A refurbished multi-purpose cyclone shelter (MPCS) was inaugurated in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar on Thursday which can accommodate more than 1,500 people and will provide classroom space for up to 400 students.  

This is in addition to 11 other cyclone shelters that have been renovated by the USAID.

Ronjit Kumar Sen, Additional  Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), and USAID/Bangladesh Mission Director, Derrick Brown, together with other officials from the government of Bangladesh, inaugurated the shelter located at the Uttar Mithachari Government Primary School.

This MPCS is one of the 50 already refurbished out of a total of 96 planned under USAID’s Promoting Resilience to Risks of Natural Hazards (USAID/PRERONA) activity in Cox’s Bazar, one of the most disaster-prone districts in Bangladesh.  

USAID is also providing support for the construction of an additional 25 new Multi-Purpose Disaster Shelters (MPDS) in Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban through a joint project being implemented by CARE, Save the Children, and local partner, GRAUS, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.

In the 50 shelters refurbished so far, located at Ramu, Maheshkhali, Chakaria, and Cox’s Bazar Sadar, USAID installed separate washroom facilities, safe drinking water systems, ramp facilities, emergency exits, alternate power sources, improved access roads, learning spaces, and educational materials.  

USAID also equipped all the shelter facilities with emergency response equipment to support early search and rescue operations by trained community volunteers.  

USAID Mission Director Brown said they are pleased to hand over 12 refurbished shelters including this one.

 

"These refurbished shelters are impressive, with modern solar power, water harvesting, and supply systems as well as separate washrooms for boys and girls. But what makes me even more proud – is this will build resilience of the local people during natural disasters. In addition to functioning as shelters during cyclones, these facilities will serve as schools – providing child-friendly learning spaces, so children from surrounding communities can access life-changing education.”   

Both government of Bangladesh and USAID officials expressed their satisfaction and appreciation for the involvement of local stakeholders.

Also read: USAID, KSRelief to co-fund WFP project in Cox’s Bazar