MEDIA RELEASE
Fundraising campaign for affected people of
Cyclone SIDR in Bangladesh
Cyclone Sidr, which slammed into the coast of Bangladesh early Friday, 16 November 2007, brought winds of up to 240km/h (150mph) and a tidal surge of several metres. Classed as a category 4 cyclone, it is the deadliest storm to hit the nation in a decade.
The storm brought down power lines, damaged thousands of homes, uprooted trees and wiped out vital crops and vegetable fields. Officials say that in many areas 95% of rice which was awaiting harvest has been destroyed, and shrimp farms and other crops were simply washed away. The collapse of the telecommunication system as well as blocked and washed out roads are hampering rescue operations and relief distribution. Experts also feared for the wildlife and ecology of the world's biggest mangrove forest after the deadly cyclone tore through the Sunderbans - home to the endangered Royal Bengal tiger.
Although the storm has now passed, the death toll is predicted to climb as the bodies of human beings and cattle are still being found floating in the sea and rivers. Volunteers are struggling to reach the affected areas where survivors are trapped under fallen trees and iron roofs and to collect decomposing bodies.
Some 500,000 homes have been destroyed, and 845,000 households have been affected. Different sources say up to 15,000 may have died. Situation on the ground remains grim, with untold numbers of desperate survivors are now struggling for basic necessities like tents, rice, medicines and drinking water. Relief operators on the ground said supplies are inadequate and that the government made a plea for more international aid to avert a "human disaster".
The President of Bangladesh New Zealand Friendship Society Inc. (BNZFS), Dr Ekramul Hoque, has appealed in Auckland to all Bangladeshis and other New Zealand residents to come forward generously in aid to the victims of cyclone SIRD in Bangladesh. BNZFS has opened a trust account with the ASB Bank in this regards to collect donations, he revealed. The account number where donations can be sent is: 12-3012-0768117-02.
Dr Hoque disclosed that BNZFS enjoys a charitable status with IRD, all the donation would therefore qualify for IRD rebate. The receipt for all donations would be sent to the donor on demand. The collected amount from the campaign would be sent directly to the Relief and Welfare Fund of the Government of Bangladesh, he added.
For further information please contact: e.hoque@auckland.ac.nz or Phone: +64 27 6587255
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