AMPHAN RELIEF PROGRAM
Humanitarian Assistance to Affected Families from Cyclone Amphan
- Background:
Super Cyclonic Storm Amphan was a powerful tropical cyclone which caused widespread damage over East India and Bangladesh in May 2020. It was the strongest tropical cyclone to strike the Ganges Delta since Cyclone Sidr of the 2007 season and the first super cyclonic storm to occur in the Bay of Bengal since the 1999 Odisha cyclone.
The first tropical cyclone of the 2020 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Amphan originated from a low-pressure area persisting a couple hundred miles east of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 13 May 2020. Tracking northeastward, the disturbance organized over exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures; the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) upgraded the system to a tropical depression on 15 May while the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) followed suit the following day. On 17 May, Amphan underwent rapid intensification and became an extremely severe cyclonic storm within 12 hours.
On 18 May, at approximately 12:00 UTC, Amphan reached its peak intensity with 3-minute sustained wind speeds of 130 knots (150 mph; 240 km/h), 1-minute sustained wind speeds of 140 knots (160 mph; 260 km/h), and a minimum central barometric pressure of 925 mbar (27.32 in Hg). The storm began an eye wall replacement cycle shortly after it reached its peak intensity, but the continued effects of dry air and wind shear disrupted this process and caused Amphan to gradually weaken as it paralleled the eastern coastline of India. On 20 May, between 10:00 and 11:00 UTC, the cyclone made landfall in West Bengal.
The speed at which the typhoon hit the land was between 180-200 Km/h. Due to this a lot of people lost their houses crops and everything they owned. On top of that a total of 72 people have lost their life as reported by the government on the 21st May 2020.
- Capacity to Response:
The Muneer Social Welfare Society (MSWS) is committed to work for the poor and marginalized, irrespective of any political, religions and caste considerations. MSWS today is operational in 7 states.
MSWS’s strengths and added capacity emerge from its direct relationship with the vulnerable communities. MSWS West Bengal has wide experience in responding to emergency situations.
We have selected the 3 main districts affected by the cyclone. The total number of families that we will provide relief for is 800,
North 24 Parganas-250 families
East Medinipore-300 families
South 24 Parganas- 250 families
This initial response is planned based on the data and information from secondary sources, such as government authorities and local partners. Experienced staff in West Bengal will be chosen for implementing the program.
- Activities & Beneficiaries:
To ensure all those affected by loss of income source are adequately nourished
- Secure food support
- Identify suppliers and transportation
- Register beneficiaries
- Establish distribution points
- Take permission from the Government to approach and provide relief to the poor.
- Begin distribution –one-time distribution to be conducted for a month’s ration.
One time distribution for families. Dry rations will be purchased locally in respective areas/local wholesale markets. Following items will be distributed in relief program:
- 10 kg Rice
- 5 kg Flour
- 2 kg Pulses
- 500 g Soya bean
- 2 Kg potatoes
- 2 Kg onion
- 1 litre Mustard Oil
- 1 saree per person
- 1 lungi per person
- 1 towel per person
- hygiene pack (1 sanitizer, 1 soap and towel masks) per family.
A transparent procurement process will be utilized where possible. For some local places where there are not sufficient providers, the most appropriate ways will be used.