The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State of DFID Shahid Malik has said the UK government continues to give practical support in the form of blankets, water cans, clothes, mosquito nets as well as boats to get life-saving items to those who need them most as lives of the people are still at risk following last month's cyclone 'Sidr.'

"My department is playing its part and we stand ready to do more," he said.

"There will be difficult times ahead for those affected but I am incredibly proud of the contribution being made by Muslim communities throughout the UK to help those in need," Malik was quoted by Relief Web as having said.

Twelve lightweight boats that can carry up to one tonne arrived here Tuesday to help distribute supplies to the most remote and inaccessible parts of the country.

The UK Government also flew out 58,000 blankets over the weekend from a warehouse in Abu Dhabi.

The UK's overall support for cyclone survivors is currently seven million Pound Sterling. Funds are helping to provide clean water to 260,000 families, emergency supplies and food to 70,000 families and rebuilding more than 16,000 homes, according to DFID reported by Relief Web.

Malik said the boats would play a vital role in helping Bangladesh cope with natural disasters in the future.

He said UK's contribution will also give people whose employment has been swept away the chance to earn a living and get back on their feet. In addition to the 58,000 blankets sent this weekend, the DFID has already provided 43,000 blankets for people made homeless and 24,000 water cans for carrying clean water.

DFID so far provided clean water to 260,000 families; food for 70,000 families in the form of easy to cook and culturally appropriate dry food ("chira" - flattened rice - and molasses), essential items for 70,000 families including jerry cans, clothes, mosquito nets, blankets and utensils; shelter repairs for 16,750 of the most vulnerable families; funds to undertake repair work such as removing debris that is contaminating water supplies; and four disaster relief experts to support the emergency efforts in Bangladesh and make recommendations on further UK support.

The funds are going through various UN agencies, Save the Children UK, Oxfam, and CARE International who are working with local NGOs. Including the seven million Pound Sterling for cyclone relief the UK's budget for tackling extreme poverty in Bangladesh this year is nearly 117 million Pound Sterling.