DHAKA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- With the death toll from the devastating cyclone in Bangladesh rising sharply, the United Nations, different local and international organizations and many countries have allocated funds and relief for the victims.

    Cyclone Sidr lashed Bangladesh's south and southwestern coastal regions on Nov. 15 evening, leaving nearly 2,000 people killed and several thousand injured.

    According to reports by local media Sunday, the United Nations would make available 7 million U.S. dollars from its central emergency fund for the relief and rehabilitation operation in Bangladesh.

    The UN is currently distributing 208 tons of high-energy biscuits, 240,000 water purification tablets, medicine, medical equipment and other essential goods. The UN along with the Bangladesh government would also launch a joint assessment of the damage and needs.

    Besides, the UN system has made 314 medical officers available to support the Bangladesh government.

    The German government has announced the provision of 500,000 euros (about 700,000 U.S. dollars) in grant for the cyclone-hit people of Bangladesh. And the money would be distributed by German Red Cross Society in association with Caritas, an international NGO.

    The European Commission on Nov. 16 released 1.5 million euros (about 2.1 million U.S. dollars) in fast-track aid to help the victims, and the United States has provided 2.1 million U.S. dollars.

    Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BRCS) Saturday made an appeal to International Red Cross for 4 million Swiss francs (about 3.47 million U.S. dollars) for relief and rehabilitation works.

    BRCS is sending relief materials like saris, lungis, medicines, and water purifying tablets to 15 coastal districts. And about 42,000 Red Crescent volunteers are working in the areas devastated by Sidr.