The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Patuakhali

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday visited the cyclone-hit areas in Patuakhali to see for himself the extent of devastation and distributed relief materials among the hurricane Sidr victims in the district.

Food and Disaster Management Adviser Tapan Chowdhury, Chief of Bangladesh Navy Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam and Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury accompanied the President during the visit.

Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohd Aminul Karim, Secretary Md Sirajul Islam and Press Secretary Abdul Awal Howlader were also present.

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During the visit Commander of 3rd Field Regiment Artillery of Bangladesh Army Lieutenant Colonel Nurul Momen Khan and deputy commissioner of Patukhali AGM Mir Mashiur Alam briefed the President at Water Development Board Rest House in Kalapara about the loss of life and property as well as extent of the devastation caused by cyclone and tidal surge on November 15 night.

They informed that a total of 315 persons in the district were killed and 109 persons remained missing, most of them feared dead, in the cyclone. Besides, some 79,376 cattles were also killed and crops on 1.03 lakh hectors of land were totally damaged.

They said, over 6,10 lakh people were directly affected while 1.93 lakh houses were badly damaged in the district.

They informed the President that properties and crops worth about Taka 500 crore were damaged in the devastation caused by the cyclone.

They also apprised the President that massive relief and rehabilitation works have been going on under the supervision of the district administration and the Army.

The Relief and Rehabilitation Adviser also gave a run down of the on-going relief operation and rehabilitation work in cyclone hit areas across the country particularly the six districts in the greater Barisal.

Later, President Iajuddin distributed relief materials among the cyclone-victims at Khepupara Secondary High School ground in Kalapara upazila, one of the worst victims of the November 15 night disaster.

The President also flew low by helicopter over the cyclone affected areas in the district. He felt shocked seeing the long trail of devastation caused the hurricane Sidr in the area.

He also asked the district administration and concerned officials to undertake massive relief and rehabilitation programme to save the cyclone-affected people.