NEW YORK (November 20, 2007) - Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh's southwestern coast on November 15. With winds reaching speeds up to 150 miles per hour, the cyclone left a trail of destruction, wiping out anything in its path. Electricity and communication lines were knocked out throughout the country. Although service has been restored in parts of the capital, Dhaka, much of Bangladesh remains in the dark.

With more than 3,000 dead, thousands more missing, and over four million affected, families in Bangladesh are reeling from the effects of the country's worst cyclone in 15 years. With 35 years experience working in Bangladesh, Concern Worldwide was able to respond immediately. Using its network of local partners Concern is helping over 150,000 people meet their immediate and basic survival needs. But much more needs to be done.

According to government estimates, three million homes have been totally destroyed, another six million badly damaged and nearly 800 schools wiped out. Additionally, with 240,000 livestock dead and crops ruined, families have lost not only shelter and food, but much of their income generating resources.

"With families left with absolutely nothing, rebuilding their lives is going to be an enormous challenge," Kieron Crawley, Concern's Country Director for Bangladesh, said. "On top of losing their homes, local communities who face critical food shortages and don't have access to safe drinking water have lost their economic livelihoods - the long-term destruction is overwhelming."

In the run up to the hurricane Concern and its partner in the coastal belt took measures in partnership with local government, Red Cross and Red Crescent to issue community warnings and evacuate people in vulnerable areas to shelter. These early warning systems have been credited with saving many lives.

Concern Worldwide U.S. has launched an emergency appeal to expand its relief efforts and provide relief packages (dry food, temporary shelter and drinking water) to the families worst affected by the cyclone.

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To get a first hand account of the situation in Bangladesh or to speak with Concern's Country Director, contact Justin Schair at justin.schair @ concern.net or (212) 557-8000