Misplaced Pages

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Scanlan (talk | contribs) at 15:09, 11 May 2008. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. Feel free to improve this article or discuss changes on the talk page, but please note that updates without valid and reliable references will be removed. (May 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

16°03′01″N 94°48′32″E / 16.05028°N 94.80889°E / 16.05028; 94.80889

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Nargis

Extremely severe cyclonic storm (IMD scale)
Category 4 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Cyclone Nargis on May 1
Formed	April 27 2008
Dissipated	May 3, 2008
Highest winds	3-minute sustained: 165 km/h (105 mph) 1-minute sustained: 215 km/h (135 mph)
Lowest pressure	962 hPa (mbar); 28.41 inHg
Fatalities	≥80,000 , possibly over 100,000
Areas affected	Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Burma
Part of the 2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season

Cyclone Nargis (JTWC designation: 01B, also known as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Nargis) was a strong tropical cyclone that made landfall in Burma (also known as Myanmar) on May 2, 2008, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 23,335 fatalities with a further 37,019 people still missing, and estimates on the final total of fatalities ranging up to 100,000. However, the Labutta Township alone was reported to have 80,000 dead and some have estimated the death toll may be well over 100,000, with the highest estimates reaching over 600,000, which would make Nargis the 4th deadliest natural disaster of all time and the deadliest tropical cyclone of all time.

It is the deadliest named cyclone in the North Indian Ocean Basin, as well as the second deadliest named cyclone of all time, behind Typhoon Nina. Including unnamed storms, Nargis is the 8th deadliest cyclone of all time. Nargis was the first tropical cyclone to strike the country since Cyclone Mala made landfall in 2006.

The first named storm of the 2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Nargis developed on April 27 in the central area of Bay of Bengal. Initially it tracked slowly northwestward and, encountering favorable conditions, it quickly strengthened. Dry air weakened the cyclone on April 29, though after beginning a steady eastward motion Nargis rapidly intensified to attain peak winds of at least 165 km/h (105 mph) on May 2; the Joint Typhoon Warning Center assessed peak winds of 215 km/h (135 mph). The cyclone moved ashore in the Ayeyarwady Division of Burma near peak intensity and, after passing near the major city of Yangon (Rangoon), the storm gradually weakened until dissipating near the border of Burma and Thailand.

The cyclone name "Nargis" is an Urdu word meaning daffodil.

Storm history

In the last week of April 2008, an area of deep convection and concern persisted near a low-level circulation in the Bay of Bengal about 1150 km (715 mi) east-southeast of Chennai, India. With good outflow and low wind shear, the system slowly organized as its circulation consolidated. At 0300 UTC on April 27, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) classified the system as a depression, and nine hours later the system intensified into a deep depression. At the same time, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center classified it as Tropical Cyclone 01B. With a ridge to its north, the system tracked slowly north-northwestward as banding features improved. At 0000 UTC, 5:30 AM Indian Standard Time, on April 28, the IMD upgraded the system to Cyclonic Storm Nargis while it was located about 550 km (340 mi) east of Chennai, India.

On April 28 Nargis became nearly stationary while located between ridges to its northwest and southeast. That day the JTWC upgraded the storm to cyclone status, or the equivalence of a minimal hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Around the same time, the IMD upgraded Nargis to a severe cyclonic storm. The cyclone developed a concentric eye feature, which is an eyewall outside the inner dominant eyewall, with warm waters aiding in further intensification. Early on April 29, the JTWC estimated Nargis reached winds of 160 km/h (100 mph), and at the same time the IMD classified the system as a very severe cyclonic storm. Initially, the cyclone was forecast to strike Bangladesh or southeastern India. Subsequently, the cyclone became disorganized and weakened due to subsidence and drier air; as a result, deep convection near the center markedly decreased. At the same time, the storm began a motion to the northeast around the periphery of a ridge to its southeast. The circulation remained strong despite the diminishing convection, though satellite intensity estimates using the Dvorak technique indicated the cyclone could have weakened to tropical storm status. By late on April 29, convection had begun to rebuild, though immediate restrengthening was prevented by increased wind shear.

