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Sunday, May 11, 2008

Reuters: Situation for Burmese people "grows worse"

It's hard to comprehend the devastation that occurred from the typhoon that hit Myanmar last week. But, the response has been beyond appalling. The brutal regime that governs the country actually held elections this weekend -- against the backdrop of unbelievable horrors affecting the Burmese people. And, Reuters reports the situation is deteriorating:

Desperate survivors of Cyclone Nargis headed out of Myanmar's Irrawaddy delta in search of food, water and medicine, but aid workers said on Sunday that thousands will die if emergency supplies don't get through soon.

Buddhist temples and schools on the outskirts of the storm's trail of destruction are now makeshift refugee centers.

The U.N. humanitarian agency said in a new assessment that between 1.2 million and 1.9 million were struggling to survive in the aftermath of the storm that struck eight days ago.

"Given the gravity of the situation including the lack of food and water, some partners have reported fears for security, and violent behavior in the most severely afflicted areas," the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said.

It said "the number of deaths could range from 63,290 to 101,682, and 220,000 people are reported to be missing". It said "acute environmental issues" posed a threat to life and health.

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