2,000 villages, 1.7 million people flooded by Cyclone Nargis

New research by the Burma Campaign UK today reveals that nearly 2000 villages are flooded in Burma following Cyclone Nargis.

The Burma Campaign UK today expressed serious concern for the victims of Cyclone Nargis. “The situation in these villages is critical,”, said Johnny Chatterton, Campaigns Officer at the Burma Campaign UK. “This is a humanitarian disaster; villagers are facing their fifth day without shelter, water, food or healthcare. If aid teams do not reach these areas immediately, more could die from hunger and disease than died during the cyclone itself.”

Analysis of UNOSAT satellite imagery by the Burma Campaign UK has revealed that 1.7 million people, living in 1,891 villages were flooded by the cyclone. 1133 villages in the Irrawaddy delta region alone were flooded. This region bore the brunt of the storm, experiencing winds of over 190Km/h and an estimated storm surge of 3.5m.

Obstruction by the regime continues to hamper the relief effort; relief teams are being blocked from entering the country as they are forced to wait for visas to be approved. Even when aid teams enter the country there is no guarantee that they will be able to get to the worst affected areas; the regime has in the past insisted that aid workers give two weeks’ notice before leaving the former capital, Rangoon.

“The regime has to stop blocking the relief effort, 1.7 million people in flooded areas are having to cope with this disaster alone. The international community cannot stand by and let this happen. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon must go to Burma and insist that aid teams have unrestricted access immediately.” said Johnny Chatterton.

For more information contact Johnny Chatterton, Campaigns Officer at the Burma Campaign UK, on 020 7324 4714

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Editors’ Notes: UNOSAT Satellite imagery and videos showing the flooded areas can be viewed at http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/cyclonenargis.php

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