Rescuers struggle to retrieve bodies in the ruined south

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Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) Sunday said, the death toll from cyclone 'SIDR' may touch 10,000, as the rescuers struggled to retrieve dead bodies in the ruined south, report bdnews24.com and UNB.
The organisation's Chairman Dr Mohammad Abdur Rob made the prediction from a press conference in the city.
BDRCS has already appealed for Tk 400 million in international assistance for the cyclone victims through the Geneva-based International Federation, and they would make the final appeal by Friday after assessment of the losses.
"Hopefully, proper response will be received about our appeal by 2/3 days," said Rob.
Five teams, comprising BDRCS and International Federation officials, have been sent to the affected areas for quick assessment of losses, caused by 'SIDR.' "We will make a final appeal for international assistance after receiving the reports from these teams," Prof Rob said.
He appreciated the government's efforts in facing the disaster that mainly hit the country's coastal districts.
The BDRCS chairman said, they have already started work to dispatch relief items to the affected areas. Around 42,000 volunteers of the organisation worked continuously in the coastal areas during the storm, and the efforts saved the lives of many people, he added.
"We will make an emergency appeal by Friday," said Head of Delegation of International Federation of Red Cross Selvaratnam Sinnadurai.
BDRCS Vice-Chairman Prof Dr Gazi Abdul Haque, Treasurer SM Munir Lavlu, Secretary General M Shafiul Alam and ICRC Head of Mission Finn Ruda also spoke at the press conference.
Finn Ruda said, their teams are going to the field to make assessment about the losses and damages, caused by the catastrophic cyclone.