Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) India and (b) Bangladesh on support for regions affected by Cyclone Fani.

The UK closely monitored Cyclone Fani as it advanced towards and hit both India and Bangladesh. Using existing crisis mechanisms, both countries’ governments have led on the preparedness and response. The UK has not received any formal requests for support from either Government.

No discussions have been held between the International Development Secretary and the Government of Bangladesh in response to this situation. The DFID Bangladesh team was, however, in close contact with the Government during and immediately following Cyclone Fani. Given the Government response and the limited impact of the cyclone in Bangladesh, the Government did not seek funding or other help from DFID.