Renuka Rani makes use of soap and water provided by Oxfam and Shushilan at a water distribution point. Photo: Fabeha Monir/Oxfam

As changes in the climate warm the waters of the Bay of Bengal, storms are intensifying. This year, their impact will be magnified and complicated by the deadly coronavirus. Communities that need to crowd into buildings that are safe from wind and floodwaters are robbed of a trusted tool in the fight against COVID-19 – social distancing.

When Cyclone Amphan – the most powerful cyclone ever recorded in the bay – churned into Bangladesh on May 13, an estimated half a million people lost their homes. As Amphan swept across the water toward land, Oxfam's partner organization Shushilan worked to prepare for the double emergency. They cleaned and disinfected the local cyclone shelter, ramped up public health messaging, and prepared hand sanitizer and a bar of soap for every family arriving at the shelters.

As soon as the cyclone passed and the teams were safe to move, Shushilan and Oxfam staff set out to determine the needs in the hardest-hit districts, distributing emergency rations of dry food and drinking water along the way. Now, we are engaged in a response tailored to the needs of each community – with special attention to the people whose situations are most dire.

It's your support as a member of the Oxfam community that drives this essential response. In Bangladesh, Oxfam is working with organizations like Shushilan to support the poorest communities, which are particularly vulnerable to crises such as cyclones and COVID-19.

Read more about our ongoing work in Bangladesh here.

Shushilan works in every district of the country, carrying out programs on everything from women's economic empowerment to disaster risk reduction to health and nutrition. But when emergencies like cyclones strike, you will find them on the front lines of the response, performing rescues and distributing supplies.

A key Oxfam priority in Bangladesh has been to help domestic organizations like Shushilan become strong, independent humanitarian responders. What Shushilan brings to the table is immeasurable. Local and national organizations are often deeply rooted in – and trusted by – their communities, and well placed to save lives in emergencies.

"Together, we raise our voices against the forces destroying the world," said Mostafa Nuruzzaman, the director of Shushilan. "I believe in the future of Bangladesh."

Thanks to dedicated supporters like you, Oxfam and partners are responding to community needs across Bangladesh – from disaster risk reduction to slowing the spread of COVID-19. You make our continued commitment to fighting poverty around the world possible.

Want to contribute to the kind of work that tackles the root causes of poverty and injustice – and changes lives around the world? Our work is only possible because of the support of people like you. Make a donation today.