Storm lashes Bangladesh and India

A cyclone sweeping across eastern India and Bangladesh has killed at least 15 people and prompted the rescue of hundreds of thousands. Cyclone "Aila" flattened mud houses, uprooted trees and disrupted travel throughout West Bengal state.Soldiers and border guards were helping rescue stranded residents.Flooding and tidal surges hit coastal areas, with strong winds forcing the closure of the main ports of Chittagong and Mongla in Bangladesh.About 400,000 people were moved from five districts to cyclone shelters and schools before the storm hit.But a further 300,000 people were stranded in coastal villages.