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3M Flee Bangladesh Cyclone

Sidr, packing 149-mph winds, tidal surge, batters southwest coast

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 15, 2007 11:43 AM CST

(Newser) – Hordes of Bangladeshis had evacuated ahead of a massive cyclone that pummeled the country's southwestern coast today, and a government official says he expects 3.2 million will evacuate by late today. Cyclone Sidr has 149-mph winds that could cause storm surges as high as 20 feet and swamp several districts. "We have taken all precautions," the official says.

No casualties are reported yet, according to the AP; rescue teams are ready, although communications to some areas have already been cut off. The coastal area expected to be hit is home to the Sundarbans mangrove forests and a number of endangered Bengal tigers. All operations at the country's two main seaports have been shut down, the AP reports.

Residents look on as it rains in Barisal, 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. More than 600,000 coastal villagers took shelter inland Thursday as a... (Associated Press)

Bangladeshi people take shelter at the Chila cyclone shelter near the Mongla port in the Khulna district, some 320 km south of Dhaka, 15 November 2007. Authorities in Bangladesh and eastern India raced... (Getty Images)

Bangladeshi people take shelter with their animals at the Chila cyclone shelter near the Mongla port in the Khulna district, some 320 km south of Dhaka, 15 November 2007. Authorities in Bangladesh and... (Getty Images)

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3M Flee Bangladesh Cyclone

Sidr, packing 149-mph winds, tidal surge, batters southwest coast

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Aid Finally Reaches Bengalis

After six days, relief starts flowing to victims of Cyclone Sidr

Cyclone Death Toll Tops 3,100

Death toll could reach 15,000, some relief officials fear

Cyclone Deaths in Thousands

Local reports estimate 2,000 dead, as rescue efforts begin

Bengali Cyclone Toll Hits 1,100

Relief slowed as power, phones remain out

500 Dead in Bangladesh Cyclone

Aid starts to flow in wake of Sidr devastation

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3M Flee Bangladesh Cyclone

Sidr, packing 149-mph winds, tidal surge, batters southwest coast

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

cyclone • storm • Bangladesh • Cyclone Sidr

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Aid Finally Reaches Bengalis

After six days, relief starts flowing to victims of Cyclone Sidr

Cyclone Death Toll Tops 3,100

Death toll could reach 15,000, some relief officials fear

Cyclone Deaths in Thousands

Local reports estimate 2,000 dead, as rescue efforts begin

Bengali Cyclone Toll Hits 1,100

Relief slowed as power, phones remain out

500 Dead in Bangladesh Cyclone

Aid starts to flow in wake of Sidr devastation

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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What is Newser?