UN allocates 10 mln USD for cyclone-hit Myanmar
'Pakistan Times' UN Bureau

UNITED NATIONS: The U.N. has announced that it will allocate 10 million U.S. dollars from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for Myanmar, where a deadly cyclone has killed at least 22,000 people.

At a press briefing at the UN Headquarters, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs John Holmes also said that the world body will issue a flash appeal on Friday to raise more money.

He said the death toll is expected to rise in Myanmar, especially in the hardest-hit delta area.

“We are faced here with a major catastrophe, in particular in the Irrawady delta of Myanmar,” Holmes said.

Twenty-four countries have made specific offers of financial help to Myanmar, totaling about 30 million U.S. dollars, he said, adding that six others have also made unspecified offers.

He said that now it is “extremely important” to get as much aid as possible and as quickly and begin to reach the victims.

In this regard, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Holmes called on Myanmar authorities to facilitate the delivery of aid.

“The Secretary-General believes that this is a critical moment for the people of Myanmar, and emphasizes the importance of providing as much assistance as possible in the vital first few days following the cyclone’s impact,” according to a statement issued Wednesday by Ban’s spokesperson.

He welcomed today’s news that some UN aid officials will be allowed into Myanmar tomorrow, which will assist assessment and prioritization efforts.

“Given the magnitude of this disaster, the Secretary-General urges the Government of Myanmar to respond to the outpouring of international support and solidarity by facilitating the arrival of aid workers, and the clearance of relief supplies in every way possible,” the statement added. “This can significantly aid the Government in responding to this tragedy.”

Holmes echoed Ban’s call, stressing that “any delays are going to be potentially critical” in the face of such a disaster.

Members of a UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team will be flying to Myanmar tomorrow to coordinate relief efforts together with the national authorities.●