COLD weather in south-east Asia is believed to have caused 80
deaths in Bangladesh, as the country experiences its lowest
temperatures for 40 years.
The lowest temperature recorded there was 3°C. The country's
weather office said that the last time the temperature dropped
lower was in February 1968.
The Red Crescent has reported that hospitals are full of
patients suffering from respiratory illnesses. Children and the
elderly are the worst-affected: in one hospital, over three days,
300 children were admitted with respiratory problems.
The secretary general of Bangladesh Red Crescent, Abu Bakar,
said that rural areas had been worst hit, as many people could not
afford warm clothes or heating. "According to the reports of our
district offices and local administrations, about 80 people have
died, owing to cold-related diseases such as respiratory problems,
pneumonia, and cough," he said.
The Red Crescent has distributed 30,000 blankets to those most
in need. The Barnabas Fund is also distributing about 1000
blankets.
The cold weather has also affected the neighbouring countries of
India and Pakistan.