FROM THE FIELD
Sidr swept across the country hitting the Khulna and Barisal coastal belt most severely. Winds of 240 kph and driving rain lashed the coastal area leaving many parts blacked out. Government sources suggest that more than 200 people have been killed as the cyclone uprooted trees and ripped roofs from houses. The capital Dhaka was plunged into darkness as it was deluged by heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. So far the districts of Barisal, Bagerhat, Jhalukati and Barguna have been most heavily affected with many other districts also hit. In these areas more than 50% of houses have been damaged, roads have been cut off and power and communications disrupted. Initial reports suggest that Cyclone Sidr has been the worst to hit Bangladesh’s southern coast since the devastating hurricane in 1991. What Concern is doing[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
