Burma Democratic Concern says more lives are at risk in Burma due to cyclone Nargis

May 8, 2008 - PRLog -- Burma's five regions, Irrawaddy Division, Rangoon Division, Pegu Division, Mon State and Karen State, had hit with the cyclone Nargis blasting 120-150 mile per hour winds which smashed onto Burma on 2 and 3 May 2008. Irrawaddy Division had affected very severely. According to the latest information, more than 100,000 confirmed dead and likely to increase dead tolls and more than 40,000 people are still missing.

Half of the 50 million population of Burma was affected by the cyclone Nargis and 2% of the population become homeless overnight. Aftermath of the cyclone, now diarrhoea is spreading very quickly which could wipe out the survivals and the water-borne and mosquito infected diseases like typhoid, dengue fever and malaria are in serious concern. The unfortunate ones need clean water, health care and sanitation very desperately. International community is lined up for help but military government is reluctant to open the door.

"United Nations must do more to give the emergency assistance to the victims to take timely action in order to avoid unnecessary loss of more lives. Especially children and women are very vulnerable. We cannot wait another hours or days or months, but we need to take immediate action, now. Now is the time. We cannot overlook the urgency of situation. The world needs to make sure that the assistance does get to the people who need it cause the capacity they can give is lesser and the effected area is much larger. The military junta must fully co-operate with the international governments" said Myo Thein, director of Burma Democratic Concern in United Kingdom.

"The situation inside Burma is in urgent condition and the diarrhoea is spreading now in some area" added Myo Thein.

The junta announced that they will go ahead with the planned referendum on 10 May 2008 even in the midst of catastrophic disaster except from the worst hit forty-seven townships until 24 May 2008.

"The first thing junta must do is to give humanitarian assistance to the victims. Secondly, they need to help rebuild their lives to cope with this tragic event. Thirdly, they need to provide shelter. The whole country in shock and much traumatized by the cyclone and all they care for now is how to get on with the life. They don't want to vote for referendum while they are grieving. How come junta said the people are eagerly looking forward to the referendum? This is pathetic" said Kyaw Lin Oo, director of Burma Democratic Concern in Thailand.

The draft constitution is drawn unilaterally by military regime's hand-picked delegates and designed to perpetuate military rule in Burma.

For more information contact
Myo Thein
00 44 787 788 2386
[United Kingdom]

Khin Maung Win
001- 941-961-2622
[United States]

Kyaw Lin Oo
00 664107 9352
[Thailand]

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About Burma Democratic Concern:Burma Democratic Concern believes that the solution for the crisis of Burma is restoring democracy and rule of law. Burma Democratic Concern is equipped with participants who had political background and in depth knowledge of Burma issues.