Press Releases 2007

U.S. Assistance to Bangladesh Following Cyclone Sidr

November 28, 2007

New Delhi -- Cyclone Sidr hit southern Bangladesh on November 15, 2007, killing more than 3,000 people and displacing more than 6.8 million people.  In the days following the disaster, the United States has rapidly provided assistance to help the people of Bangladesh recover from this terrible natural disaster.

Since November 16, 2007 the United States has provided more than $14.4 million in emergency funds, commodities and transportation to assist relief efforts including $10 million in Food for Peace food aid to Bangladesh through USAID.  More than 3,000 tons of food is being distributed by NGOs such as CARE and Save the Children and additional commodities will be provided shortly.

The United States has called upon its unique global military capabilities to assist in the effort.  Military medical and humanitarian assistance survey teams arrived in Bangladesh quickly after the disaster to assist with the relief efforts. The U.S.S. Kearsarge and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived on November 23, 2007, and are providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief at the Bangladesh government's request.  The U.S.S. Tarawa is enroute from the United States to provide additional disaster assistance.

In the coming days, the United States will further assist in the relief effort based on the needs identified by the humanitarian assistance teams and the Government of Bangladesh.