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Journalism of Courage
Nations from around the world have given pledges of assistance to Bangladesh after month-long floods totally devastated two-thirds of the country and affected 30 million of its inhabitants, official sources revealed today. Assurances come at a time when the death toll in the four-week long deluge is about to reach the 500 mark and as floods have already inundated vast areas in 51 out of 64 districts. Diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases, that arose from the floods, have also risen, causing panic within the Bangladesh government and aid agencies.
Diarrhoea according to some sources has afflicted nearly 1,00,000 people and caused over 50 deaths. It is most prevalent among young children and the elderly. Around 7,000 people were hospitalised across the country yesterday and five have died, the New Age daily reported today.
Major donors like the UN, the US, the UK, the World Bank, Asian Development and Japan are eager to extend assistance to help the flood-ravaged country overcome the crisis.
The US has committed $210 million for short and long-term post flood rehabilitation, the UK has promised 10 million pounds in assistance and the World Food Programme has offered a substantial quantity of food aid to the country.
