Cyclone Nargis: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 16°03′01″N 94°48′32″E / 16.05028°N 94.80889°E / 16.05028; 94.80889
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m rewording
No edit summary
Line 15: Line 15:
| Damages=10000
| Damages=10000
| Inflated=
| Inflated=
| Fatalities=at least 140,000 (dead or missing).<ref>[http://uk.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUKBKK15852620080624 Myanmar cyclone toll rises to 138,000 dead, missing | Reuters<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name="cnn16">[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/16/myanmar.ap/index.html http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/16/myanmar.ap/index.html - CNN International - CNN.com]</ref><ref name="msnbc1">[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24556229/ Myanmar junta warns against hoarding cyclone aid - MSNBC Wire Services - MSNBC.com]</ref><ref name="AP 05-11">{{citeweb |url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i5BmBVJ7_pSe4sXJMmFtspzgPrgQD90ITJ5O0 |title=Referendum in Myanmar likely to solidify junta's power |last= |first= |date=2008-05-11 |publisher=The Press Association |accessdate=2008-05-11}}</ref><ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/21/myanmar/index.html U.N. chief: Focus for Myanmar turns to reconstruction - CNN.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/EDIS-7GMLSC?OpenDocument ReliefWeb » Document » Myanmar: Cyclone Nargis OCHA Situation Report No. 40<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
| Fatalities=at least around 146,000 (dead or missing).<ref>[http://uk.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUKBKK15852620080624 Myanmar cyclone toll rises to 138,000 dead, missing | Reuters<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name="cnn16">[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/16/myanmar.ap/index.html http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/16/myanmar.ap/index.html - CNN International - CNN.com]</ref><ref name="msnbc1">[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24556229/ Myanmar junta warns against hoarding cyclone aid - MSNBC Wire Services - MSNBC.com]</ref><ref name="AP 05-11">{{citeweb |url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i5BmBVJ7_pSe4sXJMmFtspzgPrgQD90ITJ5O0 |title=Referendum in Myanmar likely to solidify junta's power |last= |first= |date=2008-05-11 |publisher=The Press Association |accessdate=2008-05-11}}</ref><ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/21/myanmar/index.html U.N. chief: Focus for Myanmar turns to reconstruction - CNN.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/EDIS-7GMLSC?OpenDocument ReliefWeb » Document » Myanmar: Cyclone Nargis OCHA Situation Report No. 40<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
| Areas=[[Bangladesh]], [[Burma]], [[India]], [[Sri Lanka]]
| Areas=[[Bangladesh]], [[Burma]], [[India]], [[Sri Lanka]]
| Hurricane season=[[2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
| Hurricane season=[[2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
}}
}}
'''Cyclone Nargis''' ([[Joint Typhoon Warning Center|JTWC]] designation: '''''01B''''', also known as '''Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Nargis'''), was a strong [[tropical cyclone]] that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of [[Burma]] (officially known as Myanmar).<ref>[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23664740-12377,00.html "80,000 dead in one Burma province"], ''[[The Australian]]'', May 8, 2008</ref> The cyclone made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] in the country on [[May 2]], [[2008]], causing catastrophic destruction and at least 130,000&nbsp;fatalities with thousands more people still missing.<ref name="BBC 05-16">{{citeweb |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7405260.stm |title= Burma death toll jumps to 78,000 |last= |first= |date=2008-05-16 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=2008-05-17}}</ref> However, although the [[Labutta Township]] ''alone'' was reported to have 80,000 dead, with about 10,000 more deaths in [[Bogale]]; and many other deaths were found in other towns and areas, the Burmese government's official death toll is grossly underreported as they have simply stopped counting the dead to minimize political fallout. It is feared and quite possible that due to lack of relief efforts, a total of a million people already have or will die from this catastrophe.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3911696.ece Aid trickles into Burma, but toll 'could reach 1 million if disease set in]</ref> Damage is estimated at over $10&nbsp;billion ([[United States dollar|USD]]), which made it the most damaging cyclone ever recorded in this [[tropical cyclone basins|basin]]. <ref name="TorontoStar0519">{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com/article/427381|title= Asian bloc to handle Burma aid|last=|first=|date=[[May 19]], [[2008]]|publisher=[[Toronto Star]]|accessdate=2008-05-19}}</ref>
'''Cyclone Nargis''' ([[Joint Typhoon Warning Center|JTWC]] designation: '''''01B''''', also known as '''Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Nargis'''), was a strong [[tropical cyclone]] that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of [[Burma]] (officially known as Myanmar).<ref>[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23664740-12377,00.html "80,000 dead in one Burma province"], ''[[The Australian]]'', May 8, 2008</ref> The cyclone made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] in the country on [[May 2]], [[2008]], causing catastrophic destruction and at least 146,000&nbsp;fatalities with thousands more people still missing.<ref name="BBC 05-16">{{citeweb |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7405260.stm |title= Burma death toll jumps to 78,000 |last= |first= |date=2008-05-16 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=2008-05-17}}</ref> However, although the [[Labutta Township]] ''alone'' was reported to have 80,000 dead, with about 10,000 more deaths in [[Bogale]]; and many other deaths were found in other towns and areas, the Burmese government's official death toll is grossly underreported as they have simply stopped counting the dead to minimize political fallout. It is feared and quite possible that due to lack of relief efforts, a total of a million people already have or will die from this catastrophe.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3911696.ece Aid trickles into Burma, but toll 'could reach 1 million if disease set in]</ref> Damage is estimated at over $10&nbsp;billion ([[United States dollar|USD]]), which made it the most damaging cyclone ever recorded in this [[tropical cyclone basins|basin]]. <ref name="TorontoStar0519">{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com/article/427381|title= Asian bloc to handle Burma aid|last=|first=|date=[[May 19]], [[2008]]|publisher=[[Toronto Star]]|accessdate=2008-05-19}}</ref>


Nargis is the deadliest [[Tropical cyclone naming|named cyclone]] in the [[List of North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons|North Indian Ocean Basin]], as well as the second deadliest named cyclone of all time, behind [[Typhoon Nina (1975)|Typhoon Nina]] of [[1975 Pacific typhoon season|1975]]. Including unnamed storms like the [[1970 Bhola cyclone]], Nargis is the 8th deadliest cyclone of all time, but an uncertainty between the deaths caused by Nargis and those caused by other cyclones (like the [[1991 Bangladesh cyclone]]), could put Nargis as 7th deadliest or higher, because the exact death toll is unknown. Nargis was the first tropical cyclone to strike the country since [[Cyclone Mala]] made landfall in [[2006 North Indian Ocean cyclone season|2006]], which was slightly stronger, but had a significantly lower impact.
Nargis is the deadliest [[Tropical cyclone naming|named cyclone]] in the [[List of North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons|North Indian Ocean Basin]], as well as the second deadliest named cyclone of all time, behind [[Typhoon Nina (1975)|Typhoon Nina]] of [[1975 Pacific typhoon season|1975]]. Including unnamed storms like the [[1970 Bhola cyclone]], Nargis is the 8th deadliest cyclone of all time, but an uncertainty between the deaths caused by Nargis and those caused by other cyclones (like the [[1991 Bangladesh cyclone]]), could put Nargis as 7th deadliest or higher, because the exact death toll is unknown. Nargis was the first tropical cyclone to strike the country since [[Cyclone Mala]] made landfall in [[2006 North Indian Ocean cyclone season|2006]], which was slightly stronger, but had a significantly lower impact.
Line 52: Line 52:
At least 10,000 people have been reported to have perished in the delta town of [[Bogale]] alone.<ref name="Reuters India 080506">{{cite news |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-33421920080506?sp=true |title=Cyclone kills 10,000 in one Myanmar town, aid promised |work=Reuters India |first=Aung Hla |last=Tun |date=2008-05-06 |accessdate=2008-05-08}}</ref>
At least 10,000 people have been reported to have perished in the delta town of [[Bogale]] alone.<ref name="Reuters India 080506">{{cite news |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-33421920080506?sp=true |title=Cyclone kills 10,000 in one Myanmar town, aid promised |work=Reuters India |first=Aung Hla |last=Tun |date=2008-05-06 |accessdate=2008-05-08}}</ref>


