Cyclone causes significant damage to coastal areas

Tropical Cyclone Aila struck the coast of Bangladesh on 25 May 2009, causing significant damage and forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents. Authorities in Bangladesh stated that 89 people have been killed as a result of the storm. Approximately 500,000 Bangladeshis were evacuated from coastal and low-lying areas ahead of the cyclone's landfall. Meteorologists stated that Aila brought a significant tidal surge and had sustained winds of up to 60 mph. Reports indicate that the hardest hit area was the Sathkira district of Bangladesh, where the death toll is expected to rise, as many people have been reported missing. Government agencies and international humanitarian aid organisations have already begun to mobilise the recovery effort to rescue those who have been stranded by floodwaters.