Monday, May 4, 2009

ONE YEAR AFTER, VISTIMS OF NARGIS ARE STILL SUFFERING BECAUSE OF THE CRUEL REGIME


"Considerable needs remain," said the United Nations in a statement, as it sought 691 million dollars to fund another three years of assistance.

"Continued support and engagement by the international community must be ensured for years to come," said UN Resident Coordinator Bishow Parajuli.

Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar on the afternoon of May 2 with wind speeds reaching 240 kilometres (150 miles) an hour and storm surges up to four metres high.

The storm left 138,000 people dead or missing and some 2.4 million people in dire need, but emergency aid was stymied by the ruling junta's early refusal to grant access to humanitarian workers and supplies.

In late May UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon brokered a deal that allowed a tripartite group of officials from the UN, Myanmar's government and regional bloc ASEAN to coordinate aid deliveries to the delta.

But long-term shelter, cash to replenish lost assets and further food supplies are all critical to the future survival of the delta's residents, aid workers said.

"In rural places where the cyclone hit first and hardest, frankly very little recovery has taken place," said Andrew Kirkwood, country director for Save the Children in Yangon.

The UN estimates 10.2 million dollars in funding is urgently required for shelter materials before the monsoon season begins, including about 50 storm shelters.

The US State Department said in a statement it hoped aid would continue to be allowed to flow into Myanmar.

"We express our firm hope that the Burmese government will continue to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Burmese people in the affected area," said spokesman Robert Wood, using the country's former name.

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