On 21 May, around midday local time (0600 GMT), Tropical Cyclone Roanu made landfall along the southern coastal districts of Bangladesh, bringing heavy rain, winds of up to 88km/h, and storm surges of up to 2m (AFP 21/05/2016).
At least 24 people have been killed (BDNews24 22/05/2016). Some 85,000 structures, including homes and shops, have been destroyed or damaged (NDTV 23/05/2016; (AFP 22/05/2016). At least 15 districts are affected, with Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Lakshimpur, Bhola, Barguna and Patuakhali among the worst affected (Newsnext 22/05/2016). 500,000 people were evacuated ahead of the cyclone (AFP 21/05/2016). Returns had already reportedly begun on 21 May (AFP 21/05/2016; 22/05/2016). As of the evening of 22 May, some media reports cited disaster management officials as saying that 150,000 people were in evacuation shelters or open areas. (Newsnext 22/05/2016). The current number of evacuees is not clear, nor is the number of people in need of aid.
Key findings
Anticipated scope and scale
The cyclone hit a wide range of coastal districts, including both rural and densely populated areas. The extent of the damage, particularly in more remote rural communities and on islands, remains to be assessed, but it is likely that further structural damage will be identified in the coming days.
Priorities for humanitarian intervention
Shelter and NFIs for households and businesses facing damaged or destroyed property.
WASH interventions to prevent spread of disease as floodwaters may have led to contaminated groundwater.
Food assistance: ready-to-use items for immediate response
Humanitarian constraints
Information gaps are inhibiting the provision of humanitarian assistance.
Some populations remain stranded, although access to these groups will likely improve as the weather conditions are calming and floodwaters receding.