Red Crescent appeals for 4m Swiss francs for cyclone victims

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BRCS) Saturday made an appeal to International Red Cross for 4.0 million Swiss francs for relief and rehabilitation in the cyclone-affected districts, as millions of distressed people cried for help. "Apart from loss of human lives, we believe a large-scale damage was caused to vegetation, houses and infrastructure," an official said. He said, BRCS is sending relief materials like sari, lungi, medicines, and water-purifying tablets to 15 coastal districts. Besides, 42,000 BRCS volunteers are working in the devastated areas. In reply to a question, he said, it would require at least nine months for reconstruction of houses and other infrastructures. - UNB