Sunday 18 November 2007

Bangladesh Cyclone disaster toll climbs

The government said around 1,700 people had died, but that toll might rise as aid workers, helped by ships and military helicopters, battle to reach hundreds of villages cut off by the damage. Power and phone lines were knocked out by heavy rains, slowing down relief efforts and making the full scale of the disaster difficult to estimate.

While acknowledging that the final death toll could be much higher, there was relief among many that the disaster had not killed more. In 1970 between 300,000 and half a million people died in a cyclone and Thursday's storm was as strong as a 1991 cyclone which killed around 140,000.
Because Bangladesh is known to be so vulnerable, the government and NGOs have devised cyclone preparedness programmes, building shelters, organising simulated cyclone evacuation exercises and educating villagers in the most exposed areas on how to flee. Efficient early warning systems and the widespread use of mobile phones meant that this time even people in remote regions were aware of the impending disaster.

Link to Cyclone disaster toll climbs | World | The Observer

BUY NOTHING DAY - Saturday November 24th 2007

To buy, or not to buy, that is the question.
Saturday November 24h 2007 is Buy Nothing Day (UK), It's a day where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life. The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will detox from consumerism and live without shopping. Anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!

Link to BUY NOTHING DAY - Saturday November 24th 2007

CHINA NOW - Secondary Education

Opportunities For Secondary Schools
CHINA NOW has opportunities and grants for UK secondary schools that wish to develop new or existing relationships with China.

Link to CHINA NOW - Secondary Education