Nargis was the deadliest tropical cyclone worldwide since the [[1991 Bangladesh cyclone]], which killed over 138,000 people. One aid worker has claimed that the death toll from the cyclone and its aftermath may reach 300,000; if this is correct, Nargis would be the 2nd deadliest cyclone ever, and the fourth deadliest natural disaster, behind the Yellow river floods and the Bhola Cyclone in Bangladesh.<ref>[http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/uk-and-international-news/2008/05/18/scots-aid-worker-predicts-burma-cyclone-death-toll-will-reach-300-000-78057-20420870/ Scots aid worker predicts Burma cyclone death toll will reach 300,000 - The Sunday Mail<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Nargis was the deadliest tropical cyclone worldwide since the [[1970 Bhola cyclone]], which killed nearly 500,000 people. One aid worker has claimed that the death toll from the cyclone and its aftermath may reach 300,000; if this is correct, Nargis would be the 2nd deadliest cyclone ever, and the fourth deadliest natural disaster, behind the Yellow river floods and the Bhola Cyclone in Bangladesh.<ref>[http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/uk-and-international-news/2008/05/18/scots-aid-worker-predicts-burma-cyclone-death-toll-will-reach-300-000-78057-20420870/ Scots aid worker predicts Burma cyclone death toll will reach 300,000 - The Sunday Mail<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


Because Burma's military leaders did not count the full death toll from Nargis, leaving the area shortly after it hit, and the fact that thousands more people are still missing or washed out at sea, it is feared up to 1&nbsp;million people may have died in this disaster. If this proves to be the case, Nargis would be the deadliest cyclone ever recorded, and the third deadliest natural disaster ever recorded in history, behind the Yellow River floods of 1887 and 1931 in China. It is now thought that thousands of victims will never be known because their bodies are unidentifiable because of [[decomposition|decay]], and because bodies have been found as far as 6km from their place of residence.<ref name="CNN June 8">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/06/08/myanmar.bodies.ap/index.html#cnnSTCText|title=Myanmar cyclone dead will 'never' be identified|date=2008-06-08|accessdate=2008-07-01|publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref>
Because Burma's military leaders did not count the full death toll from Nargis, leaving the area shortly after it hit, and the fact that thousands more people are still missing or washed out at sea, it is feared up to 1&nbsp;million people may have died in this disaster. If this proves to be the case, Nargis would be the deadliest cyclone ever recorded, and the third deadliest natural disaster ever recorded in history, behind the Yellow River floods of 1887 and 1931 in China. It is now thought that thousands of victims will never be known because their bodies are unidentifiable because of [[decomposition|decay]], and because bodies have been found as far as 6km from their place of residence. The final death toll from Nargis is at least 146,000, because there were 90,000 people confirmed dead at one point, and 56,000 other people were missing, but theye were never found since it struck, so it is assumed that these 56,000 missing people were killed, and thus, it's death toll will exeed that of the 1991 storm and make it the deadliest since the 1970 storm.<ref name="CNN June 8">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/06/08/myanmar.bodies.ap/index.html#cnnSTCText|title=Myanmar cyclone dead will 'never' be identified|date=2008-06-08|accessdate=2008-07-01|publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref>


Andrew Kirkwood, country director of the British charity [[Save The Children]], stated: "We're looking at 50,000 dead and millions of homeless, I'd characterise it as unprecedented in the history of Burma and on an order of magnitude with the effect of the [2004] tsunami on individual countries. There might well be more dead than the tsunami caused in [[Sri Lanka]]."<ref name="Times Online 05-07">{{citeweb |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3883123.ece |title=Burma cyclone: up to 50,000 dead and millions homeless, but still no call for aid |last=Denby |first=Kenneth |date=2008-05-07 |publisher=The Times |accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> Foreign aid workers estimate that 2 to 3&nbsp;million are homeless, in the worst disaster in Burma's history, whose total damage is comparable to that of the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|2004 Indian Ocean tsunami]].
Andrew Kirkwood, country director of the British charity [[Save The Children]], stated: "We're looking at 50,000 dead and millions of homeless, I'd characterise it as unprecedented in the history of Burma and on an order of magnitude with the effect of the [2004] tsunami on individual countries. There might well be more dead than the tsunami caused in [[Sri Lanka]]."<ref name="Times Online 05-07">{{citeweb |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3883123.ece |title=Burma cyclone: up to 50,000 dead and millions homeless, but still no call for aid |last=Denby |first=Kenneth |date=2008-05-07 |publisher=The Times |accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> Foreign aid workers estimate that 2 to 3&nbsp;million are homeless, in the worst disaster in Burma's history, whose total damage is comparable to that of the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|2004 Indian Ocean tsunami]].

Revision as of 13:19, 23 August 2008

16°03′01″N 94°48′32″E / 16.05028°N 94.80889°E / 16.05028; 94.80889

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Nargis
Extremely severe cyclonic storm (IMD scale)
Category 4 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Cyclone Nargis on May 1 as a category 2 storm
FormedApril 27 2008
DissipatedMay 3, 2008
Highest winds3-minute sustained: 165 km/h (105 mph)
1-minute sustained: 215 km/h (135 mph)
Lowest pressure≤ 962 hPa (mbar); 28.41 inHg
Fatalitiesat least around 146,000 (dead or missing).[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Damage$10 billion (2008 USD)
Areas affectedBangladesh, Burma, India, Sri Lanka
Part of the 2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season

Cyclone Nargis (JTWC designation: 01B, also known as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Nargis), was a strong tropical cyclone that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Burma (officially known as Myanmar).[7] The cyclone made landfall in the country on May 2, 2008, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 146,000 fatalities with thousands more people still missing.[8] However, although the Labutta Township alone was reported to have 80,000 dead, with about 10,000 more deaths in Bogale; and many other deaths were found in other towns and areas, the Burmese government's official death toll is grossly underreported as they have simply stopped counting the dead to minimize political fallout. It is feared and quite possible that due to lack of relief efforts, a total of a million people already have or will die from this catastrophe.[9] Damage is estimated at over $10 billion (USD), which made it the most damaging cyclone ever recorded in this basin. [10]

Nargis is the deadliest named cyclone in the North Indian Ocean Basin, as well as the second deadliest named cyclone of all time, behind Typhoon Nina of 1975. Including unnamed storms like the 1970 Bhola cyclone, Nargis is the 8th deadliest cyclone of all time, but an uncertainty between the deaths caused by Nargis and those caused by other cyclones (like the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone), could put Nargis as 7th deadliest or higher, because the exact death toll is unknown. Nargis was the first tropical cyclone to strike the country since Cyclone Mala made landfall in 2006, which was slightly stronger, but had a significantly lower impact.

