Death Toll Rises in Myanmar as Torrential Rains Lash the IrrawaddyDelta

(16 May 08 - RV)

The official death toll from the cyclone that swept through Myanmar's Irrawaddy Delta in
early May today reached 77,738.

Meanwhile, torrential tropical downpours lashed the delta again today, deepening the misery of an estimated 2.5 million destitute survivors of Cyclone Nargis.

Despite the latest storm, which is likely to turn already damaged roads to mud in the region, the former Burma's ruling generals insist their relief operations are running smoothly.

However, they issued an edict in state-run newspapers today saying legal action would be taken against anybody found hoarding or selling relief supplies.

Head of the Asia program at the UK based charity Christian Aid is Robin Greenwood.
He says hunger and disease are becoming a real issue.