Death toll rises in Burma after attack of Cyclone Nargis

Burmese Government finally allows more international aid in as death toll continues to rise

Following the onslaught of Cyclone Nargis in Burma last week, the United Nations estimates that the death toll may now be 100,000 or even more. Burma's state media says 28,458 died and 33,416 are missing. Thousands of survivors are still at risk, lacking food, water and shelter. However foreign aid is severly restricted in Burma where the military junta has been in power for 46 years.

The junta regime which has renamed the country Myanmar, has tightened rules on transportation of supplies and materials and shown a distinct reluctance to accept foreign aid. The junta Miltary and police personnel have been carrying out rescue operations, however much more is needed to aid the cyclone victims. It is believed that foreign aid is a problem for the Burmese governement since the presence of large numbers of foreign aid workers and officials would be difficult to monitor. Aided by the international news media, they would undermine the regime’s efforts strictly to control what Burma’s citizens see, hear and, as far as possible, think. Millions could be exposed to what the regime calls ‘alien cultural influences’, leading in turn to social instability. In addition, the provision of clearly identifiable foreign aid packages would emphasise the regime’s own failure to provide assistance, and the country’s relative lack of development.

The junta is under heavy criticism for apparently failing to forewarn the communities in the cyclone’s path, which would have helped to reduce the impact of the Cyclone Nargis. Oxfam is warning the death toll could rise to 1.5 million unless survivors receive clean water and sanitation. A few days ago, the Burmese government made it clear that no aid would be accepted from the United States Government. However Burmese Foreign Minister Nyan Win has said on state TV that his government was ready to accept international assistance.

Aid shipments are now being prepared and today it was reported that the first US aid plane had landed on Burmese soil after the US spent days negotiating with Burma's military government to gain permission for the aircraft to land.The United States offered to increase aid offered if Burma agreed to allow a US team access to assess the situation. First Lady Laura Bush, who takes a special interest in Burma, urged Burma to accept $250,000 (£126,000) already allocated for emergency aid, and said more would be available if the team was allowed into the country.