C T Online Desk: Japan has pledged $500,000 in aid to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in response to the devastating Super Cyclone Mocha, which hit Rohingya and host communities in Cox’s Bazar on May 14.
The heavy rains brought by the cyclone caused significant damage in both Myanmar and Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, the cyclone severely impacted camps sheltering around 930,000 refugees, said the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka.
According to the Embassy’s statement, quoting the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the cyclone affected four districts, 26 Upazilas, 99 unions, and over 429,000 Bangladeshi nationals.
The cyclone’s fierce winds and heavy rainfall led to the destruction or impairment of shelters, water points, latrines, culverts, bridges, and other vital community infrastructure.
The emergency grant from Japan is allocated to provide crucial WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services to the Rohingya and other communities affected by Cyclone Mocha, through the IOM. The proposed activities include repairing and installing latrines, distributing hygiene packages to affected populations, and promoting hygiene awareness.
“I feel empathy for those who suffer from disasters such as cyclones. Japan is also prone to natural disasters and is committed to supporting the response and the Build Back Better after Cyclone Mocha for both Rohingya and host communities. I hope that the WASH services supported by Japan will contribute to maintaining the hygiene environment and will prevent water-borne diseases which might outbreak after the cyclones”, said IWAMA Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh.
“We are grateful for the generous support of the Government of Japan in response to the devastating impact of Cyclone Mocha on the Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar. Japan’s commitment to supporting the response and the ‘Build Back Better’ approach demonstrates their empathy and dedication to those affected by disasters. Together with our partners, we will continue our efforts to provide essential assistance and support the recovery of the affected communities.”, said Mr. Abdusattor Esoev, Chief of Mission of IOM Bangladesh.
Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has been a steady supporter of the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh, contributing over $200 million to IOM and other UN agencies as well as NGOs in Bangladesh, including through this new funding.
