Cyclone death in Bangladesh rises to 1,795

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-18-2007 09:53

Cyclone affected villagers carry corrugated iron sheeting to repair their damaged house in Potuakhali, 152 kilometers (95 miles) south of Bangladesh's capital Saturday, Nov.17, 2007.(AP Photo/ Pavel Rahman)

In Bangladesh, the official death toll from devastating tropical Cyclone Sidr has risen to nearly 1,800. However, authorities fear unofficial casualty figures may exceed to 3,000. This comes as massive search operations are underway in areas that are difficult to access.

Military helicopters and ships joined rescue efforts on Saturday in the wake of the deadliest storm to hit the country in a decade. International humanitarian organizations, including UNICEF and CARE, are working alongside government and local volunteer agencies.

They are making efforts to provide safe drinking water and emergency supplies to affected areas. Bangladesh authorities estimate some 2.7 million people were affected by the powerful cyclone. And that nearly 800,000 houses were damaged.