However, unofficial casualty figure may exceed 3,000 as massive search operations into inaccessible areas continued.

The terrible cyclone Sidr lashed Bangladesh’s south and southwestern coastal regions Thursday evening with a speed of up to 240 km per hour, affecting some 25 out of the country's 64 districts.

The southern districts of Bagerhat, Patuakhali, Borguna, Pirojpur and Barisal were the worst hit areas.

Bagerhat control room gave the death toll as 610 for the district. The Deputy Commissioner, however, said the death toll could rise with reports reaching from remote areas.

District control room of Patuakhali put the figure at 261 in the evening. But the Red Crescent said 509 people died in the backwater coastal district.

Similarly in Barguna, the district control room put the death figure at 362. Officials counted around 500 missing, all of whom are feared washed away by the high waves whipped by the super cyclone Sidr. Unofficial sources said the casualty figure might climb over 1,000.

Besides, the figures of Pirojpur and Barisal districts have been given as 254 and 83 respectively.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2007)