EU releases €1 million in emergency aid for people affected by fire in Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh

Following the fire outbreak in a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar on 5 March, and its devastating consequences on people living in the most affected areas, the EU has released €1 million in emergency humanitarian assistance.

The funding will focus on shelter and stabilization of slopes, repair of damaged water and sanitation facilities, emergency health interventions and prevention of disease outbreaks in the camp. 

Thanks to its already ongoing EU-funded disaster preparedness programme, the International Organisation for Migration was able to immediately deploy response teams at the outbreak of the fire, to support the affected communities and prevent further damage.

Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič (pictured) explained: “EU support has been essential to the immediate response to the widespread fire in the Cox's Bazar refugee camp. Right after the outbreak, EU-supported emergency units and volunteers were deployed on the ground to contain the fire and prevent even more dramatic losses. This confirms once again that disaster preparedness can be lifesaving for local communities. With this additional funding, we will ensure that the most urgent shelter, health and sanitation needs of people living in the affected areas are met."

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