Cyclone death toll expected to rise much higher in Myanmar

Source: CCTV.com | 05-09-2008 13:42

The United Nations estimates 1.5 million people in Myanmar as having been severely affected by Cyclone Nargis. Meanwhile, Myanmar says the disaster has killed over 22,000 people. But many expect the death toll will be much higher because of poor sanitation and lack of food and drinking water.

The Mae Sot crossing linking Thailand and Myanmar was busy on Thursday, as people affected by the cyclone continued to pour into Thailand to buy food and supplies.

This monk living in Yangon says the situation there is very bad.

A monk living in Yangon said, "There is no electricity and we lack food and water to use and drink. I didn't shower before now because I was afraid I would become sick from the water."

UN officials estimate as many as one million people were left homeless in Myanmar by the disaster.

Reconstruction has begun, but many survivors lack food, drinking water and money to rebuild their homes.

42-year-old mother Daw Ray said, "We only have food for this morning. From this evening we will not have any more food."

Myanmar's government issued an appeal for international assistance after the storm struck over the weekend.

However, international frustrations are growing, as only limited progress has been made in granting visas and easing access regulations.

Myanmar's state media says Cyclone Nargis killed at least 22,980 people and left more than 42-thousand missing, mostly in the hardest-hit Irrawaddy delta.

However, some locals and foreign diplomats in the country say lack of safe food and drinking water could push the death toll above 100,000.

Editor:Zhang Ning