UNFPA Cyclone Mocha Situation Report #1 - 29 May 2023

Cyclone Mocha, which hit the coastal areas along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border on May 14, brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and landslides in the Cox’s Bazar district and other coastal areas.

A total of 2.3 million people are at risk, including 960,128 Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char Island. An estimated 15,000 women and girls from affected households are now facing heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual exploitation and abuse. There is a reduction of movement for women and girls hampering their ability to receive lifesaving GBV and integrated sexual and reproductive health services.

UNFPA supported preparedness and is now responding to the cyclone, leading GBV coordination, and supporting the distribution of dignity kits, counseling and awareness sessions, midwifery services, and psychological first aid.  UNFPA has established a volunteer task force comprising 15 “Champions of Change” community facilitators who are working to ensure prompt response and assistance in the host community of Teknaf and Ukhiya.