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Burma in Shambles as Death Toll Climbs

You know things are bad when the famously brutal junta in Myanmar comes calling for help. Three days after Cyclone Nargis ripped through the lower part of the country, the images trickling out show a near-apocalyptic aftermath. Yangon is in shreds and vast swaths of land are sunk deep in muddy water. But the real loss is in the numbers--over 15,000 dead, according to the most recent reports.

In the wake of the storm, the deadliest to hit the region since a cyclone struck India in 1999, Burma's military government is asking for aid. And who should step up but... Laura Bush? The First Lady is apparently urging Myanmar to accept $250,000 already allocated for aid, and is promising more if a US team is allowed to assess the situation.

The biggest concerns for now are providing electricity and access to safe drinking water, both of which were spotty in the first place. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are reportedly helping with relief.

But even with the country in shambles, the one thing the ruling generals won't do is allow democracy to slide--a referendum on the country's constitution will still be held on May 10, officials said. Oh, good. We were worried things might get out of hand.

Related Stories:
· Myanmar: Death toll more than 15,000 [CNN]
· Myanmar Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Azmil77]