BANGLADESH Coldest winter in 45 years

This year Bangladesh has experienced its coldest winter in the last forty-five years, with temperatures dropping to two degree Celsius in some areas in the North. The cold wave began sweeping across the country around the middle of December and based on the three-month forecast (December 2012 to February 2013) from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), moderate to severe cold waves will continue through January.

Those who suffer most are the extreme poor, many of whom have no proper shelter and therefore no defense against the cold.

The Government of Bangladesh has responded quickly to the cold waves and has delivered support to more than two million households in the most vulnerable districts.

Like many national and international organizations, CARE is responding to the cold wave and has distributed almost 30,000 blankets in the districts of Gaibandha, Kurigram, Rangpur, Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat. Each family received two blankets. In total, CARE plans to reach more than 42,000 households in the most severely affected districts with much needed blankets.

Furthermore, CARE Bangladesh is currently preparing for the next phase of the cold-wave response, which will reach an additional 28,000 households. CARE Bangladesh's initiative in response to the cold wave is funded by the CARE International, USAID, and by DFID through Shiree and ECHO. Along with significant support from implementing partner NGOs, local government authorities, and communities, CARE continues to extend humanitarian assistance to people in need.

About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE has more than six decades of experience helping people prepare for disasters, providing lifesaving assistance when a crisis hits, and helping communities recover after the emergency has passed. CARE places special focus on women and children, who are often disproportionately affected by disasters.Last year CARE worked with more than 122 million people across 84 countries. CARE began operating in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) in 1949. Today, CARE Bangladesh amplifies the voices of the poor and the marginalized in ways that influence public opinion, development practices, and policy at all levels by drawing on grassroots experience and relationships with civil society, government, and the private sector.