Relief efforts were slowed for political reasons as Burma's military rulers initially resisted aid. U.S. President George W. Bush said that an angry world should condemn the way Burma's military rulers are handling the aftermath of a catastrophic cyclone.[11] Burma's ruling party finally accepted aid a few days after India's request was accepted.[12] Furthermore hampering the relief effort was the unfortunate fact that only ten days after the cyclone nearby central China was hit by a massive earthquake, known as the Sichuan earthquake which measured 7.9 in magnitude and it alone has taken 69,136 lives[citation needed], and caused 86 billion dollars in damage (USD), making it the costliest disaster in Chinese history and third costliest disaster worldwide. Furthermore, some donated aids were found to be available in the country's black market, and Myanmar's junta warned on May 15th that legal action would be taken against people who trade or hoard international aid.

The cyclone name "Nargis" (نرگس, IPA: næɵr-ɡɵs), is an Urdu word meaning daffodil, which has its roots in the Persian Nargess (given name), which has the same meaning.[13] The first named storm of the 2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Nargis developed on April 27 in the central area of Bay of Bengal. Initially it tracked slowly northwestward and, encountering favorable conditions, it quickly strengthened. Dry air weakened the cyclone on April 29, though after beginning a steady eastward motion Nargis rapidly intensified to attain peak winds of at least 165 km/h (105 mph) on May 2 according to IMD observations; the JTWC assessed peak winds of 215 km/h (135 mph), making it a weak Category 4 cyclone on the SSHS. The cyclone moved ashore in the Ayeyarwady Division of Burma at peak intensity and, after passing near the major city of Yangon (Rangoon), the storm gradually weakened until dissipating near the border of Burma and Thailand.

Storm history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

In the last week of April 2008, an area of deep convection persisted near a low-level circulation in the Bay of Bengal about 1150 km (715 mi) east-southeast of Chennai, India.[14] With good outflow and low wind shear, the system slowly organized as its circulation consolidated.[15] At 0300 UTC on April 27, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) classified the system as a depression,[16] and nine hours later the system intensified into a deep depression.[17] At the same time, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center classified it as Tropical Cyclone 01B. With a ridge to its north, the system tracked slowly north-northwestward as banding features improved.[18][19] At 0000 UTC, 5:30 AM Indian Standard Time, on April 28, the IMD upgraded the system to Cyclonic Storm Nargis while it was located about 550 km (340 mi) east of Chennai, India.[20]

On April 28 Nargis became nearly stationary while located between ridges to its northwest and southeast. That day the JTWC upgraded the storm to cyclone status, the equivalent of a minimal hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale.[21] Around the same time, the IMD upgraded Nargis to a severe cyclonic storm.[22] The cyclone developed a concentric eye feature, which is an eyewall outside the inner dominant eyewall,[23] with warm waters aiding in further intensification.[24] Early on April 29, the JTWC estimated Nargis reached winds of 160 km/h (100 mph),[25] and at the same time the IMD classified the system as a very severe cyclonic storm.[26] Initially, the cyclone was forecast to strike Bangladesh or southeastern India.[27][28] Subsequently, the cyclone became disorganized and weakened due to subsidence and drier air; as a result, deep convection near the center markedly decreased. At the same time, the storm began a motion to the northeast around the periphery of a ridge to its southeast.[29] The circulation remained strong despite the diminishing convection, though satellite intensity estimates using the Dvorak technique indicated the cyclone could have weakened to tropical storm status.[30] By late on April 29, convection had begun to rebuild,[31] though immediate restrengthening was prevented by increased wind shear.[32]

Satellite image of Nargis near landfall

On May 1, after turning nearly due eastward, Cyclone Nargis began rapidly intensifying, due to greatly improved outflow in association with an approaching upper-level trough.[33] Strengthening continued as it developed a well-defined eye with a diameter of 19 km (12 mi), and early on May 2 the JTWC estimated the cyclone reached peak winds of 215 km/h (135 mph) as it approached the coast of Burma, making it a Category 4 storm.[34] At the same time, the IMD assessed Nargis as attaining peak winds of 165 km/h (105 mph).[35] Around 1200 UTC on May 2, Cyclone Nargis made landfall in the Ayeyarwady Division of Burma at peak strength.[36] The storm gradually weakened as it procceded east over Burma, with its proximity to the Andaman Sea preventing rapid weakening. Its track turned to the northeast due to the approach of a mid-latitude trough to its northwest, passing just north of Yangon with winds of 130 km/h (80 mph).[37] Early on May 3 the IMD issued its final advisory on the storm.[38] It quickly weakened after turning to the northeast toward the rugged terrain near the Burma-Thailand border, and after deteriorating to minimal tropical storm status, the JTWC issued its last advisory on Nargis.[39]

Impact

Western Bay of Bengal

Rainfall rate from cyclone Nargis over Western Bay of Bengal, as measured by the TRMM

In Sri Lanka the cyclone produced heavy rainfall which led to flooding and landslides across ten districts in the country. The districts of Ratnapura and Kegalle were the most affected, where more than 3,000 families were displaced. Thousands of houses were flooded, with 21 reported destroyed. The rainfall left 4,500 people homeless,[40] and more than 35,000 people were affected on the island.[41] Three people were reported injured on the island, with two others dead.[40]

The India Meteorological Department recommended that fishermen should not sail on the ocean during the passage of Nargis. Strong waves and gusty winds were expected along the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coastline in India.[20] Additionally, the influence of the cyclone lowered temperatures along the Indian coastline, which had been affected by a severe heat wave.[42]

When the cyclone was originally expected to strike near Bangladesh, officials requested farmers to hurriedly finish harvesting the rice crop. At the time, the country was experiencing severe food shortages from Cyclone Sidr in the previous year and flooding earlier in the year, and a direct strike from Nargis would have resulted in destroyed crops due to strong winds.[43]

Burma (Myanmar)

Satellite photography of the Irrawaddy Delta before (top) and after (bottom) Nargis hit the area.

The United Nations estimated that 1.50 million people were "severely affected" by this cyclone.[44] Estimates of the people still missing are 55,917, with 77,738 confirmed dead.[45] Some non-governmental organizations estimating that the final toll will be over 100,000.[46] At least 10,000 people have been reported to have perished in the delta town of Bogale alone.[47]

Nargis was the deadliest tropical cyclone worldwide since the 1970 Bhola cyclone, which killed nearly 500,000 people. One aid worker has claimed that the death toll from the cyclone and its aftermath may reach 300,000; if this is correct, Nargis would be the 2nd deadliest cyclone ever, and the fourth deadliest natural disaster, behind the Yellow river floods and the Bhola Cyclone in Bangladesh.[48]

Because Burma's military leaders did not count the full death toll from Nargis, leaving the area shortly after it hit, and the fact that thousands more people are still missing or washed out at sea, it is feared up to 1 million people may have died in this disaster. If this proves to be the case, Nargis would be the deadliest cyclone ever recorded, and the third deadliest natural disaster ever recorded in history, behind the Yellow River floods of 1887 and 1931 in China. It is now thought that thousands of victims will never be known because their bodies are unidentifiable because of decay, and because bodies have been found as far as 6km from their place of residence. The final death toll from Nargis is at least 146,000, because there were 90,000 people confirmed dead at one point, and 56,000 other people were missing, but theye were never found since it struck, so it is assumed that these 56,000 missing people were killed, and thus, it's death toll will exeed that of the 1991 storm and make it the deadliest since the 1970 storm.[49]

Andrew Kirkwood, country director of the British charity Save The Children, stated: "We're looking at 50,000 dead and millions of homeless, I'd characterise it as unprecedented in the history of Burma and on an order of magnitude with the effect of the [2004] tsunami on individual countries. There might well be more dead than the tsunami caused in Sri Lanka."[50] Foreign aid workers estimate that 2 to 3 million are homeless, in the worst disaster in Burma's history, whose total damage is comparable to that of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Thousands of buildings were destroyed; in the town of Labutta, located in the Ayeyarwady Division, state television reported that 75 percent of buildings had collapsed and 20 percent had their roofs ripped off.[51] One report indicated that 95 percent of buildings in the Irrawaddy Delta area were destroyed.[52]

The Burmese government has formally declared five regions—Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Bago Divisions and Mon and Kayin States— as disaster areas.

