The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society on Saturday made an appeal to International Red Cross for four million Swiss francs for relief and rehabilitation in the cyclone-affected districts, as millions of distressed people cried for help. "Apart from loss of human lives, we believe a large-scale damage was caused to vegetation, houses and infrastructure," Devendra Tak, Senior Regional Communications Officer, Red Crescent, told UNB over phone.

He said the Red Crescent is sending relief materials like saris, lungis, medicines, and water-purifying tablets to 15 coastal districts.

Devendra said 42,000 Red Crescent volunteers are working in the areas devastated by Thursday night's super cyclone SIDR.

In reply to a question, he said it would require at least nine months

for reconstruction of houses and other infrastructures. "We need help, we need funds" to deal with this enormous task, he said.