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For Immediate Release
November 28, 2007
HURRICANE SIDR VICTIMS’ COMPENSATION FUND
LAUNCHED TO HELP SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBERS
Cincinnati, Ohio, November 28, 2007
– A group in the United States has launched a campaign to raise a
$500,000 compensation fund for families of the victims of hurricane Sidr,
or at least $100 per fatality, from the Category 4 hurricane that
devastated southwestern Bangladesh on November 15, 2007, it was
announced today by the United Bangladesh Appeal (UBA).
“We have modeled our fund after the 911
Funds in order to help some of the surviving families who have been so
tragically hit by the hurricane,” said Muhit Rahman, a founder of the
UBA.
With wind speeds exceeding 250 kmh (155
mph), the storm and its accompanying surge killed over 3,200 individuals
and another 900 are feared missing. Damage to crops, livestock and
property is expected to run into billions of US dollars. Over 7 million
Bangladeshis are suffering from the immediate aftermath of Sidr.
The Sidr Victims’ Compensation Fund
intends to make a cash payment of approximately $100 per fatality to
surviving family members. Only direct family members such as spouses,
children, parents and siblings are eligible beneficiaries, and funds
will be delivered to the closest surviving female head of household. The
fundraising is being conducted by Bangladeshi expatriate groups that
have come together under the umbrella of the United Bangladesh Appeal
for this purpose.
These groups have already pledged almost
$200,000 for the fund. Partner organizations in Bangladesh will compile
a detailed list of the victims and their respective beneficiaries. Both
sets of organizations will come together for the actual distribution of
funds. Donated funds may not be used for any purpose other than to
compensate Sidr victims.
All administrative, organizational and
incidental costs will be borne by the partner organizations. For more
information, including how to donate to the Sidr Victims’ Compensation
Fund, please visit
www.unitedbangladeshappeal.org.
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Relief
After Bangladesh Cyclone