File:USDS Nargis Aerial.jpg
An aerial view of devastation caused by Nargis as seen in Burma

A United Nations official commented on the situation as follows: "It's a bad situation. Almost all the houses are smashed. People are in a terrible situation," he said. Another UN official said that "The Irrawaddy delta was hit extremely hard not only because of the wind and rain but because of the storm surge." A diplomat in Rangoon told the Reuters news agency that the area around him looked like a 'war zone' as a result of the cyclone. Burst sewage mains caused the landscape to flood with waste, ruining the rice crop.[53]

The Daily Telegraph (UK) reported that food prices in Burma could be affected by this disaster.[54] Woradet Wirawekhin (th: วรเดช วีระเวคิน), Deputy Director General of Thailand's Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on 7 May 2008 that, in reference to a report submitted by Bansan Bunnak (th: บรรสาน บุนนาค), the Thai ambassador in Yangon, conditions in the city had deteriorated, and that most businesses and markets were closed. Mr.Wirawekhin also reported that the locals faced even more adversity in basic subsistence, because local food prices have increased two- or threefold.[clarification needed][55]

Aftermath

The most affected and most populous division of Burma, Ayeyarwady

International relief

On May 6, 2008, the Burma government representation in New York formally asked the United Nations for help, but in other ways it remains resistant to the most basic assistance.[50] As of May 7, 2008, the government of Burma has not officially endorsed international assistance, but stated that they are, "willing to accept international assistance, preferably bilateral, government to government." The biggest challenge at present is obtaining visas for entry into the country.

According to Thai Rath Newspaper of Thailand on 8 May 2008.[56] In the afternoon (Bangkok time) of 7 May 2008, the Burmese junta permitted Italian flights containing relief supplies from the United Nations, and twenty-five tonnes of consumable goods, to land in Burma. However, many nations and organizations hope to deliver assistance and relief to Burma without delay; most of their officials, supplies and stores are waiting in Thailand and at the Yangon airport, as the Burmese junta declines to issue visas for many of those individuals. These political tensions raise the concern that some food and medical supplies might become unusable, even before the Burmese junta officially accepts the international relief effort.

India

India, one of the few countries which maintains close relations with Burma, launched Operation Sahayata[57] under which two Indian Navy ships and two Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft supplied the first international relief material to the cyclone-hit country.[58] The two aircraft carried 4 tonnes of relief supplies each while the Indian Navy transported more than 100 tonnes of relief material.[59] On May 8, the IAF dispatched third air consignment carrying over 32 tonnes of relief material including tents, blankets and medicines.[60] India plans to send more aid to Burma.[61] In a separate development, Burma denied Indian search and rescue teams and media access to critical cyclone-hit areas.[62] India released a statement saying it had requested Burma to accept international aid especially that from the United States,[63] to which Burma agreed.[64][65] According to various reports, Indian authorities had warned Burma about the danger that Cyclone Nargis posed 48 hours before it hit the country's coast.[66] As of 16 May 2008, India's offer to send a team of 50 medical personnel to set up two independent mini-hospitals in the Irrawaddy delta has been accepted by the Myanmar government.[67][68] An aircraft carrying the team of doctors and approximately 6 tonnes of medicines was being prepared at Delhi's Palam Air Force Base.

Italy

Italy provided 465,000 euros (about $732,282) worth of aid in the form of 30 tons of emergency relief equipment, such as stretchers, generators, and water purifiers in a flight organized by the World Food Program. The flight arrived in Yangon on May 8th. This was the first aid flight from a Western nation, preceded only by aid from Thailand.[69][70]

In addition to this aid, the Italian government provided 500,000 euros through the World Food Program and 500,000 euros through funding to relief agencies through the UN. An additional 123,000 euros was provided through the Red Cross, as well as 300,000 euros worth of further financing for emergency equipment.

Malaysia

Malaysia is to channel US$1 million (RM3.2 million) in financial assistance and RM500,000 in humanitarian aid to Burma. Humanitarian aid would be transported by Hercules C130 and would include 5,000 blankets, 30 tents and RM100,000 worth of T-shirts, batik sarong, biscuits, instant noodles and medicines.[71] Mercy Malaysia, a volunteer relief organization in Malaysia, is sending a four-member relief team to Rangoon, Burma to assess the situation in the wake of Cyclone Nargis. They would start looking into areas such as shelter, clean water, sanitation and emergency medical treatment.[72] Mercy Malaysia has also trained 180 doctors from the Myanmar Medical Association in Yangon for deployment in the Irrawaddy Delta.[73] RM1.8mil collected for victims of Myanmar’s cyclone victims through The Star Myanmar Relief Fund and handed to Mercy Malaysia executive council member Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus. [74] A second Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) disaster relief team was sent to Myanmar on May 21, 2008. MRCS announced they will bring 2.5 tonnes of relief items, which include 1,000 blankets, 1,000 jerry cans, 1,000 mosquito nets, 500 mats, 7,000 mineral water bottles and 500 bags of health kits. [75]

Thailand

Thailand has sent $100,000 USD in supplies, thirty tonnes of medical supplies and twelve tonnes of food supplies from Thai Red Cross. Additionally, Chaiya Sasomsap, Minister of Public Health of Thailand, stated that the Government has already sent medical supplies valued more than one billion baht ($31.3 million) to Burma. Furthermore, the Government of Thailand dispatched, upon the permission of the Burmese junta, twenty medical teams and twenty quick communicable disease suppression units. Samak Sundaravej stated that "if Myanmar gives the green light allowing us to help, our Air Force will provide C-130 aircraft to carry our teams there. This should not be precipitately carried out, it has to have the permission of their government."[76] On 7 May 2008, the aforementioned units, with their subordinate airplanes, were permitted to land in Yangon, carrying drinking water and construction materials.[55]

United Kingdom

The largest pledged sum from any single nation was donated by the United Kingdom which committed ₤17 million (approx USD $33.5 million).[77] The UK's Department for International Development sent an international relief team to help with the co-ordination of the international relief effort. Another team from the same department is also on the ground inside Burma.[78] The Royal Navy dispatched HMS Westminster to the area to assist with relief effort. This ship was part of the Orion 08 group deployment but was detached on a contingency tasking.This mission was codenamed Operation Songster. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has remained extremely critical of the Burmese régime and hasn't ruled out violating Burmese sovereignty by carrying out "forced air-drops" to deliver aid.[79]

United States

US Air Force personnel deliver relief supplies to Burma

On May 5, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Burma Shari Villarosa declared a disaster due to the effects of Cyclone Nargis. In response, the U.S. Agency for International Development USAID deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and immediately provided $251,000 to UNICEF, WFP, and the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for emergency food, water and sanitation, and shelter assistance.

On May 6, an additional $3 million from USAID was allocated for the provision of emergency relief assistance, including $1 million to the American Red Cross and $2 million for NGO partners and on May 12, USAID Administrator Henrietta H. Fore announced $13 million in food aid and logistics assistance through the World Food Programme.

