Case Study. Creating safe spaces and support after cyclone Aila in Bangladesh

Cyclone Aila struck the southern coast of Bangladesh in May 2009 leaving over190 people dead. More than 7,100 people were injured and about 600,000 homes damaged, destroying the livelihoods of communities across the south western coastal belt. Infrastructure was badly damaged and many children lost their schools. Save the Children was on the ground since the day the cyclone struck, with relief goods, staff and infrastructure. Some of the most urgent needs included the creation of child-friendly spaces providing children with supervised places and protection mechanisms to help ensure their safety and wellbeing in the aftermath of the cyclone. A Cash for Work Programme was also implemented as an emergency measure, providing immediate access to income by the cyclone affected families.