Saudi leads relief efforts for cyclone-hit Bangladesh

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2007

RIYADH (AFP) — Oil-rich Saudi Arabia led relief efforts for cyclone victims in Bangladesh Monday, pledging 100 million dollars in aid as US ships powered to the disaster zone with dozens of helicopters for evacuations.

Saudi King Abdullah also ordered the dispatch of food, medical and other relief assistance to the victims in the impoverished South Asian Muslim nation, according to a statement from the royal court.

The Jeddah-based Organisation of the Islamic Conference has called on governments and civil bodies in its 57 member states to send urgent assistance after Thursday's collossal storm in Bangladesh that swept entire villages away.

Soldiers and relief workers raced Monday to get aid to millions left homeless by the cyclone, as officials said the...