On May 1, after turning nearly due eastward, Cyclone Nargis began rapidly intensifying, due to greatly improved outflow in association with an approaching upper-level trough. Strengthening continued as it developed a well-defined eye with a diameter of 19 km (12 mi), and early on May 2 the JTWC estimated the cyclone reached peak winds of 215 km/h (135 mph) as it approached the coast of Burma. At the same time, the IMD assessed Nargis as attaining peak winds of 165 km/h (105 mph). Around 1200 UTC on May 2, Cyclone Nargis made landfall in the Ayeyarwady Division of Burma. The storm gradually weakened over land, with its proximity to the Andaman Sea preventing rapid weakening. Its track turned to the northeast due to the approach of a mid-latitude trough to its northwest, passing just north of Yangon with winds of 130 km/h (80 mph). Early on May 3 the IMD issued its final advisory on the storm. It quickly weakened after turning to the northeast toward the rugged terrain near the Burma-Thailand border, and after deteriorating to minimal tropical storm status, the JTWC issued its last advisory on Nargis.

Impact

Western Bay of Bengal

In Sri Lanka the cyclone produced heavy rainfall which led to flooding and landslides across ten districts in the country. The districts of Ratnapura and Kegalle were the most affected, where more than 3,000 families were displaced. Thousands of houses were flooded, with 21 reported destroyed. The rainfall left 4,500 people homeless, and more than 35,000 people were affected on the island. Three people were reported injured on the island, with two others dead.

The India Meteorological Department recommended that fishermen not sail into the ocean during the passage of Nagris. Strong waves and gusty winds were expected along the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coastline in India. Additionally, the influence of the cyclone lowered temperatures along the Indian coastline, which had been affected by a severe heat wave.

When the cyclone was originally expected to strike near Bangladesh, officials requested farmers to hurriedly finish harvesting the rice crop. At the time, the country was experiencing severe food shortages from Cyclone Sidr in the previous year and flooding earlier in the year, and a direct strike from Nargis would have resulted in destroyed crops due to strong winds.

Burma (Myanmar)

The United Nations estimated in its report that 1.5 million people were "severely affected" by this cyclone. Estimates of the people still missing are 41,000, with 22,464 confirmed dead. A recent government estimate put the number of deaths at 70,000, with some non-governmental organizations estimating that the final toll will be over 100,000. Foreign aid workers concluded further, that 2 to 3 million are homeless, in the worst disaster in Burma’s history, comparable with the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Andrew Kirkwood, country director of the British charity Save The Children, stated: "We're looking at 50,000 dead and millions of homeless, I'd characterise it as unprecedented in the history of Burma and on an order of magnitude with the effect of the tsunami on individual countries. There might well be more dead than the tsunami caused in Sri Lanka." As a result the Burmese government has declared five regions - Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Bago Divisions and Mon and Kayin States currently as disaster areas. Thousands of buildings were destroyed; in the town of Labutta, located in the Ayeyarwady Division, state television reported that 75 percent of buildings had collapsed and 20 percent had their roofs ripped off. One report indicated that 95 percent of buildings in the Irrawaddy Delta area were destroyed. It is believed that the cyclone is the deadliest tropical cyclone in the world since the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone, which killed over 138,000 people. At least 10,000 people have been reported to have perished in the delta town of Bogale. About two million people are expected to be homeless in the aftermath. Moethee Zun, a prominent leader of the Burmese democracy movement, hints at the estimated death toll exceeding 600,000 people in his blog: "According to an undisclosed interview with one government official, the death toll is reaching 600,000 so far and 100,000 still missing.According to his figure, 180,000 killed in Lutbutta township, 90,000 in Pyapon Township, 80,000 in Bogale Township, 50,000 each in KywanGanKone, DayDaYae, and MawKyane Township."

A diplomat in the city of Rangoon spoke to the Reuters news agency, giving them a description of the scene. He said that the area around him looked like a 'war zone' as a result of the cyclone. Burst sewage mains caused the landscape to flood with waste, ruining the rice crop. An official from the United Nations also commented on the situation, at the time of the event. "It's a bad situation. Almost all the houses are smashed. People are in a terrible situation," he said. Another UN representative also spoke on the incident. He reported that "The Irrawaddy delta was hit extremely hard not only because of the wind and rain but because of the storm surge." The Daily Telegraph, a UK newspaper, reported that food prices in Burma could be affected by this disaster.

