Burma allows in UN aid

Last Modified: 07 May 2008
By: Channel 4 News

Burma's secretive military leaders gives permission to the UN to fly in emergency supplies to help people devastated by the tropical cyclone that's left at least 22,000 people dead and up to a million homeless.

They have also agreed to lift their ban on fuel imports by private companies.

The Burmese government has appointed a minister to provide visas to the UN and international aid agencies, but teams are still waiting to be allowed in and the regime is being criticised for not moving more quickly.

The worst affected region in the country is the Irrawaddy delta, where water has claimed much of the land.

How you can help

In Britain, the Disaster Emergencies Committee will broadcast a national appeal tomorrow for the DEC Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Appeal . For donations please visit www.dec.org.uk or phone: 0870 60 60 9000

In addition to the number of dead, the Burmese government estimates there are 41,000 people missing. The UN and aid agencies expect the current death toll to more than double, with figures ranging from 50,000 to 90,000.

In an interview with Channel 4 News, the UN's World Food Programme has criticised the Burmese government, saying it needs to change its approach and show some responsibility towards its own people.

In Paris, the French foreign minister, Bernard Kouchner, has said that if the Burmese regime continues to obstruct the aid effort, the UN should invoke its responsibility to protect civilians.

Our foreign affairs correspondent, Jonathan Miller, reports from Bangkok on a worsening picture.