BURMA: Cyclone Death Toll Reaches Over 22,000

The state-run radio in Myanmar has confirmed that the death toll from cyclone Nargis has reached 22,464 with over 40,000 missing, the Associated Press reports.

The New York Times writes that if those numbers are accurate, the death toll would be the highest from a natural disaster in Asia since the tsunami of December 2004, which devastated coastlines in South Asia and claimed 181,000 lives.

“Stories get worse by the hour,” one Yangon resident, who did not want to be identified for fear of government retribution, said in an e-mail message. “No drinking water in many areas, still no power. Houses completely disappeared. Refugees scavenging for food in poorer areas. Roofing, building supplies, tools — all are scarce and prices skyrocketing on everything.”

Myanmar government officials have said that they would open the doors to international relief groups. But relief efforts have been hampered because of lack of the military government, according to the Times.

Also, most foreigners and all foreign journalists have been barred from entering the country. Several journalists are writing from Cambodia and Thailand as death tolls continue to increase.

Meanwhile, the military junta has agreed to delay voting for the much-awaited new constitution in the areas that are most affected by the cyclone. International governments had earlier criticized Burma for using newspaper and radio ads asking people to vote rather than informing them of the dangers of the cyclone.

You can watch a raw video here. (Make sure you allow pop-ups on your computer to watch the video). Also, for a comprehensive round up, video and graphics, check out the BBC's coverage here.

What are your thoughts on the cyclone in Burma? Please post your thoughts below.

Comments

[Sam K]

My family had business at 61 Mogul Street and a gift shop at Strand Hotel, Rangoon, Burma till 1963. We also had a house in Dieu.

Is there any specific assistance, NRIs in USA could do?

Regards,
Sam Kannappan
Houston, Texas