As #CycloneAmphan advances, a worrying update. Last month we reported on #Rohingya refugees stranded at sea. Now there are urgent fears for hundreds still stuck on boats which could be in the storm’s path. This video shows the cramped conditions they face on the smugglers’ boats.

The refugees set sail for a new life in #Malaysia to escape hardship in the camps in #Bangladesh. But #Malaysian authorities turned them back citing #COVID19 fears. #Bangladesh says it won’t allow more to return to the mainland, so they’re adrift.

The #Rohingya refugees who boarded these boats faced many struggles on their journey. Beaten and starved by the smugglers they paid. Dozens have already died on boats. @justHityou from @MSF says if they’re rescued now, before the storm hits, further deaths can be prevented.

Last month #Bangladeshi authorities did rescue hundreds of refugees. #Rohingyas returned to shore, emaciated and dehydrated. But #Bangladesh says it won’t accept any more on the mainland, and has urged other nations in the region to. It also cited fears over #COVID19 spread.

But the @UNHCR_BGD and other agencies say they have adequate quarantine facilities for refugees in the camps, if required. Aid agencies fear #Covid_19 is a convenient cover to prevent #Bangladesh, #Malaysia and other nations from taking these refugees in.

#Bangladesh has since sent more than 300 refugees from another boat to an island in the Bay of Bengal - Bhasan Char. The UN and aid agencies fear it’s flood prone, with no access to aid. With a storm on the way concern those on the island are in danger. Like Fatema’s son Zubair.

For Fatema and others living in the world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh, there’s fear that if the #Cyclone hits it could also destroy their homes, the risk of storm surges is also extremely worrying. Camps are making preparations for all eventualities. #CycloneAmphan

If that wasn’t enough, the first cases of #Coronavirus were confirmed in the camps days ago. Densely populated, social distancing is tough. Even In lockdown, markets are busy. Extended families live together in small dwellings. Access to soap water can be limited. #Rohingya.