Muslim Aid responds to collapsed garment factory disaster in Bangladesh

The collapse of an 8-storey building in Bangladesh on 24th April 2013 has resulted in tragic and severe destruction, killing at least 379 people with over a thousand seriously injured and thousands still trapped and unaccounted for. 

A spokesperson for Muslim Aid said: “We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones in this terrible way. Muslim Aid has been supporting the rescue team in their mission and will continue to do so as long as the need remains. We extend our gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers who are working round the clock to provide support to the rescue mission.” 

Based on the requirements of the rescue work conducted by different agencies in cooperation with the local people, Muslim Aid has provided emergency items including first aid kit, torch lights, bottles of drinking water, food items for the rescue workers and hygiene kits to prevent contamination. 

The effects of this disaster are extremely  far-reaching as a large number of those who lost their lives or are seriously injured were the only source of income for their families.  Muslim Aid is assessing the need for long term interventions such as livelihood and other income generation support programmes.