US Relief Flight Arrives in Burma
The initial US relief flight into cyclone-struck Burma has now arrived in Rangoon, after days of negotiations to try and get it there.
Burma's military government has conceded that some of the most badly affected areas remain isolated, but still, foreign aid workers are prohibited from entering them.
Cyclone Nagris Death Toll
According to the most recently-issued official figures, Cyclone Nagris has claimed the lives of 32,000 people and displaced 30,000 more. Some, however, think the ultimate death toll could exceed one-and-a-half million if vital aid fails to reach those that need it.
Those that survived the hurricane now need water, shelter, medical assistance and food, the UN has said.
Overseas Aid
There are indications, however, that the government in Burma could be becoming more accepting of the entry of overseas aid. As well as the USAF aircraft, Medicins Sans Frontieres and Medicines du Monde-operated relief flights also landed in Burma today - carrying 56 tons worth of supplies in all.
A select number of additional flights also arrived in the country over the weekend of May 10th/11th, while, according to MSF, more of its aircraft can be expected in coming days.
Still, as far as the IFRC (International Federation of the Red Cross) is concerned, the amount of aid actually reaching its intended recipients is "nowhere near the scale required".
The US Military has stressed that it has four of its ships in the vicinity, together with approximately 11,000 personnel. These resources, it has said, could be drawn upon if required.
The Burmese government is adamant that foreign aid is basically OK, but is still disallowing entry to foreign aid workers.
Armed Forces International will continue to provide updates on the situation in Burma and on the military responses to it.
Source - Armed Forces International's Political Correspondent
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