The death toll from cyclone Sidr which hit Bangladesh’s coast with winds of 150 mph has risen to at least 1,100.

A cyclone slammed into Bangladesh tonight, tearing down houses, toppling trees and power poles, and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee.

More than 600,000 coastal villagers took shelter inland today as a cyclone rapidly approached Bangladesh’s south-western shores, spawning cold drizzles, strong winds and high waves, a weather official said.