From May 12 to 20, USAID and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) coordinated the delivery of nearly $1.2 million of U.S. relief commodities to Rangoon on 36 DOD C-130 flights. The relief supplies will provide assistance to more than 113,000 beneficiaries. The DOD efforts were under the direction of Joint Task Force Caring Response. [80]

As of June 26, 2008, United States assistance has totaled $41,169,769 and continues to be directed by the USAID DART stationed in Thailand. [81]

Other relief efforts

On 15 May, the United Nations [OCHA] launched the Myanmar HIC website (http://myanmar.humanitarianinfo.org). The purpose the site is to improve information exchange and collaboration between operational agencies responding to Cyclone Nargis. Based in Bangkok, the HIC is providing support to the Humanitarian Partnership Team and other humanitarian partners in Yangon, as well as those based in Bangkok.

As of May 8, 2008, the Foundation for the People of Burma has a team on the ground in Rangoon and beyond providing direct assistance to thousands of refugees. Since this organization is administered by Buddhist volunteers and already has tacit permission from the Burmese government, all donations go directly for supplies. "Foundation for the People of Burma".

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has pledged $189,000 for relief.[82] The Federation has also launched an appeal of a further CHF73.9 million.[83] Red Cross spokesman Matt Cochrane said that cyclone survivors need everything. They need emergency shelter to keep them dry, including food supplies. He says stagnant waters are a perfect breeding ground for the malaria mosquito, so insecticide-treated nets are needed.[84] The Red Cross suffered a setback when a boat carrying supplies sank when it hit a submerged tree. Everyone aboard survived, but most of the cargo was lost.[85] Ten Red Cross/Red Crescent relief flights carrying medical and shelter supplies were due to land in Yangon on 12 May.[86]

Trocaire, has been active in Burma since 1995 and were the first Irish aid agency to gain access after Cyclone Nargis. Relief work has been conducted mainly through local partners and membership of the international federation, Caritas Internationalis. Trocaire has appealed for the focus of humanitarian work in Burma not to be lost in the wake of China's more recent earthquake. [87]

Save the Children, one of the few agencies allowed to work in Burma, said the toll would likely sharply grow in the next few days as help reaches isolated areas.[87] On May 18, it announced that it believed that thirty thousand children younger than five were already facing malnutrition and could starve in under a month if food does not reach them.[88]

Doctors without Borders - MSF landed a plane full of 40 tons of relief and medical supplies in Rangoon on Monday. After clearing customs the supplies were transferred to local MSF warehouses. They have approximately 200 workers in the region, many whom have been involved in long term projects there and were already in the region.[89]

World Vision has launched a US$3 million appeal and is seeking to get international aid into the country. Staff on the ground are working to distribute food, water and other non-food items while WV Myanmar managers are seeking approval from the government to work in the worst affected areas and to bring in aid from outside.[90]

Avaaz.org has raised over US$2 million for relief efforts in Burma, through over 25,062 individual donations. They have entrusted delivery and dissemination of the aid to the Burmese monks, bypassing the military junta. This unique approach has proved successful. As of 2008-05-24, US$550,000 is confirmed delivered to the religious establishment and another US$1,000,000 is en-route.[91]

Country Contribution[92]
 ASEAN An assessment team and 30 medical personnel per country.[93]
 Australia AUD $25 million (USD $23.5 million)[94] and 31 tonnes of supplies.[95]
 Bangladesh 20 tonnes of food, medicine
 Belgium EUR €250,000 (USD $387,000) and EUR 100,000 from Flanders
 Brunei Relief materials[96]
 Cambodia USD $50,000[97]
 Canada Up to USD $2 million in emergency relief, $500,000 of which is for the Red Cross, Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) is on standby; additional aid to come[98]
 China USD $10 million in aid and relief materials (including 3 flights using Jade Cargo each consisting of 60 tonnes of aid)[99]
 Czech Republic USD $154,000
 Denmark USD $2.1 million[100]
 European Union USD $3.0 million
 Estonia USD $51,200
 Finland EUR €300,000 (USD $464,000)[101]
 France 1,500 tons of medicine, food, and water;[85] USD $775,000
 Germany USD $3.0 million
 Greece USD $200,000, medicine and humanitarian aid[102]
 Hungary USD $300,000, medicine, food, humanitarian aid
 India More than 178 tonnes of relief materials; tents, food supplies, medicines. A team of 50 medical personnel is being sent to set up hospitals in the Irrawaddy delta.[67][68]
 Indonesia USD $1 million in cash and other aids in foods and medicines
 Ireland EUR €1,000,000 (USD $1,550,000)
 Israel USD $100,000, food and medical supplies by private organizations
 Italy EUR €1,500,000 (USD $2,250,000)[103]
 Japan JPY ¥28 million in tents and generators = USD $267,000; USD $10 million through UN World Food Program & USD $570,000 pledged assistance[104]
 Laos USD $20,000 worth of food[105]
 Lithuania Lithuanian government donated Lt200,000 ($90,000) to Red Cross.[106]
 Malaysia USD $4,100,000
 North Macedonia USD $50,000[107]
 Netherlands EUR €1,000,000 (USD $1,550,000)
 New Zealand NZD $3.5 million[108]
 Norway Up to USD $1.96 million[109]
 Pakistan Relief materials and setting up of a mobile hospital in the affected region upon approval of Burmese government.[110]
 Philippines Medical workers and $3,000,000 USD and relief goods in cash[111]
 Russia 80 tonnes of food, generators, medicine, tents and blankets[112]
 San Marino EUR €30,000[113]
 Serbia Relief materials, medicines and medical supply.[114]
 Singapore USD $200,000[115]
 Spain USD $775,000 donation to World Food Programme
 Sri Lanka USD $100,000 plus food and assistance of medical workers
 Sweden Logistical support and water cleaning systems
  Switzerland USD $475,000 (initial)
 Taiwan (R.O.C.) USD $200,000
 Thailand USD $100,000, food and medical supplies (initial)[116]
 Turkey USD $1,000,000 from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, USD $600,000 from Turkish Red Crescent[117]
 United Kingdom GBP ₤17 million (USD $33.5 million)[118], HMS Westminster [119]
 United States USD $41.170 million (as of June 26, 2008)[120]
 Vietnam USD $200,000

Private relief

Several international organizations have been approved to work within the country (either before or after) or otherwise supporting relief efforts:

Impact on rice supplies

The Irrawaddy Delta is such a fertile area for rice growing that it was known as the "rice bowl" of the British Empire[126]. Production was high enough that Burma could feed its citizens a high amount of rice (by the standards of Asia) with enough left over to sell on the market. Since Nargis hit right around harvest, a rice shortage and famine could result. The United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organization estimated that Nargis impacted 65% of the country's paddies. They feel that the situation would be "devastating... if the recent disaster results in severe rice shortages." This may exacerbate the crisis already occurring, but it could be partially alleviated if fall and late summer harvests are good.[127] Burma has since appealed for aid to assist with getting the rice planted, as its farmers have a 40 to 50-day window of opportunity before the season's crop will be lost.[128] The Myanmar government estimates losses of $10 billion USD because of the cyclone.[129]

Controversies

Military junta's blockade of aid

Burma's military junta says "the country is not ready to accept foreign aid workers", amid mounting criticism and outrage of its response to the devastating cyclone. The World Food Programme's Paul Risley said the delays were "unprecedented in modern humanitarian relief efforts".[130] In the days after the storm, the junta pursued a CNN reporter covering the effects of the storm. The reporter was eventually forced to leave the country out of fear of being imprisoned.[131]

