Assessment confirms cyclone survivors face acute shortage of food, water

The United Nations today said that more than half the survivors of Cyclone Nargis in Burma's Irrawaddy Delta and Rangoon Division are still starving without any food assistance.

Only 45 per cent of the survivors received food through humanitarian assistance, while the rest were forced to rely on their own efforts, according to an initial post-disaster assessment conducted by the UN, members of Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN, and representatives of the government.

"Considering that 42 per cent of all food stocks were destroyed, continued food assistance is required," the UN said in a statement released on Wednesday.

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USAID assistance helped WFP helicopters to carry on relief operation

The UN World Food Programme has said airlifting aid supplies to Burma's cyclone victims continues with an aid of USD 3 million given by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

WFP spokesperson in Bangkok, Paul Risley, however, said airlifting aid supplies could stop by end of June unless more assistance was provided for its logistical needs.

"We have enough funds to operate helicopters until end of June," said Risley, adding that it was possible through emergency help by USAID.

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'Save the Children' clarifies aid distribution mode

'Save the Children', and international non-governmental organization that has been helping cyclone survivors in Burma's delta region on Wednesday admitted that it had given 9000 plastic sheets to the Burmese junta in response to its request.

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