More US Military Aid Flights into Burma: Officials
More US military aid flights into Burma are being permitted, officials stated on May 13th - ten days after the devastation wreaked by Cyclone Nagris.
The initial US flight touched down in Rangoon on Monday. A second left Thailand this morning, with a third also scheduled to depart later on in the day, according to US Marine Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Powell.
USAF C-130 Hercules Flight
According to Powell, the initial flight - made by a USAF C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft - carried supplies weighing 19,900 pounds in total. These supplies, he said, were comprised of mosquito nets, water and blankets.
The second flight's load, Powell added, weighed 24,750 pounds.
While, said Powell, there was still some uncertainty, it was anticipated that more flights would be allowed into Burma from Wednesday onwards.
The US military is operating these flights out of Thailand's Utapao Air Base. On May 12th, Powell said, a Boeing 747 landed at the base to allow Burma-bound supplies to be re-stocked.
US Navy Vessels
The US has urged Burma's military government to allow US military personnel to contribute to the relief efforts needed in Cyclone Nagris' wake. It has emphasised how, at present, four US Navy vessels are deployed in the area which, while there for an exercise, could be used if required.
In this way, the Commander of the United States Pacific Command, Admiral Timothy J. Keating, arrived in Burma yesterday in an effort to enter negotiations with the Junta over the access issue. It was reported after these discussions that Burma was considering the matter, but no more.
Subsequently, though, Burmese television reported that Rear Admiral Soe Thein had advised Keating that those affected by the storm were basically getting what they needed, adding that "skilful humanitarian workers are not necessary."
200,000 Pounds of Aid
Keating had stated that the US military could inject 200,000 pounds worth of aid into Burma per day - an input that, if allowed, would substantially strengthen the relief efforts.
Joint Task Force Caring Relief
The proposed operation has gained a name - 'Joint Task Force Caring Relief'. However, officials have stated they will not implement it unless the Burmese government gives its approval.
"Let them in", Eric John, the US Ambassador to Thailand, urged yesterday.
"Let them save lives."
Source - Armed Forces International's Asian Correspondent
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