US helicopters fly in cyclone aid

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Helicopters from the US navy have begun delivering relief supplies to survivors of the devastating cyclone that hit southern Bangladesh 10 days ago.

Some 3,500 people died and an estimated two million were made homeless after Cyclone Sidr hit coastal areas.

The first sorties by the helicopters delivered clean water to villagers, officials said.

More than $140m (£70m) worth of international emergency aid has been pledged, the government has said.

On Sunday the head of the Bangladeshi army, Gen Moeen U Ahmed, said the first priority was to "get food, water and clothes to the survivors".

The American helicopters are based on the USS Kearsarge, now moored off the southern coast. A medical team from the ship has gone to the town of Barisal.

Bangladesh has accepted US help because it does not have enough helicopters to deliver the required aid, officials said, Reuters news agency reports.

A UN report says it will take up to three months to supply "immediate relief assistance" such as food and shelter.