Thairath Newspaper of Thailand reported that many Burmese people were displeased with the junta government, as they had provided no appropriate warning system for the incoming cyclone. In addition, they believed the mayhem caused by the cyclone and associated flooding was further exacerbated by an uncooperative response from the junta. For example, with no appropriate measures currently in place to manage the increasing number of dead bodies in the cyclone's aftermath, it was reported that the corpses are now simply being abandoned on the streets, with the situation worsening as time passes, exemplifying foreign concerns that the emergence and spread of communicable diseases would ensue.[56] In addition, the International Society for Political Prisoner Assistance, located in Bangkok, reported human rights oversights during the disaster, alleging that corrections officers employed with the government had fired upon the prisoners of Yangon's Insein Prison who were attempting to escape amidst the chaos. It has been reported that 36 prisoners were killed and about 70 others were injured. The Burmese junta denied both reports.[76]

On 9 May 2008, the junta officially declared that their acceptance of international aid relief would be limited to food, medicines and other supplies as well as financial aid, but would not allow additional foreign aid workers or military units to operate in the country. Samak Sundaravej, Prime Minister of Thailand, stated that, following the request of Eric G. John, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, he will visit Myanmar on 11 May in order to urge the junta to open the country. Quinton Quayle, U.K. Ambassador to Thailand, later remarked that he will also join Sundaravej.[132] However the junta immediately replied that it was not willing to welcome anyone at this time. Sundaravej has said that he will still submit the mediating letter to the junta without delay.[133]

The delays have attracted international condemnation. Also, on 9 May in Bangkok, Richard Horsey, representative of the United Nations, issued a warning for Myanmar to no longer decline the full scale of international relief effort as another storm, as deadly as the Nargis, is headed towards the country. The new storm would probably worsen the circumstances.[134] United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the junta to allow aid in "without hindrance". Ban's comments came after the World Food Programme resumed food aid after two shipments of high-energy biscuits were stolen by the military.[135] The Canadian House of Commons condemned the Burmese government's response in a resolution passed unanimously on May 9, 2008.[98] Oxfam International's regional chief Sarah Ireland warned that 1.5 million face death if they do not get clean water and sanitation soon: "It's really crucial that people get access to clean water sources and sanitation to avoid unnecessary deaths and suffering."[136] Myanmar's government seems unaware of the scope of the death and destruction Cyclone Nargis wrought on the country more than a week ago, it was reported May 13 2008.[137] Some critics are even suggesting genocide since the Burmese government has deliberately denied storm victims aid, allowing for hundreds of thousands to potentially die from starvation, exposure, and disease.[138]

On May 16 2008, the Burmese UN ambassador accused France of deploying a warship to the Burmese coast. The French UN ambassador denied the LHD Mistral[citation needed] was a warship, and claimed Burma's refusal to allow increased aid into the country "could lead to a true crime against humanity." France has stated the ship in question is carrying 1,500 tons of relief supplies. [139] UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has accused the ruling junta of allowing the disaster to grow into a "man-made catastrophe" through its failure to act. He also rebuked the junta as being guilty of inhuman actions.[140]

On May 19, Burma agreed to allow aid from members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to enter. The decision came after an emergency ASEAN summit. The aid will start arriving May 21. Ban Ki-moon will probably visit the country the same day to "accelerate relief efforts".[93] That day, Ban announced that Burma was going to "allow all aid workers regardless of nationalies" to enter, although ships and helicopters are still not expected to be allowed. The announcement came after Ban had met with junta leader General Than Shwe for over two hours. Organizations welcoming the announcement included World Vision, the World Food Programme, and the International Rescue Committee.[141]

On May 23, negotiations between UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and Than Shwe have resulted in the opening of Burma to aid workers, regardless of nationality. Burma's government is still staunchly opposed to the presence of military units in the country, only allowing dedicated relief workers. [142] On June 5, a USS Essex-led American carrier group full of aid left the Burmese coast after being denied entry for several weeks, taking its aid back undelivered.[143]

On May 27, to complicate world opinion and in contrast to numerous and varied accounts from international relief organizations, the Myanmar junta praises U.N. aid.[144]

On June 5, 2008, Amnesty International released a report saying that at least thirty people had been evicted from refugee camps. The report also indicated that the military was horse-trading aid for physical labour.[143]

Uninterrupted Referendum

Main article: Burmese constitutional referendum, 2008

Despite objections raised by the Burmese opposition parties and foreign nations in the wake of the natural disaster, the junta proceeded with a previously scheduled (10 May 2008) constitutional referendum. Voting however has been postponed until 24 May2008 in Yangon and other areas hardest hit by the storm.[145]

On 8 May 2008, about thirty protesters assembled before the Burmese embassy in Manila, Philippines, demanding that the junta defer voting on the referendum and immediately accept international relief. The Philippine protesters delivered the statement that "this time is not the time for politics, but it is the time to save people." The United States Government has also demanded that the United Nations not endorse the referendum. Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the Burmese opposition, also stated that holding a vote for the referendum during this disaster would be an consumedly unacceptable act.[56] About 500 Myanmar activists demonstrated on 10 May outside their country's embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, demanding that Myanmar's military regime call off its constitutional referendum even as voting began despite a devastating cyclone.[146]

In a public poll conducted throughout Myanmar on 9 May 2008 by Mizzima, a Burmese news agency, 64% of those surveyed still intended to vote in the referendum. However, 71% did not know what the constitution was, and 52% have not yet decided whether they will vote to support or oppose it.[147]

Aid distribution controversy

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 Gen. Than Shwe ceremonially handing out disaster relief.[148]

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.[148]. More than two weeks later, relief had only reached 25 percent of people in need. [149]

Nine days after the cyclone, the military government was still refusing to grant visas and access for aid workers into the area. The UN has called for an air or sea corridor to be opened to channel large amounts of aid[150], and the HMS Westminster has been sent to the area, alongside French and United States military assets.[151]

Activists respond to the blockade of aid

A Facebook.com page called Support the Relief Efforts for Burma (Myanmar) Cyclone Disaster Victims with 10,000 members used its members to organize a Global Day Of Action for Burma on May 17, 2008.[152] with the help of Burma Global Action Network, Burma Campaign UK, Canadian Friends of Burma, the US Campaign for Burma, Info Birmanie, as well as countless local partners, a Global Day of Action for Burma a call for Humanitarian Intervention was held on May 17, 2008, in cities worldwide. An apparent response to Military Than Shwe and the junta's blockade of aid to the Cyclone Nargis aftermath victims, the international community called for a Humanitarian intervention to get aid into the hardest hit areas of Burma.[153]

Records

Nargis did set many records for its death toll, but Nargis also set other records. First, it was the only Category 4 storm to hit Burma in history at that strength. Second, when it reached Category 4 on the SSHS on May 2, it marked the only time that a Category 4 storm had formed in this basin for 3 consecutive years in a row (starting with 2006's Mala), going into 2007 with Sidr and Gonu, and ending with Nargis.

The exact death toll from Nargis will likely never be known for sure, but it was most likely one of the deadliest tropical cyclones worldwide in recorded history.

