ASEAN AID: Myanmar began three days of national mourning today for cyclone victims. The regime accepted aid from neighboring countries that belong to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Cyclone Nargis: Quick Facts

Junta Leader Surveys Cyclone Damage

Myanmar’s junta leader, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, made his first public appearance since the cyclone hit more than two weeks ago. Sunday and Monday he toured disaster areas, including the Irrawaddy Delta—the nation’s hardest-hit region.

John Holmes, the UN’s undersecretary for humanitarian affairs, also toured the area Monday. Many survivors still haven’t received government aid. The situation sounds grim:

• People starving
• Huts leaking
• Corpses rotting

Myanmar Accepts ASEAN Help, Refuses Other Help

Although Myanmar agreed to allow ASEAN aid into the country to help, the junta refuses to grant entry to other foreign relief workers. UN and other relief organizations warn that people may die unless they receive help soon.

Each ASEAN nation may send a medical team. Thailand immediately sent in more than 30 medical workers. The junta also accepted medical teams from non-ASEAN countries India, Bangladesh and China. Just off the coast, navy ships from France and the United States wait for the go-ahead to bring ashore their aid.

Original Story

Myanmar Cyclone Disaster Worsens (update 3)

Copyright © 2009 Informify

Sources

Three days of mourning in Myanmar, ASEAN to lead cyclone aid effort (AFP, 5/19/08)

Myanmar Agrees to Allow Aid Efforts by Neighbors (New York Times, 5/20/08)

Question for Readers:

Why do you think Myanmar’s regime accepted aid from the ASEAN countries but not from the UN or Western countries?