DHAKA, 18 November 2007 — Bangladesh yesterday sought foreign help in relief and rehabilitation of the survivors of a super cyclone that killed up to 1,723 people when it hit the southeastern parts of the country late Thursday.
Talking to reporters here after a meeting with the representative of the United Nations Development Fund, Reneta Lok Dessallien, the government’s adviser on foreign affairs, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, said: “We discussed how the UN can help us in relief and rehabilitation work.”
Throughout yesterday, warships and helicopters tried to reach thousands of cyclone survivors. Navy ships scoured coastal areas for hundreds of people reported missing and sought to clear river channels clogged with sunken vessels to restore normal navigation, officials said.
Helicopters flew sorties to devastated areas, dropping food, drinking water and medicine for the survivors.
“We are here to help you. You help us by allowing a safe landing and keeping a safe distance,” the pilot of a helicopter warned people in Mathbaria in Barisal district, as they thronged toward his craft.
“It will take several days to complete the search and know the actual casualty figure and extent of damage to property,” said Food and Disaster Ministry official Ayub Miah.
Trees felled by the storm blocked roads, hampering relief efforts. “It’s an uphill task,” said an official in Barisal.
