International agency Oxfam today called on the International Community for support to help the people affected by the tropical storm that hit the remote islands on the southeast coast of Bangladesh.

The sudden storm has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 30 people, left 57 missing and affected 106,585 as of 14th October.

The tropical storm that lashed several sub-districts of Noakhali, Bhola, Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar districts, ravaged many houses, uprooted trees and damaged standing crops which is leading to temporary human displacement and threats to food security. Oxfam relief efforts are being hampered by a lack of funds.

Fishermen out in sea were the worst affected group and a large number reported missing. The fishing community has asked for continued rescue operations and rehabilitation.

Oxfam, in liaising with the Humanitarian Coordination Task Team (HCTT) and other humanitarian agencies and local partners in Bangladesh, is reviewing the current situation to support storm-affected people to meet their immediate needs.

“Lack of physical access is impeding the activity in the remote places where the storm hit. It slows down the process of initial response and rescue operation and increases the vulnerability, people are in urgent need of food and shelter. ” said Kaiser Rejve, the Humanitarian Program Manager of Oxfam in Bangladesh.