Elephants are being used to help clear debris from the roads clogged with the devistation caused by Cyclone Sidr. Rotary responds to the disaster in Bangladesh by immediately dispatching ShelterBoxes and volunteers. Full story reported by BBC.

A Cornish charity has sent disaster relief to Bangladesh to help the victims of a powerful cyclone.

 

The Helston-based ShelterBox dispatched an initial consignment of 220 boxes, containing a tent, blankets, water containers and other equipment.

 

They were sent from a pre-positioned facility in Dubai and should arrive in Dhaka on Monday.

 

At least 2,000 people have been killed by Cyclone Sidr and tens of thousands have been left homeless.

 

The storm hit Bangladesh late on Thursday. Hundreds of villages along the southern coast have been devastated by winds of up to 240km/h (150mph) and a tidal surge several metres high.

 

Power lines have been brought down and vital crops wiped out.

 

A massive relief operation is under way, with helicopters and ships trying to get food and clean water to thousands of people and elephants being used to move debris from roads.

 

ShelterBox founder Tom Henderson told BBC News another 400 10-man tents are being packed and will be dispatched on Tuesday.

 

A team of four volunteers will fly out on Monday to help oversee the distribution of the boxes.

 

"We've been watching the situation unfold since Thursday," Mr Henderson said.

 

"With the number of people affected, it's quite likely we will be asked for more help. This first consignment contains aid for more than 2,000 people but a lot more help will be

A team of four volunteers will fly out on Monday to help oversee the distribution of the boxes.

 

"We've been watching the situation unfold since Thursday," Mr Henderson said.

 

"With the number of people affected, it's quite likely we will be asked for more help. This first consignment contains aid for more than 2,000 people but a lot more help will be needed."

 

ShelterBoxes are designed to enable a family of up to 10 people survive for at least six months and also include a multi-fuel stove, cooking equipment, tools, mosquito nets and water containers.

 

Mr Henderson said when the response team is in a position to feed back information, the charity will respond as necessary. Story from BBC UK.