Woradet Wirawekhin (th: วรเดช วีระเวคิน), Deputy Director General of Thailand's Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on 7 May 2008 that, in reference to a report submitted by Bansan Bunnak (th: บรรสาน บุนนาค), Thai ambassador in Yangon, the conditions in the city had degenerated and that most businesses and markets were closed. The Deputy Director General also reported that the locals also faced even more increasing adversity in basic subsistence; local food prices have already been increased two- or threefold.

Aftermath

International relief

On May 6, 2008, the Burma government representation in New York formally asked the United Nations for help. But in other ways, it remains resistant to the most basic assistance. As of May 7, 2008, the government of Burma has not officially endorsed international assistance, but stated that they are, "willing to accept international assistance, preferably bilateral, government to government." The biggest challenge at present is obtaining visas for entry into the country.

According to Thai Rath Newspaper of Thailand on 8 May 2008. In the afternoon (Bangkok time) of 7 May 2008, the Burmese junta permitted Italian flights containing relief supplies from the United Nations, and twenty-five tonnes of consumable goods, to land in Myanmar. However, many nations and organizations hope to deliver assistance and relief to Burma without delay; most of their officials, supplies and stores are waiting in Thailand and at the Yangon airport, as the Burmese junta declines to issue visas for many of those individuals. These political tensions raise the concern that some food and medical supplies might become unusable, even before the Burmese junta officially accepts the international relief effort.

India

India, one of the few countries which maintains close relations with Myanmar, launched Operation Sahayata under which two Indian Navy ships and two Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft supplied the first international relief material to the cyclone-hit country. The two aircrafts carried 4 tonnes of relief supplies each while the Indian Navy transported more than 100 tonnes of relief material. On May 8, the IAF dispatched third air consignment carrying over 32 tonnes of relief material including tents, blankets and medicines. India plans to send more aid to Myanmar. In a separate development, Myanmar denied Indian search and rescue teams and media access to critical cyclone-hit areas. According to various reports, Indian authorities had warned Myanmar about the danger that Cyclone Nargis posed 48 hours before it hit the country's coast.

Malaysia

Malaysia is to channel US$1 million (RM3.2 million) in financial assistance and RM500,000 in humanitarian aid to Myanmar. Humanitarian aid would be transported by Hercules C130 and would include 5,000 blankets, 30 tents and RM100,000 worth of T-shirts, batik sarong, biscuits, instant noodles and medicines. Mercy Malaysia, a volunteer relief organization in Malaysia, is sending a four-member relief team to Yangon, Myanmar to assess the situation in the wake of Cyclone Nargis. They would start looking into areas such as shelter, clean water, sanitation and emergency medical treatment.

Thailand

Thailand has sent $100,000 USD in supplies, thirty tonnes of medical supplies and twelve tonnes of food supplies from Thai Red Cross. Additionally, Chaiya Sasomsap, Minister of Public Health of Thailand, stated that the Government has already sent medical supplies valued more than one billion baht ($31.3 million) to Burma. Furthermore, the Government of Thailand dispatched, upon the permission of the Burmese junta, twenty medical teams and twenty quick communicable disease suppression units. Samak Sundaravej, Prime Minister of Thailand, stated that "if Myanmar gives the green light allowing us to help, our Air Force will provide C-130 aircraft to carry our teams there. This should not be precipitately carried out, it has to have the permission of their government." On 7 May 2008, the aforementioned units, with their subordinate airplanes, were permitted to land in Yangon, carrying drinking water and construction materials.

United States

The U.S. embassy in Burma has released $250,000, with an additional $3 million coming from USAID bringing the total US relief to $3.25 million. The United States Navy has also stated they are prepared to move their assets when they are given the go-ahead. The United States is currently urging Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, India and China to use any influence they have with Myanmar to allow relief teams into the cyclone-stricken nation. The Myanmar government is currently blocking certain relief agencies from operating in its territory and not issuing visas quickly enough to individuals from certain aid agencies.

