U.S. Marines Join Cyclone Relief Ops in Bangladesh
U.S. Marines have begun to help survivors of a killer cyclone in Bangladesh which has left thousands without adequate food and clean drinking water, a U.S. Embassy spokesman said Nov. 23.
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November 23, 2007
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, DHAKA
Navy personnel from the amphibious assault ship Kearsarge, anchored close to the southern Bangladesh coast, have begun medical evacuations and transporting fresh water to some of the worst-affected coastal areas, the official said.
Gen. Ronald Bailey, who is overseeing the operation, met Bangladesh military chiefs earlier Nov. 23.
Another ship, the amphibious assault ship Essex, was due to arrive soon and would also assist Bangladesh’s military-led relief effort which has been struggling to reach the thousands of people devastated by the cyclone which hit Nov. 15.
The two ships were carrying more than 40 helicopters.
US Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. John Daniels, speaking in Washington, said another ship, the amphibious assault ship Tarawa, was also on its way.
All three ships were carrying medical teams and have surgical facilities on board to treat those injured in the cyclone, Daniels said.
A 23-member team of U.S. Marines has been on the ground for several days to assess the needs of those affected.
More than 3,400 people are confirmed dead and thousands more are still missing since Cyclone Sidr struck.
Officials estimate that around 5 million people were affected by the storm, which has left countless people living in desperate conditions. An estimated 280,000 are homeless.