Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yangon (Agenzia Fides) - Since May 12, planes have begun to arrive with more frequency, bringing aid to the people suffering the aftermath effects of Cyclone Nargis for 10 days. Myanmar authorities decided to maintain the borders open to foreign aid, including to the United States, whose first shipment arrived yesterday in the ex-Burman territory. The same occurred with several non-governmental organizations, as well. They are able to remain active despite restrictions placed on the foreign personnel of the international organizations.
In the area of the Irrawaddy Delta, the situation continues to be chaotic. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their homes, dangers of the spread of diseases from water contamination, and the land is completely devastated. According to UNICEF, with numerous personnel present in Myanmar, the biggest danger for children are the epidemics of cholera and dysentery, caused by water contamination, in addition to the malaria and dengue fever, which are both endemic diseases in Myanmar.
Differing statistics continue to be given regarding the victim toll of the Cyclone. For the military regime, the number would be some 32,000 dead and 30,000 unaccounted for...a total of 60,000 people. The United Nations, correcting their statistics from a few days ago, say that there is a possibility of between 60-100,000 dead and missing. Which ever the reality may be, the truth is that the dramatic toll, although uncertain, is nearing a very high number: nearly 100,000 people. Only with the passing of time, the complete recession of the water, the return of survivors, and the accumulation of information from different sources in the territory will be able to offer the opportunity necessary for making a precise assessment of what has occurred and continues occurring in Myanmar. Those implied and affected by the cyclone, to a greater or lesser degree, will be a total of a million and a half, according to the most important international aid agencies.
In the meantime, the United States is participating in the aid effort with ever-growing intensity. The White House announced the deployment of two more planes that will be sent with supplies, medicine, and first aid materials, worth some 13 million dollars. There is a timid and yet significant openness on the part of Myanmar’s authorities, in efforts to alleviate sufferings caused by this “terrible tragedy,” as the Pope said in referring to the south-Asian country’s situation. The White House expressed its content with this first step and announced that in coming days it will try to obtain authorization for further expeditions.
In the meantime, the European Union is also working to guarantee aid for the Asian country. A few days ago, as well, the Apostolic Delegate of Myanmar, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, visited the areas devastated by Cyclone Nargis (see Fides 12/5/2008), bringing with him the Pope’s message of solidarity and closeness. Among those missing are a priest and a religious sister and there are also churches and religious institutions that have been damaged in greater and lesser degrees. (Mtp) (Agenzia Fides 13/05/2008 - righe 39, parole 494)