Other relief efforts

As of May 8, 2008, the Foundation for the People of Burma has a team on the ground in Rangoon and beyond providing direct assistance to thousands of refugees. Since this organization is administered by Buddhist volunteers and already has tacit permission from the Burmese government, all donations go directly for supplies. "Foundation for the People of Burma".

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has pledged $189,000 for relief. The Red Cross has also called for an appeal of a further $6 million. Red Cross spokesman Matt Cochrane said that cyclone survivors need everything. They need emergency shelter to keep them dry, including food supplies. He says stagnant waters are a perfect breeding ground for the malaria mosquito, so insecticide-treated nets are needed.

Save the Children, one of the few agencies allowed to work in Myanmar, said the toll would likely sharply grow in the next few days as help reaches isolated areas.

Country	Contribution
Australia	AUD $25 million (USD $23.5 million)
Bangladesh	20 tonnes of food, medicine
Belgium	EUR 250,000 (USD $387,000) and EUR 100,000 from Flanders
Brunei	Relief materials
Canada	Up to USD $2 million in emergency relief, $500,000 of which is for the Red Cross, Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) is on standby; additional aid to come
China	USD $5.3 million in aid and relief materials (including 3 flights using Jade Cargo each consisting of 60 tonnes of aid)
Czech Republic	USD $154,000
Denmark	USD $103,600
European Union	USD $3.0 million
Finland	EUR 300,000 (USD $464,000)
France	USD $775,000
Germany	USD $3.0 million
Greece	USD $200,000, medicine and humanitarian aid
Hungary	USD $300,000, medicine, food, humanitarian aid
India	More than 72 tonnes of relief materials; tents, food supplies, medicines
Indonesia	USD $1 million in cash and another aid in foods and medicines
Ireland	USD $1.5 million
Israel	USD $100,000, food and medical supplies by private organizations
Japan	JPY 28 million in tents and generators = USD $267,000; USD $10 million through UN World Food Program & USD $570,000 pledged assistance
Malaysia	USD $4,100,000
Netherlands	EUR 1,000,000 (USD $1,550,000)
New Zealand	NZD 1.5 million (USD $1.15 million)
Norway	Up to USD $1.96 million
Philippines	Medical wokers and $500,000 USD and relief goods in cash
Russia	80 tonnes of food, generators, medicine, tents and blankets
Singapore	USD $200,000
Spain	USD $775,000 donation to World Food Programme
Sweden	Logistical support and water cleaning systems
Switzerland	USD $475,000 (initial)
Thailand	USD $100,000, food and medical supplies (initial)
Turkey	USD $1,000,000
United Kingdom	GBP 5 million (USD $9.9 million)
United States	USD $3.25 million, 6 C-130s, USS Essex strike group
Vietnam	USD $200,000

Private relief

This article may require cleanup to meet Misplaced Pages's quality standards. No cleanup reason has been specified. Please help improve this article if you can. (May 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Misplaced Pages. See Misplaced Pages's guide to writing better articles for suggestions. (May 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Several international organizations have been approved to work within the country (either before or after) or otherwise supporting relief efforts:

