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500 Dead in Bangladesh Cyclone

Aid starts to flow in wake of Sidr devastation

By Lucas Laursen, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 16, 2007 5:38 AM CST

(Newser) – At least 500 people were killed and villages ripped apart over night when Cyclone Sidr slammed into the southern shores of Bangladesh, CNN reports. Officials expect the death toll to rise as workers re-establish communication and transport links. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated this week; food for at least 400,000 is on its way, and relief organizations are sending teams.

The airport is shut down, river ferries aren’t running, and many roads are too flooded to be passable. Up to 100 fishing boats have been reported missing. Whole villages of thatch, wood and tin have been flattened, according to emergency workers. Cyclone shelters developed after a 1970 cyclone killed 500,000 residents saved many lives, according to officials.

Relatives of cyclone victims wail in Barishal, 120 kilometers, (75 miles) south of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. A cyclone that slammed into Bangladesh's coast with 150 mph winds... (Associated Press)

A grand mother holds a new born baby who was named Cyclone after he was born during the cyclone stands before her damaged hut in Barishal, 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Bangladesh's capital Friday,... (Associated Press)

Local residents look inside a damaged class room at a school in Barishal, 120 kilometers(75 miles) south of Bangladesh's capital Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Pavel Rahman) (Associated Press)

Bangladeshi villagers move towards a shelter center in Barishal, 120 kilometers( 75 miles) south of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Pavel Rahman) (Associated Press)

An elephant pushes a bus as it is used to clear a road block in Barishal, 120 kilometers, (75 miles) south of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Pavel Rahman (Associated Press)

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Aid starts to flow in wake of Sidr devastation

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Bengali Cyclone Toll Hits 1,100

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

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

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

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

cyclone • Bangladesh • Cyclone Sidr • disaster

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Bengali Cyclone Toll Hits 1,100

Relief slowed as power, phones remain out

Bengalis Fight for Survival

Food shortages and disease follow cyclone

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

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Newser By Users

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