Bangladesh put on cyclone alert

Bangladeshi authorities in six coastal districts have been put on alert as the weather office predicts that a powerful cyclone may hit the country on Friday.

Forecasters say tropical cyclone Nargis could hit six coastal districts when it makes it landfall.

The authorities have asked volunteers and officials to be ready to evacuate people quickly if it becomes necessary.

More than 3,500 people were killed and millions were affected when cyclone Sidr battered Bangladesh last year.

Earlier this week, farmers were told to speed up their rice harvest because of the approaching cyclone.

Bangladesh has faced food shortages following floods and storms last year.

Officials are urging farmers to try to save as much of this year's rice crop as possible.

Last November's Cyclone Sidr was the worst storm to hit Bangladesh in a decade.

The cyclone destroyed or damaged 1.5 million homes.

Aid agencies say millions of Bangladeshis are still in dire need of help five months after the cyclone battered the country's coastline.