Welcome to the Jungle

While Rangoon still struggles to recover from Cyclone Nargis that hit Myanmar/Burma's coastal regions, there seems to be little mention of Naypyidaw, the happily new and shining capital that the Burmese junta built. As the southern states in Burma languish from the ineptitude of the Burmese army, one has to wonder the true extent of the damage done by the cyclone. Some estimates state that the death toll could soar to 100,000 if aid isn't given to those who need it.

For people in the worst-hit areas, perhaps aid is already too late. Though the first trickle of relief from the UN has finally arrived, there aren't enough qualified people from the pertinent organisations to direct the aid and ensure that it reaches disaster areas of the highest priority. For the unfortunate victims of Cyclone Nargis, I think it's too little too late as they contend with a lack of food, water and shelter.

Surely the junta, tucked away in their lofty capital in the jungles, should assume the heaviest of responsibilities. Their distrust of foreign powers has cost many, many lives, and as they sit around in their macho uniforms twiddling their thumbs, more will perish. Sadly, I think cyclone Nargis might have done the junta more good than disservice, especially when you consider that the areas hit and the people affected.

Cyclone Nargis swept through the low-lying states, and Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Bago Divisions and Mon and Kayin States. The Kayin and Ayeyarwady states have large numbers of Karen, of whom are considered the most abject ethnic group in Burma (which says quite a lot for a regime used to shooting monks). It would come as a big surprise to anyone if the Junta were to get misty-eyed over the loss of the same people who've formed rebel groups to combat the government in their over-eager oppression. Then again, if you consider that the junta haven't gained much popularity since the free elections in 1990 (that they resoundingly lost), a higher death toll would automatically translate to a more better polling result for them.

Furthermore, with the upcoming constitutional referendum on May 24th, it's reasonable to expect the junta to encourage people to forget about silly things like the Burmese constitution and deal with more pressing issues like fighting off infection, disease, starvation and... figuring out how bury the bloated corpses of your neighbours. For the people of Burma, there is little hope for their future, and even less respite as the junta rule with a disaffected hand from their jungled city.

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For those who are interested in learning more about this disaster and how you can help, please visit http://www.irrawaddy.org , http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk or contact your local UN office to find out what you can do.