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EarthRights International Staff in Asia 

What may turn out to be the worst natural disaster in Burma’s history struck this past week, when Cyclone Nargis reigned devastation on the former capital, Rangoon as well as the Irrawaddy River Delta and parts of Pegu Division, Karen State, and Mon State. Initial reports of a few hundred deaths have risen to over 20,000, and unconfirmed information from inside Burma  Over a million have been left without shelter, food and other necessities, and reports of bodies being dumped into rivers and whole towns wiped out underscore the severity and desperate conditions facing those affected. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this horrible tragedy. indicates that number will increase dramatically as access to cut-off areas is slowly restored.

While the ruling military regime in Burma has been criticized over its handling of the crisis - from insufficient warnings of the on-coming storm to a slow and inadequate response - the world community must focus on those currently suffering in Burma.  The reclusive State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), has indicated it will accept international assistance, but visa restrictions continue to slow the delivery of aid, with the United Nations humanitarian affairs coordinator, Rashid Khalikov appealing on Wednesday to the SPDC to drop burdensome visa requirements.