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Cyclone Deaths in Thousands

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

By Kate Schwartz, Newser User

Posted Nov 17, 2007 8:46 AM CST

(Newser) – More than 1,000 have been confirmed dead in the wake of Thursday's cyclone in Bangladesh, but local news reports double that number, as a virtual national blackout and debris-filled roads have stymied efforts to assess the true brunt of the storm, reports the BBC. "We are expecting that thousands of dead bodies may be found within a few days," says a disaster-relief official.

The struggling rescue effort received a boost today as helicopters began delivering supplies to areas where crops have all but been obliterated: Shrimp farms have simply vanished, and 95% of the upcoming December rice harvest was lost. As communication and power problems persist, elephants have begun clearing roads to remote areas where more than 20,000 homes are believed damaged.

Hundreds of Bangladeshi people affected by Tropical Cyclone Sidr gather as relief supplies are unloaded at Bagerhat in Khulna district, 136 kilometers,(85 miles) south east of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka,... (Associated Press)

Relatives carry a girl who was injured during the cyclone to a hospital in Potuakhali, 152 kilometers (95 miles) south of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007. Military helicopters and... (Associated Press)

An elephant pushes a stranded bus as it is employed to clear a road in Barishal, 120 kilometers, (75 miles) south of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. A cyclone slammed into Bangladesh's... (Associated Press)

A Bangladeshi village woman tries to dry her belongings in Potuakhali, 152 kilometers (95 miles) south of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007. Military helicopters and ships joined rescue... (Associated Press)

A virtual national blackout and debris-filled roads may be masking the true brunt of Friday's cyclone in Bangladesh (AFP)

Though more than 1,000 have been confirmed dead, local news reports double that number%u2014which should soon skyrocket. (AFP)

"We are expecting that thousands of dead bodies may be found within a few days," says the head of the government's disaster management office. (AFP)

Cyclone Sidr is the most destructive storm to hit the country in more than a decade. (AFP)

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Cyclone Deaths in Thousands

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

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Cyclone Death Toll Tops 3,100

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Toll continues to rise as relief officials gain access to hard-hit areas

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Cyclone Deaths in Thousands

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

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

cyclone • death toll • crops • relief • Bangladesh • Cyclone Sidr

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Cyclone Death Toll Tops 3,100

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

Bengali Cyclone Toll Hits 1,100

Relief slowed as power, phones remain out

Up to 10,000 Dead in Burma Cyclone

Toll continues to rise as relief officials gain access to hard-hit areas

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

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Newser By Users

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