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Cyclone death toll reaches thousands |
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Written by Islamic Times
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Tuesday, 06 May 2008 |
The death toll from a devastating cyclone in Burma has reached more than 25,000 and may be more than 50,000, the country's foreign minister has said.
Earlier, national radio had put the figure at 3,934 killed with 2,879 missing - a leap from the initial figure of 351 dead.
Up to five regions have been declared disaster zones after the cyclone, packing winds of up to 120mph, ripped through Burma's south-west.
World Vision spokesman James East told reporters he was not surprised that the figure had changed from a few hundred to several thousand.
"I think one of the challenges in developing countries is access," he said.
"We know that the south-west is very remote and difficult to get to.
"But I think you'll find that as people are moving trees and getting into areas, the death toll will rise."
He added the disaster could impact on world food prices, with huge rice crop losses across the region.
Aid agencies have been struggling to mop up following the category three cyclone.
A UN spokesman said hundreds of thousands of people had been left without shelter and drinking water.
The spokesman said getting water to those who need it was the main priority for aid groups.
"Even in the capital, there is no water, and there is no power. We know that across the south-west that is going to be the case," he said.
The Red Cross said it had teams distributing essential supplies and would bring in more from Malaysia as soon as possible.
"We're distributing supplies for those who need shelter, plastic sheeting to cover roofs, water purification tablets," spokesman Michael Annear said
"We are currently procuring 5,000 litres of water, cooking items, bednets, blankets and clothes for those in most need."
However, foreign aid workers are severely restricted in Burma, where the military junta has been in power for 46 years.
The junta, which renamed the country Myanmar, has tightened rules on the transport of supplies and materials.
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