Humanitarian Crisis in Bangladesh Worse Than Predicted

The United Nations has detailed a "grimmer reality" in Bangladesh a month after Cyclone Sidr killed more than 3,200 people and injured 40,000.

The total number affected is believed now to be 8.5 million — 1.5 million more than previous estimates, according to the UN assessment, as reported by the Toronto Star. More than half a million homes were destroyed — two-thirds more than previously estimated. Nearly 900,000 additional homes were damaged.

Damage to agriculture was also severe, with the estimated toll on livestock — 1.25 million — doubling from previous estimates, and cropland damage estimated now at upwards of 2 million acres.

The international community has contributed $143 million, but Bangladesh could need $1 billion to accomplish the task of rebuilding.

Bangladesh is among the nations most susceptible to damage from tropical storms and flooding, and the impacts are likely to become more severe due to global warming. Some analysts have predicted security crises as refugees seek shelter elsewhere.

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