• Aidmatrix (The Aidmatrix Foundation) is providing an online coordination portal connecting companies, groups and individuals wanting to offer products and services, financial contributions or wanting organize workplace giving efforts.
• Giving Children Hope has partners on the ground with which to send emergency supplies.
• CARE has/had offices in Yangon that were damaged but the people are all right, have other resources, and are ready to go. A targeted donation is available.
• Chevron Corporation contributes $2 USD million, of which half goes to The International Federation of the Red Cross and the other half will be allocated to four other organizations: the International Organization for Migration, Mercy Corps, Pact and Save the Children.
• Church World Service is working with the Myanmar Council of Churches on a relief effort. A targeted donation is available.
• Direct Relief International is working with several groups and organizations on the ground. General donations, with 100 percent going to programs not administration, are available.
• Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières also has teams on the ground and is responding. General donation information is available.
• Foundation for the People of Burma provides direct assistance and is operating in Rangoon. It is administered by Buddhist volunteers and donations for aid are welcomed.
• GlobalGiving has several targeted relief projects with grassroots organizations already in Myanmar, including International Medical Corps, CHF International, and IDE.
• Hungarian Baptist Aid has joined to Baptist World Aid's Search, Rescue and Medical team. Also ready to launch a humanitarian relief and a special water purification and clean water packing (waterbags) unit.
• Lutheran World Relief is working through Church World Service. They have a Myanmar/Burma Cyclone effort.
• Myanmar Red Cross is appealing for help via the International Federation's website and is on the ground. A targeted donation is available. Choose "Myanmar Cyclone Nargis" under "I would like my contribution to go to:".
• Save the Children is "one of the largest non-governmental organizations at work in Myanmar" and has launched a full scale relief effort. A targeted donation is available.
• ShelterBox Australian and other Rotary International bodies are assisting. ShelterBoxes started arriving on 10 May.
• UNICEF is in country and has already provided relief supplies. A targeted donation is available.
• Unitarian Universalist Service Committee has joined with the Unitarian Universalist Association to launch a humanitarian relief fund to help survivors of the cyclone in Myanmar. The UUSC responds strategically to crises, especially when rights are threatened or when those in need are overlooked or neglected by traditional relief approaches. A targeted donation is available.
• World Vision has 600 staff on the ground (see video). A targeted donation is available.

Impact on rice supplies

The Irrawaddy Delta is such a fertile area for rice growing that it is nicknamed the "rice bowl". Production was high enough that Burma could feed its citizens a high amount of rice (by the standards of Asia) with enough left over to sell on the market. Since Nargis hit right around harvest, a rice shortage and famine could result. The United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organization estimated that Nargis impacted 65% of the country's paddies. They feel that the situation would be "devastating... if the recent disaster results in severe rice shortages." This may exaberate the crisis already occurring, but it could be partially alleviated if fall and late summer harvests are good.

Controversies

Military junta's blockade of aid

Burma's military junta says the country is not ready to accept foreign aid workers, amid mounting criticism of its response to the devastating cyclone. The World Food Programme's Paul Risley said the delays were "unprecedented in modern humanitarian relief efforts". In the days after the storm, the junta concentrated its efforts on a cat-and-mouse game with a CNN reporter.

Thairath Newspaper of Thailand reported that many Burmese people were displeased with the junta government, as they had provided no appropriate warning system for the incoming cyclone. In addition, they believed the mayhem caused by the cyclone and associated flooding was further exacerbated by an uncooperative response from the junta. For example, with no appropriate measures currently in place to manage the increasing number of dead bodies in the cyclone's aftermath, it was reported that the corpses are now simply being abandoned on the streets, with the situation worsening as time passes, exemplifying foreign concerns that the emergence and spread of communicable diseases would ensue. In addition, the International Society for Political Prisoner Assistance, located in Bangkok, reported human rights oversights during the disaster, alleging that corrections officers employed with the government had fired upon the prisoners of Yangon's Insein Prison who were attempting to escape amidst the chaos. It has been reported that 36 prisoners were killed and about 70 others were injured. The Burmese junta denied both reports.

On 9 May 2008, the junta officially declared that their acceptance of international aid relief would be limited to food, medicines and other supplies as well as financial aid, but would not allow additional foreign aid workers or military units to operate in the country. Samak Sundaravej, Prime Minister of Thailand, stated that, following the request of Eric G. John, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, he will visit Myanmar on 11 May in order to urge the junta to open the country. Quinton Quayle, U.K. Ambassador to Thailand, later remarked that he will also join Samak. However the junta immediately replied that it was not willing to welcome anyone at this time. Samak has said that he will still submit the mediating letter to the junta without delay.

The delays have started to attract international condemnation. Also, on 9 May in Bangkok, Richard Horsey, representative of the United Nations, issued a warning for Myanmar to no longer decline the full scale of international relief effort as another storm, as deadly as the Nargis, is headed towards the country. The new storm would probably worsen the circumstances. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the junta to allow aid in "without hinderance". Ban's comments came after the World Food Program resumed food aid after two shipments of high-energy biscuits were taken by the military. The Canadian House of Commons condemned the Burmese government's response in a resolution passed unanimously on May 9, 2008. Oxfam International's regional chief Sarah Ireland warned that 1.5 million face death if they do not get clean water and sanitation soon: "It's really crucial that people get access to clean water sources and sanitation to avoid unnecessary deaths and suffering."

