Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Washington, DC
November 18, 2007
Bangladesh: U.S. Government Disaster Relief Support Following Cyclone Sidr
The United States is responding in the aftermath of Cyclone Sidr to try to meet the immediate needs of the Bangladeshi
people, calling into action a multitude of U.S. Government disaster relief agencies and departments. We extend our
deepest sympathies to the people of Bangladesh following this major natural disaster, and we stand ready to assist
further.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided $100,000 immediately after the cyclone and has deployed a
five-person disaster assessment team to Bangladesh to assist with the relief and recovery efforts.
This team is working alongside local authorities to conduct field assessments that will identify additional needs and
areas where we might be of assistance.
USAID is now sending an additional $2 million in emergency funds for water and sanitation programs and to provide
shelter materials to those in need. A portion of this funding will also be provided to humanitarian organizations
currently working in the affected areas.
At the request of the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh, U.S. Pacific Command has sent a 23-man Humanitarian Assistance Survey
Team of U.S. Marines to the southern coast of Bangladesh to determine how the U.S. military can best provide assistance
in the area.
A military medical team already in country is prepared to provide medical assistance to the injured. In addition, U.S.
Navy ships, USS Essex and USS Kearsarge, have been ordered to move in the direction of Bangladesh so that U.S. military
forces can be better positioned in the event that the Government of Bangladesh requests assistance.
These ships, expected to arrive in 5 to 7 days, each carry 20 or more helicopters that can be used for medical
evacuations and surveying affected areas. The Department of Defense will continue to assess assets which may be deployed
to Bangladesh.
While the United States and other donors will continue to aid in the aftermath of Cyclone Sidr, the effects of the
Cyclone were certainly lessened and many lives saved thanks to the investments the Government of Bangladesh, working
with USAID, has made in disaster preparedness and mitigation.
2007/1021
ENDS