Cyclone disaster worsens in Burma

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has issued a new assessment that between 1.2 million and 1.9 million people need urgent assistance. Given the gravity of the situation including the lack of food and water, some partners have reported fears for security, and violent behaviour in the most severely affected areas, it stated. The UN body estimated that the number of deaths could range from 63,290 to 101,682 and 220,000 people are reported to be missing.

The low-lying Irrawaddy delta, which was battered by Cyclone Nargis on May 3, is crisscrossed by waterways and rivers. Roads and communications into the area have been damaged or completely cut. Access to many places is limited to boat or helicopter. A Red Cross cargo ship carrying supplies for more than 1,000 survivors sank on Sunday after hitting a submerged tree trunk. The crew members were able to climb to safety.

Limited aid supplies are reaching some areas. The International Red Cross estimated on Friday that through their combined efforts, relief agencies and the Burmese government had distributed aid to 220,000 people. Many more, however, are desperately in need of supplies. According to Plan International, some 150,000 are living in 117 temporary camps in Labutta, a town that was devastated by the cyclone. Another 56,000 are in refugee camps in or near three other major towns, including Bogalay.

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