gaddam@remus.rutgers.edu (Surekha Gaddam) (05/12/91)
------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: (Syed Aamer Azam ) syed@citjulie.bitnet Source: Radio Pakistan Report on Cyclone that hit Bangladesh ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9pm Radio Pakistan News dated 02 May 1991 read by Shaista Zaid ------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the cyclone that hit Bangladesh, it is feared that the death toll may reach 100,000. Uptill now the death toll has reached 49,000. Many districts are still without any contact. An official, who flew over the area today, has said that he saw people crying for food and water. 16 out of 64 districts of Bangladesh were hit by one of the worst cyclones of this century on Monady. 8pm Radio Pakistan News Buletin dated 06 May 1991 read by Arnjumand Shaheen. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PM has reached back from Dhaka. Keeping in view the special relationship between people of two countires, He promised to provide all kinds of help to Bangladeshi people on behalf of their Pakistani brothers. He said Pakistan will provide all kinds of possible help for clamity aflicted people and in reconstruction. He hoped his next meeting with PM Khalida Zia will be in a better environment. He was seen-off by PM Khalida Zia and Bangladeshi FM Mustafeez-ur-Rehman. In an interview at Dhaka airport, he said Bangladeshi people should not think themselves alone in this hour of test. He said he is saddened after looking the losses but he is impressed by relief efforts being made by Bangladeshi people. In his meeting with PM Khalida Zia, last night, he announced an aid of Rupees 100 Million (Approx. USD 4.5 Million) for Bangladesh. As a first installment, he presented a cheque worth Rupees two million. Bangladesh can buy anything of her choice from Pakistan with this amount. PM also met Acting President of Bangladesh, Justice Shahab ud Din and said that Pakistan will help whole heartedly for the victims. President Shahab ud Din said that with his visit to Bangladesh, Bangladeshi people have got high spirits and they feel that Pakistan and its people are with them in this hour of test. PM yesterday also visited clamity hit areas in Chitagong and some other areas in Helicopter and Car. PM Khalida Zia, Senate Chairman Waseem Sajjad and international social worker Mother Treesa were with him. In coastal areas in Bangladesh another cyclone accompanied by wind and rain hit today again.International relief efforts are being hampered due to bad weather and more storms. With latest storm more deaths have been reported from three districts. Some relief flights operated today. Chitagong port has been opened partially. In many coastal areas relief works could start so far. Lot of dead bodies are rotting in farms. Bangladesh has appealed for providing transport helicopters and speed boats and asked for help in removing the ships from Chitagong port, so that port may be cleared for arrival of releif carrying ships. ===================================================================== Edited and approved by the moderator