Myanmar - cyclone death toll exceeds 10,000

Myanmar - Water is becoming scarce [ITN]

The death toll in Myanmar has risen above 10,000 according to state media in the Asian country hit by a devastating cyclone on Saturday. Scenes of the destruction show extensive flooding, boats on their sides in Yangon harbor, roofs ripped off buildings, uprooted trees and downed power lines. Cyclone Nargis swept through the Irrawaddy delta with 241 km/h winds throughout Friday night and Saturday morning, dumping 50 cm of rain. The U.S. Embassy in Myanmar has issued a "disaster declaration" in the country and authorized the release of $250,000 for cyclone relief efforts, Deputy State Department spokesman Tom Casey said Monday.
A disaster relief team is standing by, Casey said, but the Myanmar government had not given permission for the team to enter the country. A United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination team is also on stand-by to assist the government in responding to humanitarian needs if required.
World Vision spokesman James East told Sky News 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. Mr East says 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."

On the ground there are widespread power outages and fuel is in short supply and what is available is more than $5 per litre. Clean water is also scare and there are fears that disease may follow. A state of emergency was declared Sunday across five regions; the city of Yangon, Irrawaddy, Pegu and the states of Karen and Mon. All flights to Yangon, the former capital, were also cancelled. According to one resident who spoke to the BBC more than 75% of Rangoon, now known as Yangon, had been devastated by the cyclone.

Few television crews are able to operate in the country but ITN managed to shoot pictures of some of the devastation. The report on ITV News described the dire situation many of the population faced and showed people selling water and petrol on the streets.
CNN has shown much in depth coverage of events in the country but they like most foreign news organisations are unable to operate in Myanmar which is ruled by a military junta.