"Relief International is mobilizing immediate assistance to address the catastrophic aftermath of Cyclone Mocha, a deadly storm that has made landfall in Bangladesh and Myanmar. The cyclone poses a particularly grave threat to the stateless Rohingya community and host communities, who are already living in extremely vulnerable conditions. With approximately 1 million Rohingya refugees seeking shelter in massively overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the situation is dire. Most reside in bamboo and tarpaulin shelters on precarious hilled slopes, which are only able to withstand wind speeds of up to approximately 24 mph. Unfortunately, Cyclone Mocha’s winds are expected to reach an alarming 175 mph, rendering the shelters highly susceptible to destruction. The low-lying areas of the camps are anticipated to flood rapidly, further exacerbating the crisis by destroying shelters and education facilities. Relief International remains committed to providing updates as the events unfold and the full extent of the impact becomes clear. Aleksander Kuzmanovic, Country Director for Relief International in Myanmar, has stated, “In Myanmar, Relief International is currently responding by providing immediate support to evacuation centers in the townships of Myebon and Kyaukphyu. We are distributing essential food and water items to approximately 5,000 people for the next four days. As of 12 noon local time, all staff members are accounted for and safe. Due to damage to communication towers in Sittwe, our communication channels are currently limited. The area is still within the eyewall of the storm, and we anticipate the storm to start diminishing from approximately 18.00h local time.” Nazrul Islam, Deputy Country Director at Relief International in Bangladesh, highlights the catastrophic impact the cyclone will have on the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar refugee camp. Islam said, “Families already living in fragile homes will be devastated by the storm, with wind speeds predicted to reach 180 kmph. Refugee families in landslide-prone areas and patients with critical conditions are being relocated, while solid structures within the camp are being made available as temporary shelters. Relief International’s Mobile Medical Teams are prepared to respond to emergency needs. We are also ready to provide medical equipment, medicines, emergency vehicles, food stocks, and shelter. However, additional funding will be urgently required to address the long-lasting impact of this very severe cyclone.” Relief International has been serving communities in Myanmar for over 15 years, providing essential healthcare consultations to 48,000 individuals annually and delivering vital protection and support services to 50,000 people per year. In Bangladesh, Relief International has been actively working for nearly two decades, providing protection and support services to 68,000 Rohingya refugees. Our organization extends 116,000 healthcare consultations annually to those who have fled violence and persecution, as well as to members of the host communities. Relief International is only able to respond rapidly to communities in crisis thanks to the support of our donors. Donations to www.ri.org/donate help provide critical aid, including medical assistance, essential items, and food supplies as well as support for long-term recovery to communities affected by Cyclone Mocha, and many other crises across the globe..."