See also

Template:Tcportal

References

  1. ^ Myanmar cyclone toll rises to 138,000 dead, missing | Reuters
  2. ^ http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/16/myanmar.ap/index.html - CNN International - CNN.com
  3. ^ Myanmar junta warns against hoarding cyclone aid - MSNBC Wire Services - MSNBC.com
  4. ^ "Referendum in Myanmar likely to solidify junta's power". The Press Association. 2008-05-11. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  5. ^ U.N. chief: Focus for Myanmar turns to reconstruction - CNN.com
  6. ^ ReliefWeb » Document » Myanmar: Cyclone Nargis OCHA Situation Report No. 40
  7. ^ "80,000 dead in one Burma province", The Australian, May 8, 2008
  8. ^ "Burma death toll jumps to 78,000". BBC News. 2008-05-16. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
  9. ^ Aid trickles into Burma, but toll 'could reach 1 million if disease set in
  10. ^ "Asian bloc to handle Burma aid". Toronto Star. May 19, 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ Klug, Foster (2008-05-12). "Bush says world should condemn Myanmar". Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-05-13. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ India urges Myanmar to accept global aid, junta agrees
  13. ^ "Cyclone Nargis -- Urdu for "daffodil"". Reuters India. 1980-05-07. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  14. ^ Charlie Forecast Team (2008). "April 25 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  15. ^ Charlie Forecast Team (2008). "April 26 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  16. ^ India Meteorological Department (2008). "Depression over southeast Bay of Bengal". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  17. ^ India Meteorological Department (2008). "Deep Depression over southeast and adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  18. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 001". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  19. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 002". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  20. ^ a b India Meteorological Department (2008). "Cyclonic storm "NARGIS" over southwest and adjoining southeast and west central Bay of Bengal". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  21. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 004". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  22. ^ India Meteorological Department (2008). "Severe Cyclonic storm "NARGIS" over southwest and adjoining southeast and west central Bay of Bengal". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  23. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 005". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  24. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 006". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  25. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 007". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  26. ^ India Meteorological Department (2008). "Very Severe Cyclonic storm "NARGIS" over westcentral and adjoining southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  27. ^ Sify News (2008-04-28). "Cyclone Nargis triggers fears in Tamil Nadu". Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  28. ^ The Daily Star (2008-04-29). "Cyclone Nargis poised to strike in 4-5 days". Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  29. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 008". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  30. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 009". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  31. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 010". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  32. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 012". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  33. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 017". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  34. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 020". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  35. ^ India Meteorological Department (2008). "Tropical Storm "Nargis" Advisory No. Thirty-Six Issued At 1100 UTC of 2 May, 2008 Based on 0900 UTC Charts of 2 May, 2008". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  36. ^ India Meteorological Department (2008). "May 2, 2008 Shipping Bulletin for Met. Area VIII North of Equator". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  37. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 023". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  38. ^ India Meteorological Department (2008). "Tropical Storm "Nargis" Advisory No. Forty-One Issued At 0200 UTC of 3 May, 2008 Based on 0000 UTC Charts of 3 May, 2008". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  39. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 025". Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  40. ^ a b Daily Mirror (2008-04-30). "Floods leave thousands homeless". Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  41. ^ Lakshmi de Silva (2008-04-30). "Over 35,000 affected by floods, landslides". Upali Newspapers Limited. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  42. ^ Press Trust of India (2008-04-28). "Orissa heat deaths rise to eight as cyclonic storm forms over Bay". Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  43. ^ Herman, Steve (04-29-2008). "Bangladesh's Farmers Told Not to Panic About Approaching Cyclone". VOA News. Retrieved 2008-05-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  44. ^ Abs-Cbn Interactive, UN: 1.5 million people affected by Myanmar storm
  45. ^ Staff writer (May 15, 2008). "Myanmar cyclone toll estimates soar". CNN. Retrieved 2008-05-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  46. ^ Alexander, David (2008-05-06). "Myanmar deaths may top 100,000: U.S. diplomat". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
  47. ^ Tun, Aung Hla (2008-05-06). "Cyclone kills 10,000 in one Myanmar town, aid promised". Reuters India. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
  48. ^ Scots aid worker predicts Burma cyclone death toll will reach 300,000 - The Sunday Mail
  49. ^ "Myanmar cyclone dead will 'never' be identified". CNN. 2008-06-08. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  50. ^ a b Denby, Kenneth (2008-05-07). "Burma cyclone: up to 50,000 dead and millions homeless, but still no call for aid". The Times. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
  51. ^ "Hundreds killed by Burma cyclone". BBC News. 2008-05-04. Retrieved 2008-05-05.
  52. ^ Associated Press & Canadian Press (2008-05-08). "UN relief planes arrive in Burma, others set to follow". CBC News. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
  53. ^ UPDATE 1-Myanmar cyclone stirs more rice supply fears
  54. ^ Bell, Thomas (May 5, 2008). "Burma cyclone kills more than 350 people". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-05-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  55. ^ a b [clarification needed]Template:Th icon ต้นโพธิ์ทรงปลูกรอดพายุ พระเทพฯ ทรงห่วงพม่า, Thai Rath, May 9, 2008
  56. ^ a b c [clarification needed]Template:Th icon "พม่านับล้านไร้ที่อยู่ ศพอืดเน่า ผวาโรคระบาดซํ้า". Thai Rath. 2008-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
  57. ^ "Naval ships discharge supplies in Yangon", The Hindu, May 9, 2008
  58. ^ "Indian ships first to arrive with relief supplies in Myanmar", Thaindian News, May 7, 2008
  59. ^ "India to send 8 tonnes of relief material to Myanmar", Thaindian News, May 6, 2008
  60. ^ "India sends third air consignment to cyclone victims in Myanmar", Daily India, May 8, 2008
  61. ^ "India plans to send more medical supplies to cyclone-hit Myanmar", Times of India, May 9, 2008
  62. ^ India to send more relief to Myanmar on May 10 - The Economic Times
  63. ^ Bloomberg.com: Asia
  64. ^ The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News
  65. ^ » India urges Myanmar to accept global aid, junta agrees (Lead) - Thaindian News
  66. ^ "If Myanmar had taken note of India's warning...", Rediff.com, May 9, 2008
  67. ^ a b "India sends doctors to Burma". BBC News. 16 May, 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  68. ^ a b "India works to end Myanmar's isolation". The Times of India. 18 May, 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  69. ^ Ministero degli Affari Esteri - 05 - Volo umanitario in Myanmar
  70. ^ Logistics Consolidated Situation Report - 9th May 2008 — Logistics Information Platform
  71. ^ Bernama (2008-05-10). "Malaysia To Channel US$1 Mln Cash, RM500,000 Aid To Cyclone-hit Myanmar". Bernama. Retrieved 2008-05-10.
  72. ^ Xinhua (2008-05-07). "Malaysia's relief team to go to cyclone-hit Myanmar". People's Daily. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
  73. ^ Loh Foon Fong (2008-05-29). "Mercy prepares 180 physicians for service in Irrawaddy Delta". TheStar. Retrieved 2008-05-29.
