Cyclone Mocha: Cox’s Bazar Refugee Camp

On 14 May, tropical cyclone Mocha hit the coastal areas along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and causing landslides in some areas in Cox’s Bazar. Cox’s Bazar, the world’s largest refugee camp, is now home to more than one million Rohingya refugees, including people with disabilities. 

When disasters strike, people with disabilities often are among the worst affected and the last to receive help. They are at higher risk of being injured or losing their lives during a disaster. They may be unable to get to safety on their own and may be left behind by their families. People with disabilities also face additional barriers that can make it harder to recover from a disaster and rebuild their homes and livelihoods. 

CBM has been working in Bangladesh for decades improving health and preventing blindness. We have worked alongside our local partner, Centre for Disability in Development (CDD), in the Cox’s Bazar camp and host community since 2017, providing essential services to people living with disabilities.  

As soon as tropical cyclone Mocha was on course to hit Cox’s Bazar, CBM and CDD together implemented plans to prepare for disaster – including having a 10-member Emergency Response Team standing by. Wonderfully, as the storm moved inland, it weakened and changed path. The areas worst affected were Teknaf and Saint Martin Island in Bangladesh and Myanmar, and the cyclone did not have any significant impact on our project locations in Cox’s Bazar. 

We will continue to work closely with local partners in Cox’s Bazar refugee camp to provide relief and recovery at times of crisis, and to promote inclusive practices for people living with or at risk of disability.  

Read more about CBM’s work in Cox’s Bazar refugee camp.