Referendum

Despite objections raised by the Burmese opposition parties and foreign nations in the wake of the natural disaster, the junta intends to proceed with a previously scheduled (10 May 2008) constitutional referendum. Voting will, however, be postponed until 24 May2008 in Yangon and other areas hardest hit by the storm.

On 8 May 2008, about thirty protesters assembled before the Burmese embassy in Manila, Philippines, demanding that the junta defer voting on the referendum and immediately accept international relief. The Philippine protesters delivered the statement that "this time is not the time for politics, but it is the time to save people." The United States Government has also demanded the United Nations not to endorse the referendum. Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the Burmese opposition, also stated that holding a vote for the referendum during this disaster would be an consumedly unacceptable act. About 500 Myanmar activists demonstrated on 10 May outside their country's embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia demanding that Myanmar's military regime call off its constitutional referendum even as voting began despite a devastating cyclone.

In a public poll conducted throughout Myanmar on 9 May 2008 by Mizzima, a Burmese news agency, 64% of those surveyed still intended to vote in the referendum. However, 71% did not know what the constitution was, and 52% have not yet decided whether they will vote to support or oppose it.

See also

Template:Tcportal

• Geography of Burma
• List of tropical cyclones

References

1. AFP, Reuters (2008-05-08). "80,000 dead in one Burma district". The Australian. Retrieved 2008-05-08. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
2. Jamie Duncan (2008-05-06). "We're doing our best, says Burma military junta". News Limited. Retrieved 2008-05-06.
3. ^ "Referendum in Myanmar likely to solidify junta's power". The Press Association. 2008-05-11. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
4. "U.S. envoy: Myanmar deaths may top 100,000". CNN. May 7, 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
5. "80,000 dead in one Burma province", The Australian, May 8, 2008
6. "Is it time to invade Burma?". Time Magazine. 2008-05-10. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
7. "Cyclone Nargis -- Urdu for "daffodil"". Reuters India. 1980-05-07. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
8. Charlie Forecast Team (2008). "April 25 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
9. Charlie Forecast Team (2008). "April 26 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
10. India Meteorological Department (2008). "Depression over southeast Bay of Bengal". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
11. India Meteorological Department (2008). "Deep Depression over southeast and adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
12. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 001". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
13. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 002". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
14. ^ India Meteorological Department (2008). "Cyclonic storm "NARGIS" over southwest and adjoining southeast and west central Bay of Bengal". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
15. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 004". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
16. India Meteorological Department (2008). "Severe Cyclonic storm "NARGIS" over southwest and adjoining southeast and west central Bay of Bengal". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
17. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 005". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
18. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 006". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
19. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 007". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
20. India Meteorological Department (2008). "Very Severe Cyclonic storm "NARGIS" over westcentral and adjoining southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
21. Sify News (2008-04-28). "Cyclone Nargis triggers fears in Tamil Nadu". Retrieved 2008-05-03.
22. The Daily Star (2008-04-29). "Cyclone Nargis poised to strike in 4-5 days". Retrieved 2008-05-03.
23. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 008". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
24. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 009". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
25. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 010". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
26. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 012". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
27. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 017". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
28. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 020". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
29. India Meteorological Department (2008). "Tropical Storm "Nargis" Advisory No. Thirty-Six Issued At 1100 UTC of 2 May, 2008 Based on 0900 UTC Charts of 2 May, 2008". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
30. India Meteorological Department (2008). "May 2, 2008 Shipping Bulletin for Met. Area VIII North of Equator". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
31. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 023". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
32. India Meteorological Department (2008). "Tropical Storm "Nargis" Advisory No. Forty-One Issued At 0200 UTC of 3 May, 2008 Based on 0000 UTC Charts of 3 May, 2008". Retrieved 2008-05-02.
33. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2008). "Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 025". Retrieved 2008-05-03.
34. ^ Daily Mirror (2008-04-30). "Floods leave thousands homeless". Retrieved 2008-05-03.
35. Lakshmi de Silva (2008-04-30). "Over 35,000 affected by floods, landslides". Upali Newspapers Limited. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
36. Press Trust of India (2008-04-28). "Orissa heat deaths rise to eight as cyclonic storm forms over Bay". Retrieved 2008-05-03.
37. Herman, Steve (04-29-2008). "Bangladesh's Farmers Told Not to Panic About Approaching Cyclone". VOA News. Retrieved 2008-05-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
38. Abs-Cbn Interactive, UN: 1.5 million people affected by Myanmar storm
39. Staff Writer (May 6, 2008). "Myanmar cyclone death toll exceeds 22,000". CNN. Retrieved 2008-05-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
40. Alexander, David (2008-05-06). "Myanmar deaths may top 100,000: U.S. diplomat". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
41. ^ Denby, Kenneth (2008-05-07). "Burma cyclone: up to 50,000 dead and millions homeless, but still no call for aid". The Times. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
42. "Hundreds killed by Burma cyclone". BBC News. 2008-05-04. Retrieved 2008-05-05.
43. Associated Press & Canadian Press (2008-05-08). "UN relief planes arrive in Burma, others set to follow". CBC News. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
44. Tun, Aung Hla (2008-05-06). "Cyclone kills 10,000 in one Myanmar town, aid promised". Reuters India. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
45. UPDATE 1-Myanmar cyclone stirs more rice supply fears
46. Bell, Thomas (May 5, 2008). "Burma cyclone kills more than 350 people". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-05-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
47. ^ Template:Th icon ต้นโพธิ์ทรงปลูกรอดพายุ พระเทพฯ ทรงห่วงพม่า, Thai Rath, May 9, 2008
48. ^ Template:Th icon "พม่านับล้านไร้ที่อยู่ ศพอืดเน่า ผวาโรคระบาดซํ้า". Thai Rath. 2008-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
49. "Naval ships discharge supplies in Yangon", The Hindu, May 9, 2008
50. "Indian ships first to arrive with relief supplies in Myanmar", Thaindian News, May 7, 2008
51. "India to send 8 tonnes of relief material to Myanmar", Thaindian News, May 6, 2008
52. "India sends third air consignment to cyclone victims in Myanmar", Daily India, May 8, 2008
53. "India plans to send more medical supplies to cyclone-hit Myanmar", Times of India, May 9, 2008
54. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/India_to_send_more_relief_to_Myanmar_on_May_10/articleshow/3026237.cms
55. "If Myanmar had taken note of India's warning...", Rediff.com, May 9, 2008
56. Bernama (2008-05-10). "Malaysia To Channel US$1 Mln Cash, RM500,000 Aid To Cyclone-hit Myanmar". Bernama. Retrieved 2008-05-10.
57. Xinhua (2008-05-07). "Malaysia's relief team to go to cyclone-hit Myanmar". People's Daily. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
58. ^ Template:Th icon "ในหลวง-ราชินี สลดพระทัย พม่าพุ่ง 2 หมื่นศพ". Thai Rath. 2008-05-07. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
59. Agence France-Presse (2008-05-07). "US urges Asians to press Myanmar to admit relief teams". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
60. Starr, Barbara (May 6, 2008). "Some aid delivered in cyclone-ravaged Myanmar". CNN. Retrieved 2008-05-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
61. Lisa Schlein (2008-05-07). "Red Cross Issues Multi-Million Dollar Appeal for Burma". Voice of America. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
