Myanmar Cyclone death toll crosses 22,000

Both Myanmar government and the United Nations have confirmed that 22,000 people have been killed so far in the devastating Cyclone Nargis. Over 40,000 people are still missing. Thousands of people have been rendered homeless and they are struggling to find food, water and shelter.

Ironically, foreign aid agencies are still waiting for permission from the Military Junta in Myanmar to carry out rescue and relief operations. The Junta insisted foreign aid teams would have to negotiate with them before being allowed to operate on Myanmar soil.

The United States has urged the military government to allow their workers to help the needy people in Myanmar, but it was rejected by the Junta. The UN World Food Program has begun distributing 800 tonnes of food to the worst-affected areas. However, most areas still remain cut off due to flooding and damage to roads.