Monday, November 19, 2007

Sidr Death Toll In Bangladesh Likely To Top 10,000

The "official" death toll in Bangladesh from Cyclone Sidr is currently at around 3100, but relief workers are still trying to reach some of the hardest hit areas, where all roads and communications facilities were virtually wiped out.

It appears the final toll will get up to around 10,000 dead, which is a lot less than in past cyclones of a similar magnitude in Bangladesh, but still more than ALL the dead in U.S. hurricanes over the past 50 years!

Apart from the tragic deaths, millions are homeless, crops are wiped out and livelihoods destroyed on a vast scale. We--Americans--can, should, and will help out. But in the long run, if global warming results in higher sea levels and more frequent major tropical cyclones, Bangladesh will be on the front lines of a losing battle.

No comments: