Macquarie Network ::: 2GB | 2CH | LIVENEWS | RUGBYLEAGUELIVE | WHAT CAREER | AMAZING AUSTRALIANS :::
Sunday, 20 July 2008

Aid to Burma increased but 'not enough'

11/05/2008 6:30:00 PM.  | James Cregan, Joel Labi

Australia will send another $22 million worth of aid to cyclone devastated Burma but that is still apparently not enough.

As many as 100,000 people have been killed by Cyclone Nargis, which has wiped out villages and left more than one and a half million people homeless.

The money will go towards food, clean water and shelter, and James Ensel from Oxfam says everyone around the world needs to give more.

“As well as welcome financial support from governments, what we need to do is ensure the international community and national governments in particular are applying as much pressure as possible on the regime to facilitate access for experienced international aid agencies,” he said.

About 100,000 people are feared to have been killed and at least 1.5 million people left homeless after south Burma was devastated by cyclone Nargis.

But Burma's military authorities are refusing to accept international help.

Sarah Ireland, Oxfam's regional director for East Asia, said that while it was difficult to tell when they would be allowed into the country, she remained optimistic.

"Maybe tomorrow we'll wake up and things will be different and we can then get on with what we do best," she said.

"Those people living in the delta area are already poor and are going to be much more susceptible to diseases."

Ms Ireland is part of an Oxfam team of 10 volunteers - including two Australians - in the Thai capital Bangkok, waiting for permission to enter Burma.

Other Oxfam crews around the world are also awaiting approval, she said.

COMMENTS

Sunday, 11 May 2008

C'mon Rudd, use your special relationship with China for the people who are Australian.

Posted by: In Evah Tah Ball, Carramar/Sydney

 
 

YOUR SAY




 


 

500 characters maximum. 500 characters left.


 

* Required field

 

YOUR SAY

I have a problem with this. We are told by the 6 that iran cannot process uraniam for use. Now wether this use is for... Nick Again, maryborough on Iran given nuclear deadline

Its finally all over, Thank God !... John Wyman, Gordon on Pope brings 'unforgettable' week to a close

Peter Costello Australia needs you.I know it would be difficult to be a opposition leader after 11yrs of being the greatest treasurer in Aust but... Bernie Foots, sydney on Costello's future is up to him: Turnbull

I can feel that funny feeling I once had, many years ago when ...Keating was in power. Does any one else feel it? Surely some... nick Again, Maryborough on Our petrol tax cut is different to theirs: Swan

Thoughts are with you, Alan. Lucky you have youth and health on your side. Looking forward to your return. Best wishes dor a speedy recovery... Paul Morris, ACT on Jones recovering after successful surgery