Bangladesh (MNN) — Cyclone Sidr killed thousands in Bangladesh and left thousands more homeless. The storm was the worst to hit disaster-prone Bangladesh since 1991 when nearly 143,000 people died in a cyclone and the tidal surge it triggered.
The death toll could exceed 10,000 once the government and aid workers reach outlying island areas. Damage assessments are massive, and soldiers and relief workers have been working tirelessly this week to get aid to millions left homeless by the cyclone.
There are fears that the lost rice crops will cause both fuel and food prices to skyrocket. Already high prices for basic foodstuffs jumped up 50 to 100%.
Aid workers are voicing concern that inadequate supplies of food, drinking water and medicine could lead to outbreaks of disease.
The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism is grateful that the government evacuated nearly three million people to cyclone shelters or higher ground before the storm struck. Their ministries, too, appear to have been largely spared from the brunt of the storm.
However, many of the workers from their hospital have family members who were affected by the storm. Pray that the relief supplies will be able to reach the survivors. Also pray for protection of ABWE's ministries as team members respond to the needs of their communities. Pray, too, as they introduce Bangladeshis to the hope and shelter of Christ.
