Many Delta Schools Open, but Where are the Children?

Some schools across the cyclone ravaged area of the Irrwaddy delta have reopened but are facing a range of problems. With the relief effort still continuing, survivors have bigger concerns than sending their children to school at the moment. Many parents also face prohibitive costs in sending their children to school as textbooks and clothing are far too expensive. With many relying solely on aid for survival, and with livelihoods taken by the cyclone, survivors are set to be in this position for some time to come. There are other problems too, such as the lack of teachers and the fact that many schools were too badly damaged to reopen at all. On top of this situation is the fact there have been hundreds of children orphaned by the cyclone who must be cared for and who are at increased risk of trafficking.

From: Independent Mon News Agency
http://bnionline.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4268&Itemid=1

Aid workers claim easy access to areas where junta presence negligible

Local Burmese aid workers say that they have been able to access remote villages that have not received any aid as yet. The workers say that they have not encountered any obstacles from the regime in these areas. The teams say that in the villages of Kyun Chaung, Thabyu Chaung , Kan Su Lay, Alay Yay Kyaw, Htin Su, and Yay Ka Myin 1 & 2, a mere 20 percent of people survived the cyclone and that these people are in dire need of assistance.

From: Democratic Voice of Burma
http://english.dvb.no/news.php?id=1396

Bogalay residents accuse authorities of selling aid

Residents of Bogalay claim that the regime’s local authorities have been selling off aid supplies that should be going to cyclone victims. It is claimed that a local businessman was sold 250 sacks of rice at 10,000 Kyat per bag by the ward PDC chairperson of Hai Shay sub-village tract, U Poe Zaw. There are also reports of diesel being sold off as well. Despite the announcement that those caught misappropriating aid would be prosecuted, there seems to be little follow up at local levels.

From: Mizzima News
http://www.mizzima.com/nargis-impact/18-nargis-impact/636-burma-allows-another-five-un-choppers-to-fly-in

Burma allows another five UN choppers to fly in

WFP spokesperson Edith Champagne has said that the junta has granted approval for the UN agency to utilize another five helicopters in its relief efforts. Currently the WFP has been operating a sole helicopter from Rangoon where it has flown times to the delta region over the past week. Helicopters are the most effective way to reach the hardest hit survivors of the cyclone as the roads to the region are damaged and access by sea is difficult. The move may be a sign that the junta is slowly opening humanitarian space, although the move comes very late. The WFP has a total of nine helicopters, with four more awaiting approval in Bangkok.

more news>>