers and other travellers to areas affected by natural disasters. http://www.nathnac.org/pro/factsheets/naturaldisasters_2108
NaTHNaC Country Information Page.
http://www.nathnac.org/ds/map_world.aspx
Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Hurricanes. http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xc
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