A major cyclone struck the southern coast of Bangladesh on November 15. More than 3,000 people have been confirmed dead. The storm, named Cyclone Sidr, hit with winds over 155 miles per hour and 16-foot waves.
Thousands more people are stranded or missing, and aid workers fear that the death toll could climb to over 10,000 by the time the count is complete.
Aid workers are now trying to get food and support to over 3 million people who were evacuated or left homeless by the storm. The workers fear an outbreak of diseases amongst the survivors, if they cannot get food, drinking water, and medicine to them.
Cyclone Sidr destroyed about 500,000 homes and 600,000 tons of rice and other vital crops.
Related Links
- Bangladesh storm toll over 3,000
Article that covers the destruction caused by the cyclone and the progress of the relief efforts. (Source: Reuters, November 19, 2007) - Aid battle for Bangladesh victims
Discusses the relief efforts for the damage done by Cyclone Sidr. Includes both the challenges faced by aid agencies and the quick action taken by countries willing to provide aid. (Source: BBC, November 19, 2007) - BBC Weather Guide to Cyclones
Description of cyclones, how they form, and how they’re categorized. (Source: BBC) - Map of Bangladesh
Map of Bagladesh from the CIA World Factbook site. Includes basic facts about the country. (Source: CIA World Factbook)