62. Associated Press (2008-05-08). "Aid workers race to reach Myanmar cyclone victims". Turkish Press. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
63. Staff Writer (May 6. 2008). "Aid starting to trickle into Burma: agencies". CTV. Retrieved 2008-05-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
64. "Aus increases aid". Sky News Australia. May 7. 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
65. "Brunei to send relief supplies for Myanmar cyclone-hit". The Brunei Times. 2008-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
66. ^ "MPs condemn Burma's 'deplorable' cyclone response". CBC News. 2008-05-09. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
67. "Finland to send emergency assistance to Myanmar". Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland. 2008-05-07. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
68. "Statement of FM Ms. Bakoyannis regarding provision of humanitarian aid to Myanmar/Burma". Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2008-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
69. Abs-Cbn Interactive, Japan gives $10-M aid to Myanmar
70. "Aid to Myanmar tripled". Newstalk ZB. 2008-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
71. "Norway prepared to provide NOK 10 million for cyclone victims in Burma/Myanmar". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. 2008-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
72. "Filipino medical workers ready for Myanmar mission". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2008-05-10.
73. "Самолет МЧС России доставил в Мьянму гуманитарную помощь". Газета.Ru. 2008-05-10. Retrieved 2008-05-10.
74. "Singapore sends off first batch of relief supplies to Myanmar". Channel NewsAsia. 2008-05-07. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
75. "Ministry of Foreign Affairs grants a financial assistance in the amount of $100,000 USD to Myanmar, following "Cyclone Nargis"". Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2008-05-06. Retrieved 2008-05-06.
76. "Cunta'nın İnadı Öldürüyor". Milliyet.com.tr. 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
77. "UK pledges £5m in aid for Burma". BBC. May 7. 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
78. "USAID Burma: Cyclone Nargis". Retrieved 2008-05-10. USAID/OFDA Assistance to Burma Cyclone: $3,250,000
79. "Gates: U.S. Military Ready to Help, Ships, Air Support Staged". American Forces Press Service. 2008-05-08. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessedate= ignored (help)
80. Stewart, Ray. "NEWS UPDATE 8th MAY - BURMA". ShelterBox Australia. Archived from the original on 2008-05-10.
81. Aileen McCabe (2008-05-10). "Cyclone Heightens Rice Crisis". Vancouver Sun. p. A21.
82. "Burma shuns foreign aid workers" , BBC News Online, May 9, 2008
83. "CNN reporter in Myanmar chased as he tries to chase cyclone story", Associated Press via International Herald Tribune, May 10, 2008
84. (Thai) "สมัครบินด่วนไปพม่า11พ.ค. ทูตอังกฤษขอร่วมคณะด้วย", Thai Rath, May 9, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
85. (Thai) "สมัครยกเลิกเดินทางไปพม่า เจ้าบ้านแถลงขอแค่สิ่งของ", Thai Rath, 2008-05-09. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
86. "UN Warns That Another Storm Is Headed Toward Myanmar," AFP, 2008-05-09, retrieved on 2008-05-09.
87. Associated Press (2008-05-09). "Let cyclone aid in 'without hindrance': UN chief to Burma leaders". CBC News. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
88. hindustantimes.com, Oxfam warns 1.5 million at risk in Myanmar
89. "Official: UN plane lands in Myanmar with aid after cyclone", Associated Press, May 8, 2008
90. "Malaysia: Hundreds Of Activists Stage Protest In Malaysia Against Myanmar Referendum", SinChew, May 10, 2008
91. "Poll finds a divided and indecisive public on referendum," Mizzima, 2008-05-09, retrieved on 2008-05-09.

External links

• USAID Burma: Cyclone Nargis
• "When Nature Attacks". Newsweek.
• Damage information from BBC
• Google Map: Path of Cyclone Nargis
• Charity Navigator's list of highly rated charities responding to the crisis
• Animation of Cyclone Nargis storm surge by Deltares, Institute for Delta Technology, the Netherlands
• Removal of Myanmar's mangrove forest defenses gave cyclone easy ride into exposed delta
• Cyclone Nargis Fact Sheet #4 - USAID
• Map of Humanitarian Assistance to Burma - USAID
• BBC, In pictures: Burmese aid crisis
• Reuters AlertNet - Homepage (Alerting humanitarians to emergencies)

• Current events from May 2008
• Articles needing cleanup from May 2008
• Cleanup tagged articles without a reason field from May 2008
• Misplaced Pages pages needing cleanup from May 2008
• Category 4 tropical cyclones
• Tropical cyclones in Burma
• 2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
• North Indian cyclones
• 2008 natural disasters