1M Bangladesh Cyclone Survivors Still Homeless

Reconstruction donations run short

By Caroline Zimmerman, Newser User

Posted Dec 23, 2007 2:40 PM CST

(Newser) – Five weeks after Cyclone Sidr tore through Bangladesh, more than 1 million people still lack basic shelter, reports Reuters. While rebuilding efforts continue, the Red Cross says the country suffers from acute lack of funding. The cyclone killed 3,300, laid waste to 1.5 million homes, and destroyed 1 million tons of rice crops.

Bangladesh is seeking $2 billion in foreign aid but has thus far received only $470 million in commitments, reports the AP. "Hundreds of families still face the approaching winter with little more for shelter than reclaimed and often damaged building materials," said one aid worker. Sidr was Bangladesh's worst weather catastrophe since a 1991 cyclone killed 148,000.

[Images (5)]

[Videos (1)]

In a file photo supplied by the U.S, Marine Corps, the damage to a village following Cyclone Sidr, which swept into southern Bangladesh, Nov. 15, is seen in an aerial view on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007.... (Associated Press)

In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, a child of Sarankhola, Bangladesh stands outside of his demolished home Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge and the embarked 22nd... (Associated Press)

In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, Bangladeshi locals unload supplies from a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter attached to amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007 in Rangabali,... (Associated Press)

A man holds his daughter up for a photograph in the devastated village Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, in Kalapara, Bangladesh. The USS Kearsarge and the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are conducting... (Associated Press)

Abdul Kader Mollah tries to plead with a passing boat carrying relief materials for food as his wife Fulbanu Bibi looks on at Kuriakhali village in Bagerhat district of Bangladesh, Friday Nov. 23, 2007.... (Associated Press)

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Bangladesh villages destroyed by Cyclone Sidr - 19 Nov 07 (AlJazeeraEnglish (YouTube))

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1M Bangladesh Cyclone Survivors Still Homeless