Aid Finally Reaches Bengalis

Bangladesh’s army has finally reached most parts of the southern coastline devastated by Cyclone Sidr six days ago, delivering small amounts of aid to most affected areas, the AFP reports. With relief efforts thus far stymied by the devastation, any aid was welcomed: "We spent the last six days cooking rotten rice," said one survivor as the first consignment arrived.

"Not a single man shall die without food as the government has sufficient stock of foodstuffs," said a Bengal army general, but a long-term reconstruction effort is necessary for real recovery. While Dhaka has been offered a total of $390 million from other countries and the World Bank, efficient distribution is key as the people struggle to survive disease and starvation in the storm’s wake. (More Bangladesh stories.)