A comparison of satellite images of Myanmar’s Hainggyi Island before and after Cyclone Nargis on May 2. The top image was taken in late 2004, while the bottom one on May 5, 2008. It’s total destruction.
The cyclone made landfall in Myanmar on May 2, sending a storm surge 40 kilometres up the densely populated Irrawaddy delta. It’s estimated that 60,000-100,000 people have lost their lives, and many still missing.
Non existent relief effort
At least 1.5 million people are affected and required immediate aid. And sadly the country’s military government is blocking international help despite clearly incapable of handling the relieve efforts by themselves.
It’s only until two days ago, a week after the disaster, that they allowed food and medical supplies to pass the border. They are not allowing aid workers to go in though, which is creating other issues.
My friend who works with a Malaysian NGO said that many organisations have doubts over the locals’ ability to distribute to those in dire need. But I guess they have no choice but to hand over the supplies at the border to the military.
You can’t stop a natural disaster, but it’s a crime to deal with the aftermath like the Myanmar government. I hope this won’t turn into a human-made catastrophe.
