Bangladesh Cyclone Victims Face New Threats of Disease, Starvation

21 November 2007 -- Aid continues to pour into Bangladesh, as relief workers struggle to reach survivors of last week's cyclone who now face the threat of disease and starvation.

Government officials said Wednesday they have reached the last remaining pockets of the country devastated by Cyclone Sidr, which killed over 3,500 people and impacted nearly 4 million others.

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The military is flying helicopters and cargo planes to deliver badly needed food, medicine, tents and clean water to survivors who have received little or no supplies in nearly six days.

Relief agencies say people who do not receive timely aid could die of starvation or from debilitating waterborne diseases.

Meanwhile, financial aid continues to pour into Bangladesh. The government says it has received nearly $400 million from the international community, including $250 million from the World Bank.

Cyclone Sidr is the worst natural disaster in Bangladesh since 1991, when a cyclone and storm surge killed around 143,000 people.

The head of Bangladesh's emergency government, Fakhruddin Ahmed, said the country was facing a national crisis and called on Bangladeshi citizens to help those in need.

Source: VOA News