Asia storm toll 'over 3,000'
Bangladesh cyclone 'kills more than 600'
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Monday, 19, Nov 2007 02:32
Relief efforts to help those affected by tropical cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh are continuing, as fears mount that the death toll could rise over 3,000.
The storm, which has been described as a "national calamity" by the government, has caused widespread damage to road links and helicopters are being used to drop food aid to victims. Elephants are also involved in the rescue operation and are being used to shift fallen trees from roads in order to hasten the relief effort.
Speaking about the number of lives claimed by the severe weather system, Bangladesh Red Crescent society chairman Mohammad Abdur Rab said: "The death toll has already reached 3,000 confirmed dead.
"It may cross 5,000, but it will remain below 10,000," he added.
The UK's Department for International Development has announced £2.5 million in assistance to help with the relief effort while the US has offered $2 million in aid (£0.97 million) to the country. The European Union has also promised to help with relief efforts in the south Asian nation.
Speaking yesterday about the impact of the storm, local official Harisprasad Pal said: "I have never seen such a catastrophe in my 20 years as a government administrator.
"Village after village has been shattered. Millions of people are living out in the open and relief is reaching less than one per cent of the people," he added.
Cyclone Sidr caused winds of up to 250kph and a 15ft-high water surge that devastated the thatched houses of Patuuakhali, Barguna and Jhalakathi. Hundreds of fishing boats were also swept out to sea by the severe storm.
Sixteen years ago a cyclone of comparable strength triggered a tidal wave that killed more than 140,000 people.