Myanmar death toll could hit 100,000
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: AP
The top U.S. diplomat in Myanmar says 100,000 may have died in the cyclone and that 95 percent of buildings in the affected area are demolished. Shari Villarosa heads the U.S. embassy in Myanmar. She says food and water are running short in the Myanmar delta area inundated by the storm. She called the situation in that area "increasingly horrendous."
Villarosa told reporters, "There is a very real risk of disease outbreaks as long as this continues." She said that almost all the deaths are in the delta area.
The Pentagon has people, ships and airplanes in position, ready to help in any relief effort for Myanmar. An Air Force spokeswoman says a C-130 cargo plane is in Thailand and another is on the way as the military awaits word from Myamnar's rulers on whether the people and equipment will be allowed into the country. A rapid deployment unit, already based in Thailand, is ready as well.
Three Navy ships, including an amphibious ship with 23 helicopters and 1,500 Marines on-board, are on standby in the Gulf of Thailand. U.S. officials say it is possible that Myanmar's government would accept only money from the U.S, or that it would only agree to U.S. assistance as part of a larger United Nations effort.
