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How can they do that?

Apr 26, 08 Comments

On May 3, 2008, Cyclone Nargis devastated Myanmar when winds of up to 150 mph touched land in the densely populated, rice-farming delta of the Irrawaddy Division.

More than 120,000 people are dead or missing. The United Nations projects that as many as 1 million were left homeless; and the World Health Organization "has received reports of malaria outbreaks in the worst-affected area."

Yet in the critical days following this disaster, Myanmar's regime complicated recovery efforts by delaying the entry of United Nations planes delivering medicine, food, and other supplies. Similarly, the government continues to reject the United States offer to provide much-needed assistance.

The Foreign Ministry stressed its capability in handling the aftermath of the cyclone and insisted that it was not ready to accept large-scale foreign assistance.

AP news stories state that foreign aid provided to disaster victims was modified to make it look like it came from the military regime, and state-run television continuously ran images of General Than Shwe (Myanmar's Head of State) ceremonially handing out disaster relief.

More than a week after the disaster, only one out of 10 people who are homeless, injured or threatened by disease and hunger have received some kind of aid.

How can a government be so stubborn? A Myanmar envoy has finally said that they are ready to accept aid and "speed up and strengthen our relief effort". But it's taken way too long, many people have already died, there are bodies everywhere, and thousands of people are starving. Not to mention the many disease outbreaks due to the lack of adequate water and sanitation.

Yet, this is not the first time we see something like this. This happened in US after the Katrina Hurricane. Bush's government did not send any help until a few days later, as far as I remember. I hope there comes a day when helping people in need does not depend on government's reaction.

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