Bangladesh's army said Wednesday it had finally reached most parts of its cyclone-hit southern coastline where millions of desperate survivors were at risk from starvation and disease.
Six days after cyclone Sidr smashed in from the Bay of Bengal, small amounts of aid were at last getting through to most places but villagers - most of whom have lost family members and livelihoods - said much more was needed. The storm, which brought furious winds, rain and a six-metre (20-foot) tidal wave, swept away everything its path, obliterating whole villages and killing as many as 10,000 people.
Army major Emdadul Islam told AFP the relief effort was slow going. Up to four million people in the area, one of the poorest places on the planet, have been left destitute and without adequate food and water. The United Nations said 3,447 people were confirmed dead, a further 2,062 reported missing, feared dead and 6,611 injured. Many bodies, washed out to sea, are unlikely to be found.
Dhaka has received offers of international aid totalling 140 million dollars - including 100 million from oil-rich Saudi Arabia and 5.1 million from former colonial power Britain.
The World Bank said it would additionally provide up to 250 million dollars to help fund initial aid efforts and commence reconstruction. Two US navy ships carrying 3,500 marines and more than 30 helicopters were also expected to arrive in the affected area within days to help transport relief supplies.