Death toll in Bangladesh floods tops 700

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2004

DHAKA (AFP) — The death toll in floods that have devastated Bangladesh has risen to more than 700, the official news agency BSS said as the United Nations prepared to launch an appeal for post-flood rehabilitation projects.

The flooding had claimed 703 lives, including 64 deaths from severe diarrhoea, BSS said, adding that flood waters across the country were continuing to recede.

An international appeal by the United Nations would be launched Thursday, a spokeswoman said.

The flooding, which at its height submerged two-thirds of the country and affected some 33 million people out of a population of 140 million, has left thousands in urgent need of food, clean water and medicine.

The government has put the cost of damage to property and...