Bangladesh Cyclone Leaves at Least 2,000 Dead

World | November 18, 2007, Sunday // 00:00

Rescue crews continue trying to reach people hit by the powerful cyclone that tore through southern Bangladesh, killing at least 2,000, BBC reported Sunday.

The death toll is likely to rise as rescuers reach isolated areas, local authorities said.

Cyclone Sidr destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of homes, brought down power lines and wiped out vital crops after hitting Bangladesh late on Thursday.

Winds reaching up to 240km/h and a tidal surge of several metres tore through the fragile wooden structures that many people live in.

Survivors described whole houses being picked up and blown away as the storm rushed through southern Bangladesh.

"It will take several days to complete the search and know the actual casualty figure and the extent of damage to property," said Ayub Miah, an official with the food and disaster ministry.

A government early-warning system is being credited with saving many lives, but the damage to property and crops has been massive.

Helicopters and ships are being used to get food and clean water to thousands.

Thousands of soldiers have joined international agencies and local officials in a massive relief operation, but debris and floods are hampering their efforts.

Several countries have promised help. The US has despatched two navy vessels to help with relief efforts and is planning to airlift shelters and hygiene kits.

Britain, Germany and the European Union have offered several million dollars in relief aid and the World Food Programme is rushing in food supplies.

Southern Bangladesh is hit every year by cyclones and floods, but Cyclone Sidr is the most destructive storm to hit the country in more than a decade.

Another storm in 1991 left some 143,000 dead.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!

World » Be a reporter: Write and send your article

Advertisement
Advertisement
Bulgaria news Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) is unique with being a real time news provider in English that informs its readers about the latest Bulgarian news. The editorial staff also publishes a daily online newspaper "Sofia Morning News." Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) and Sofia Morning News publish the latest economic, political and cultural news that take place in Bulgaria. Foreign media analysis on Bulgaria and World News in Brief are also part of the web site and the online newspaper. News Bulgaria