WWF Addresses Natural Disasters

(22 May 08 - RV) U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon flew to Myanmar this morning to press the ruling generals to allow a full-blown international aid effort for 2.4 million people left destitute by Cyclone Nargis.

The U.N. Secretary-General said relief workers have so far been able to reach only a quarter of those in need after the May 2 storm that left nearly 134,000 dead or missing.

Meanwhile, China ended a three-day national mourning period today for the victims of last week's deadly earthquake and resumed the Olympic torch relay after a minute of silence.

More than 41,000 people are confirmed dead from the May 12 earthquake with millions more homeless.

In the aftermath of the earthquake in China and the cyclone in Myanmar World Wide Fund for Nature has released a report suggesting that environmental protection is vital to reducing natural disaster impact.
WWF spokesperson Liza Higgins-Zogib says her organization is urging governments to create suitable protected areas and to maintaining natural ecosystems.