By DPA
Washington : The United States is sending two ships to help victims of the cyclone that has devastated Bangladesh, and the White House extended condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
At least 2,388 people have been killed and hundreds more missing since the cyclone crashed across Bangladesh Thursday. More than 5,000 people were injured in the worst-affected coastal belt, and three million people spread over 15 districts have been left homeless, rescuers said.
In a statement issued late Saturday, the White House said an 18-person medical team that was already in Bangladesh before the cyclone would remain to help with medical needs.
The ships will be delivering 35 tonnes of non-food items such as plastic sheeting, plastic cans, hygiene kits and other supplies.
The USS Essex and USS Kearsarge, two multipurpose amphibious assault ships, were being dispatched, the statement said.
“Working with the government of Bangladesh, we are assessing critical needs to determine where our assistance can be most effective,” the statement issued on behalf of President George W. Bush said.