Saarc agrees climate change moves

Experts fear millions of people could become homeless

Environment ministers from the South Asian regional body, Saarc, have agreed on measures to tackle climate change.

At a meeting in Bangladesh, they decided to share data on weather patterns and their experiences of dealing with natural disasters.

Experts say tens of millions in the region could be at risk from rising seas, melting glaciers and increased likelihood of floods and droughts.

The ministers say they want to speak with one voice in climate change talks.

Rich 'must help poor'

The BBC's Mark Dummett in Dhaka says this is the first time that the governments of South Asia have met specifically to discuss climate change.

Their environment ministers have agreed to a series of resolutions to pool resources and know-how.

Bangladesh, which is frequently hit by massive floods and cyclones, will share its experience of handling large-scale natural disasters.

The ministers want South Asia to speak with as one in the international negotiations on climate change and also to appeal jointly for global funds.

Bangladesh's interim prime minister, Fakruddhin Ahmed, said that rich polluting nations had a duty to help poor countries adapt to changes, like rising sea levels, which threaten to inundate coastal areas.

Our correspondent says the ministers chose a good time to come to Bangladesh - Dhaka has been drenched by days of monsoon rains which have brought its roads to a standstill.

The rains have also triggered landslides in the south-east which have killed at least nine - further proof of how exposed people there are to the weather.