Aid workers waiting for visas
2008-05-06 14:48
Geneva - The UN said on Tuesday that Myanmar has signalled it will welcome aid supplies for victims of a devastating cyclone, clearing the way for a major relief operation by UN and other organisations waiting to move in a day after the storm.
But spokesperson Elisabeth Byrs said UN workers planning to assess needs are still awaiting their visas to enter the country.
The United Nations' emergency relief co-ordinator issued a statement saying, "The government of Myanmar has indicated that they are open to international assistance."
"I am ready to allocate a significant amount from the CERF (Central Emergency Fund) as the most urgent needs become clear," said UN Undersecretary-General John Holmes.
The UN, Red Cross and other aid organisations have been organising supplies in preparation for shipping them to the country.
1m homeless
Officials in Myanmar say more than 15 000 people were killed in the storm and that the death toll could soar. They say as many as a million people have been left homeless.
"The UN country team in Myanmar reports that urgent needs for those affected by this crisis include shelter, water purification tablets, cooking sets, mosquito nets, emergency health kits and food," said the Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Byrs said a United Nations disaster assessment team was ready to join UN officials already in Myanmar, also known as Burma, as soon as they receive visas.
"Obtaining information on the geographical impact of the storm and on populations affected has been a major challenge because of lack of communications," the UN said. "Roads have been blocked by debris or flooded, and telephone lines cut."
It said the combined total population of the declared disaster areas is estimated at 24 million.
A number of countries have announced initial aid contributions.
- AP