The number of dead and missing in Burma could be as high as 128,000. Up to 2.5 million have been left homeless. Survivors face poor sanitation, a lack of access to clean water, and the threat of disease.
The United Nations is mobilising aid and giving assistance. Although some aid flights have been allowed to land in Rangoon, the UN and its humanitarian partners are being impeded by the Burmese authorities' failure to allow foreign experts into the affected areas.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is managing the relief effort. The World Food Programme is distributing food and relief supplies to badly hit areas. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is supplying the Burmese government with material for emergency shelter and field staff for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are distributing medicines, first-aid kits and oral rehydration tablets. The International Committee of the Red Cross has assisted with medical care, safe drinking water, sanitation and the safe disposal of bodies.

All these organisations have launched online appeals. Although there are concerns about funds reaching the affected areas, humanitarian bodies have requested donations in order to meet the needs of the Burmese people as soon as they are allowed access by the Burmese authorities. You can make a donation to help the humanitarian effort through the UK Disasters Emergency Committee, the British Red cross , UN World Food Programme, UNHCR and UNICEF.

14 MAY
UNA-UK Chair Lord Hannay of Chiswick has responded to questions from UNA-UK member David Hamilton about the humanitarian crisis in Burma:click here to read the exchange.

15 MAY
update on Myanmar from Security Council Report.