It is increasingly clear that the junta that rules Myanmar is not able, or willing, to save its own people. The generals first failed to alert the public after warnings from India that a cyclone was bearing down on the country. After the terrible disaster, with the death toll at 60,000 and amid fears that disease could push the number to 100,000, the generals have thrown up obstacles to relief efforts – cherry-picking aid offers and barring the entry of disaster-relief workers.
An unelected regime allowing its own people to perish rather than accept international aid after a natural disaster. Does this sound familiar?
The Burma/Myanmar cyclone may have affected more people, but most of the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina was preventable.
Update: See comments for details and copious links.
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How you can help:
Direct Relief International
World Vision Canada (a Christian organization)
Canadian Red Cross / Croix-Rouge canadienne
Doctors Without Borders
These groups and many others are trying to break the junta's blockade. They all need funds to continue their efforts.
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