Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yangon (Agenzia Fides) - With the passing of each day, the number of victims from Cyclone Nargis, which hit Myanmar May 2 and 3, continues to mount. Although there are various statistics, from those offered by the authorities to those from international agencies, all the estimates are on their way up. According to sources from Caritas and the local Church, the death toll must be around 63,000 to 100,000, while those affected by the cyclone, between 1.2 and 1.9 million. Of these, only 145,000 have been helped by the aid sent in and can at least sleep on a plastic tarp. There are still areas that have not yet been reached by relief workers, and in some rural areas there are reports of violence and sacking due to the lack of food, local Church sources say.
The military authorities of the country spread various estimates: 38,491 dead and 27,838 missing. This is a statistic a bit higher than those issued by the government (34,273 dead). However, as time goes by and the waters begin to recess, the category of “missing” looses force, as now the problem is simply finding the corpses. The Red Cross, for example, has estimated somewhere between 68,833 and 127,990 dead. The population affected by the cyclone could reach 2.5 million.
In Yangon, the most important city in the country, the situation continues to be in critical conditions, in spite of the fact that it had reported an improvement. According to sources from the local Church, the streets have been cleaned, and the major problems have come from the lack of fuel, in spite of all the army has cone in trying to distribute it at a lower cost. In fact, the line for fuel can last up to 4 hours. The lack of drinking water and electricity continues to be a serious cause for concern, as they are both highly necessary goods that are practically non-existent. Within the country working are 16 international agencies, Caritas among them, who are trying to reach the most isolated areas in the country. The problem is guaranteeing that the NGOs and the local organizations, in the most far-off areas, can effectively distribute aid. Training courses are currently being offered to local personnel, with this goal in mind.
There is nothing new related to the spread of epidemics. The emergency situation is extreme, as the corpses are beginning to decompose. However, the sanitary situation seems to be under control still. And yet, the time of incubation for some diseases should be considered, as sometimes they begin to show signs days and weeks later. (Mtp) (Agenzia Fides 15/5/2008; righe 30, parole 431)
