The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

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

"Hopefully, proper response will be received about our appeal by 2/3 days," said BDRCS chairman Prof M Abdur Rob at a press conference at its head office in the morning.

He said: "According to our past experiences and reports, there is a possibility that death toll (from the cyclone) will rise to over 10,000."

Five teams, comprising BDRCS and International Federation officials, have been sent to the affected areas for quick assessment of losses caused by the Thursday night's powerful cyclone, 'Sidr', he informed. "We will make a final appeal for international assistance after receiving the reports from the teams," Prof Rob said. He appreciated the government's efforts in facing the disaster that mainly hit the country's coastal districts.

The BDRCS chairman said they have already started work to dispatch relief items to the affected areas. Around 42,000 volunteers of the Red Crescent Society worked continuously in the coastal areas during the storm and the efforts saved the lives of many people, he said. "We will make an emergency appeal by Friday," said Selvaratnam Sinnadurai, Head of Delegation of International Federation of Red Cross.

BDRCS vice-chairman Prof Dr Gazi Abdul Haque, treasurer SM Munir Lavlu, secretary general M Shafiul Alam and ICRC Head of Mission Finn Ruda also spoke at the press conference.

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