Burma EXPO 2008

The UN has sharply increased its estimate of those severely affected by Burma’s cyclone to 2.5m people.

The figure was revised up from the 1.5m previously thought to be in need, following the storm 12 days ago.

Since Cyclone Nargis struck, hardly any foreign aid workers have been allowed into Burma to hand out relief supplies.

Latest Burmese official figures put the death toll at almost 38,500 with 27,838 more missing but the Red Cross warned as many as 128,000 could be dead.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he “regretted” the UN had spent more time arranging rather than delivering help, amid claims of stonewalling by the junta.

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The death toll from Burma’s devastating cyclone has now risen to more than 22,000, state media have said.

Another 41,000 are missing three days after Cyclone Nargis hit the country, causing a huge tidal surge to sweep inland, according to state radio.

The report came as aid agencies begin what they expect to be a major relief operation to help hundreds of thousands left without clean water and shelter.

Burma’s government has been criticised over its handling of the crisis.

A number of Burmese nationals and some foreigners have said they had not been properly warned by the country’s military leaders about the approaching storm.

Some witnesses have also said the government’s response to the disaster has so far been slow and inadequate.

US President George W Bush has urged the military leadership to give access to American disaster assessment teams, saying his country was ready to use its navy “to help find the missing, to help stabilise the situation”.

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The Burmese military junta might come to an end soon as they give the Burmese citizens a chance to participate in  constitutional referendum. They will give them a chance to participate in the political process.

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 The military junta which runs Burma is taking new steps to tighten its already fearful grip on the country. About a month or two ago, the Burmese military junta made an announcement. (to be continued)

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