CRI听力：Bangladesh Cyclone Death Toll Reaches New High

The death toll in Bangladesh from cyclone Sidar has climbed to more than 3,100 and authorities warn it may rise further.

A lack of food, water, proper shelter and clothes, especially during winter, has further deteriorated survivors' living conditions.
The Bangladesh government has joined international agencies in the rescue mission, deploying military helicopters, thousands of troops and naval ships.

Here's municipal official, Monirul Haq Talukdar.

"We need hundreds of sheets of tin, also we need money and rice."

In addition to the problem of getting aid, doctors were warning of an outbreak of cholera, a water-borne bacterial disease.

"There is a very big chance of cholera. But if people take precautions, that's what matters. The main advice is for them to boil drinking water, that's what people should do."

Government officials have expressed confidence that authorities are up to the task. The government has allocated 5 million US dollars in emergency aid for rebuilding houses.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says that several million dollars is available from the UN's emergency response fund. A number of governments and international groups have also pledged assistance.