Caritas Bangladesh rushes in warm clothing

(January 14, 2011) Caritas Bangladesh is rushing warm clothes and bedding to assist rural poor people trembling under one of the worst cold spells to hit the South Asian nation. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the temperature on Wednesday plunged below 5 degrees Celsius in many regions, particularly the north. Local media report that chilly winds accompanied by dense fog battered the country claiming six lives as well as disrupting communications and transport. Hundreds of people, especially children and the old, have fallen ill from cold-related diseases including bronchial asthma, pneumonia, cough and diarrhea. Caritas Rajshahi distributed blankets to vulnerable people in Dinajpur and Sylhet regions. Caritas Rajshahi regional director Denis Baskey told UCAnews they were giving priority to the extreme poorly, including widows and disabled people. Catholic parishes across Bangladesh also assisted in the distribution of warm clothes and blankets.