Death Toll in Bangladesh Rising

The death toll from Cyclone Sidr, which struck Bangladesh with the force of a Category 4 hurricane 11 days ago, is rising.

At least 3,243 people are confirmed dead, according to Chinese state-run media, and more than 1,100 are missing.

Nearly 7 million people are affected, including more than 34,500 injured. Nearly 2 million acres of crops were damaged, and 1.2 million homes destroyed, in addition to vast infrastructure damage.

The economic damage is estimated at $2.31 billion. The international community has so far pledged more than $500 million to aid in relief. Several aid organizations are also working in the storm-battered nation.

Bangladesh is among the nations most vulnerable to global warming. As sea levels rise, the storms that hit Bangladesh will lead to more severe flooding and storm surges. Some have forecast refugee crises in this generation.

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