The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) has already appealed for Tk 400 million in international assistance for the SIDR victims through the Geneva-based International Federation and it would make the final appeal by Friday after assessment of the losses.

While addressing a press conference Prof M Abdur Rob, Chairman of the Red Crescent Society, said this at the Training Room of the society in the city yesterday.

He said, "Hopefully, proper response will be received about our appeal within two or three days."

"According to our past experiences and reports, there is a possibility that death toll, from the cyclone SIDR, will rise to over 10,000," he also said.

Selvaratnam Sinnadurai (Selva), Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Finn Ruda, Head of Mission of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Prof Dr Gazi Abdul Hoque, Vice Chairman of Red Crescent Society, M Shafiul Alam, Secretary General and SM Munir Lavlu, Treasurer of the society, spoke at the conference.

The Chairman of Red Crescent Society informed that five teams, comprising Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and International Federation officials, have been sent to the affected areas for quick assessment of losses caused by the powerful cyclone SIDR, which hit the country Thursday night.

Prof Abdur Rob said, "We will make a final appeal for international assistance after receiving the reports from the teams."

He said in support with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, BDRCS has been allocated cash Tk 52,50,000 and relief items for 15 districts. These items are being sent to those areas.

He appreciated the government's efforts to face the disaster that mainly hit the country's coastal districts.

The Red Crescent Society has already started work to dispatch relief items to the affected areas. Around 42,000 volunteers of the society worked continuously in the coastal regions during the storm and the efforts saved the lives of many people, he said.

Selvaratnam Sinnadurai said, "We will make an emergency appeal by Friday."

Finn Ruda, Head of Mission of ICRC, said their teams are going to the field to make assessment about the losses and damages caused by catastrophic cyclone.