  74. ^ TheStar (2008-05-21). "RM1.8mil collected for cyclone victims". TheStar. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
  75. ^ Loh Foon Fong (2008-05-21). "Second MRCS team leaves for Myanmar". TheStar. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
  76. ^ a b [clarification needed]Template:Th icon "ในหลวง-ราชินี สลดพระทัย พม่าพุ่ง 2 หมื่นศพ". Thai Rath. 2008-05-07. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
  77. ^ BBC NEWS | UK | UK gives £12m more aid to Burma
  78. ^ DFID | News | £5 million UK aid for Burma
  79. ^ BBC NEWS | Politics | Burma 'guilty of inhuman action'
  80. ^ JTF Caring Response News Story
  81. ^ USAID Burma: Cyclone Nargis
  82. ^ Starr, Barbara (May 6, 2008). "Some aid delivered in cyclone-ravaged Myanmar". CNN. Retrieved 2008-05-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  83. ^ "Myanmar: Red Cross Red Crescent Launches Revised Emergency Appeal". International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 2008-07-09. Retrieved 2008-05-16.
  84. ^ Lisa Schlein (2008-05-07). "Red Cross Issues Multi-Million Dollar Appeal for Burma". Voice of America. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
  85. ^ a b Barbara Starr & David Ariosto (2008-05-11). "Relief boat sinks, leaving aid in Myanmar river". CNN. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  86. ^ "Red Cross aid reaching Myanmar". British Red Cross. 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  87. ^ a b Trocaire (2008-05-16). "AReports from Burma of chaos and devastation among survivors". Trocaire. Retrieved 2008-05-08. Cite error: The named reference "Turkish Press" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  88. ^ "Burmese children facing starvation, agency warns". CBC News. 2008-05-18. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
  89. ^ Médecins Sans Frontières (2008-05-12). "First MSF cargo plane reinforces medical and logistical material in Myanmar". Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  90. ^ "Cyclone Nargis Response Information Centre". Retrieved 2008-05-17.
  91. ^ "Burma Cyclone Aid Report". Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  92. ^ Staff Writer (May 6. 2008). "Aid starting to trickle into Burma: agencies". CTV. Retrieved 2008-05-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  93. ^ a b "Burma agrees to accept ASEAN cyclone aid". CNN. 2008-05-19. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
  94. ^ "Aus increases aid". Sky News Australia. May 7. 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  95. ^ "Australia's cyclone contribution the biggest". Daily Telegraph. 2008-05-14. Retrieved 2008-05-14.
  96. ^ "Brunei to send relief supplies for Myanmar cyclone-hit". The Brunei Times. 2008-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
  97. ^ Cambodia donates $50,000 to cyclone-hit Myanmar - People's Daily Online
  98. ^ a b "MPs condemn Burma's 'deplorable' cyclone response". CBC News. 2008-05-09. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  99. ^ Tents 'still lacking' for quake survivors, says Chinese premier
  100. ^ "Fogh lufter militær nødhjælp til Myanmar". Retrieved at: http://jp.dk/indland/article1340365.ece
  101. ^ "Finland to send emergency assistance to Myanmar". Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland. 2008-05-07. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
  102. ^ "Statement of FM Ms. Bakoyannis regarding provision of humanitarian aid to Myanmar/Burma". Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2008-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
  103. ^ "Italy Flight to Myanmar". Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy. 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  104. ^ Abs-Cbn Interactive, Japan gives $10-M aid to Myanmar
  105. ^ More countries send aid to Burma
  106. ^ "200,000 litas allocated to each Myanmar and China", ELTA 16 May 2008
  107. ^ :: Net Press ::
  108. ^ http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/peters+announces+additional+cyclone+aid+myanmar
  109. ^ "Norway prepared to provide NOK 10 million for cyclone victims in Burma/Myanmar". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. 2008-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
  110. ^ "Relief goods sent to Myanmar". The Daily Times. 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  111. ^ "Filipino medical workers ready for Myanmar mission". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2008-05-10.
  112. ^ "Самолет МЧС России доставил в Мьянму гуманитарную помощь". Газета.Ru. 2008-05-10. Retrieved 2008-05-10.
  113. ^ "Congresso di Stato: San Marino riconosce il Kosovo". San Marino RTV. 2008-05-11. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  114. ^ "Usvojen memorandum o budžetu". B92. 2008-05-15. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
  115. ^ "Singapore sends off first batch of relief supplies to Myanmar". Channel NewsAsia. 2008-05-07. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
  116. ^ "Ministry of Foreign Affairs grants a financial assistance in the amount of $100,000 USD to Myanmar, following "Cyclone Nargis"". Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2008-05-06. Retrieved 2008-05-06.
  117. ^ "Cunta'nın İnadı Öldürüyor". Milliyet.com.tr. 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  118. ^ "UK pledges £5m in aid for Burma". BBC. May 7. 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  119. ^ BBC NEWS | Politics | Cameron urges aid drops for Burma
  120. ^ "USAID.gov". Retrieved 2008-06-27.
  121. ^ a b The Aidmatrix Foundation, Inc
  122. ^ Architecture for Humanity
  123. ^ Myanmar Cyclone Nargis Relief :: Giving Children Hope
  124. ^ Chevron Contributes $2 Million to Myanmar Cyclone Relief - FOXBusiness.com
  125. ^ Stewart, Ray. "NEWS UPDATE 8th MAY - BURMA". ShelterBox Australia. Archived from the original on 2008-05-10.
  126. ^ The Irrawaddy Delta: Before the Cyclone
  127. ^ Aileen McCabe (2008-05-10). "Cyclone Heightens Rice Crisis". Vancouver Sun. p. A21.
  128. ^ Amy Kazmin (2008-05-16). "Myanmar Seeks International Help in Getting Rice Crop Planted". Vancouver Sun. p. A12.
  129. ^ Mydans, Seth. "Myanmar Mourns Victims of Cyclone". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-05-20. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  130. ^ "Burma shuns foreign aid workers" , BBC News Online, May 9, 2008
  131. ^ "CNN reporter in Myanmar chased as he tries to chase cyclone story", Associated Press via International Herald Tribune, May 10, 2008
  132. ^ [clarification needed](Thai) "สมัครบินด่วนไปพม่า11พ.ค. ทูตอังกฤษขอร่วมคณะด้วย", Thai Rath, May 9, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
  133. ^ [clarification needed](Thai) "สมัครยกเลิกเดินทางไปพม่า เจ้าบ้านแถลงขอแค่สิ่งของ", Thai Rath, 2008-05-09. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
  134. ^ "UN Warns That Another Storm Is Headed Toward Myanmar," AFP, 2008-05-09, retrieved on 2008-05-09.
  135. ^ Associated Press (2008-05-09). "Let cyclone aid in 'without hindrance': UN chief to Burma leaders". CBC News. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  136. ^ hindustantimes.com, Oxfam warns 1.5 million at risk in Myanmar
  137. ^ cnn.com, U.S. admiral: Myanmar junta unconcerned by cyclone
  138. ^ When Do We Start Calling It Genocide, Philanthropy Action, 26 May 2008
  139. ^ France angered by Burmese delays BBC Online
  140. ^ [1] Burma 'guilty of inhuman action'] BBC Online
  141. ^ "U.N. chief: Myanmar to admit all aid workers". CNN. 2008-05-23. Retrieved 2008-05-23.
  142. ^ [2] Burma to Admit All Aid Workers Washington Post
  143. ^ a b "Burmese junta forcing cyclone victims out of emergency camps: Amnesty". CBC News. 2008-06-05. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  144. ^ Myanmar junta unmoved and extends Suu Kyi arrest - International Herald Tribune
  145. ^ "Official: UN plane lands in Myanmar with aid after cyclone", Associated Press, May 8, 2008
  146. ^ "Malaysia: Hundreds Of Activists Stage Protest In Malaysia Against Myanmar Referendum", SinChew, May 10, 2008
  147. ^ "Poll finds a divided and indecisive public on referendum," Mizzima, 2008-05-09, retrieved on 2008-05-09.
  148. ^ a b Associated Press (2008-05-10). "Myanmar junta hands out aid boxes with generals' names". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2008-07-11.
  149. ^ En route to Myanmar, Ban Ki-moon says he will meet leader in effort to boost aid
  150. ^ BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | UN calls for Burma aid corridor
  151. ^ BBC NEWS | UK | UK Politics | Brown seeks emergency Burma talks
  152. ^ ABC News 'Sneaking Cyclone News Out of Myanmar to Facebook'
  153. ^ May 17th, 2008 Global Day Of Action for Burma calling for Humanitarian Intervention

External links

Wikinews has related news:
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cyclone Nargis.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cyclone_Nargis&oldid=233730014"