ZCZC
BSS-38
USAID-CYCLONE-CENTRE
Cyclone shelter inaugurated in Patuakhali
DHAKA, April 18, 2019 (BSS) – State Minister for Primary and Mass Education
Zakir Hossen, MP, and USAID Bangladesh Mission Director Derrick Brown jointly
inaugurated a new multi-purpose cyclone shelter in Mirzaganj upazila of
Patuakhali district today.
This new cyclone shelter, situated at the Uttor Jhati Bunia Government
Primary School, is able to accommodate around 1,800 people during any natural
disaster and provides classroom space to 180 students.
The project was managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership
with the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, and the Ministry of Disaster
Management and Relief.
“The US is proud to support and continue our history of partnering with the
Bangladeshi government to tackle important initiatives,” said the USAID
Mission Director.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S.
government’s lead international development agency, continues to work closely
with its many partners to mitigate the impact of natural disasters in
Bangladesh.
The USAID mission in Bangladesh funds construction and maintenance of
multi-purpose flood and cyclone shelters throughout the country, as well as
wave protection walls and earthen embankments, to reduce flood damage.
Since 2001, USAID, in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh, has
constructed over 500 cyclone shelters in coastal areas of Bangladesh with the
capacity to protect 900,000 people during severe weather.
These cyclone shelters now serve as safe havens during floods, cyclones and
other natural disasters.
BSS/PR/KAK/RY/1840 hrs