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Burma declares cyclone disaster | Burma declares cyclone disaster |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Burma has declared five regions as disaster areas, including the main city Rangoon, after a large tropical cyclone hit the country, state media report. | Burma has declared five regions as disaster areas, including the main city Rangoon, after a large tropical cyclone hit the country, state media report. |
The military-run Myawady television station said Irrawaddy, Bago, Karen and Mon states were also hit hard by winds of about 190km/h (120mph). | The military-run Myawady television station said Irrawaddy, Bago, Karen and Mon states were also hit hard by winds of about 190km/h (120mph). |
Cyclone Nargis is reported to have killed at least four people in Rangoon. | Cyclone Nargis is reported to have killed at least four people in Rangoon. |
The city is without power and water, and the streets are full of debris from fallen trees and damaged buildings. | The city is without power and water, and the streets are full of debris from fallen trees and damaged buildings. |
The cyclone is now moving into Thailand where storm warnings have been issued. | The cyclone is now moving into Thailand where storm warnings have been issued. |
However, it appears to be lessening in force. | However, it appears to be lessening in force. |
'Lot of damage' | 'Lot of damage' |
Internet and phone connections have been down since the storm neared the former Burmese capital, making it difficult to confirm the extent of the damage. | Internet and phone connections have been down since the storm neared the former Burmese capital, making it difficult to confirm the extent of the damage. |
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Footage of the damage caused by the cyclone | |
In the Irrawaddy river delta, more than half of the buildings had been damaged or had collapsed, official newspapers reported. | In the Irrawaddy river delta, more than half of the buildings had been damaged or had collapsed, official newspapers reported. |
Official media also reported that four vessels had sunk in Rangoon harbour. | Official media also reported that four vessels had sunk in Rangoon harbour. |
A UN regional official told Reuters news agency it would take several days to assess the scale of the damage. | A UN regional official told Reuters news agency it would take several days to assess the scale of the damage. |
"There does not seem to be a high number of casualties but for sure there is a lot of damage to property and infrastructure," Therje Skavdal said, speaking from Bangkok. | "There does not seem to be a high number of casualties but for sure there is a lot of damage to property and infrastructure," Therje Skavdal said, speaking from Bangkok. |
Military and police units have been deployed in Rangoon to help clear up the damage, an official at the information ministry said. | Military and police units have been deployed in Rangoon to help clear up the damage, an official at the information ministry said. |
"So far we know there were casualties [deaths], but we cannot release the details yet as we are still collecting information," he told AFP news agency. | "So far we know there were casualties [deaths], but we cannot release the details yet as we are still collecting information," he told AFP news agency. |
News of the four deaths in Rangoon was reported in state newspapers. | News of the four deaths in Rangoon was reported in state newspapers. |
'Like Katrina' | 'Like Katrina' |
A UN official, speaking anonymously, told The Associated Press: | A UN official, speaking anonymously, told The Associated Press: |
Where are all those uniformed people who are always ready to beat civilians? They should come out... and help clean up... Rangoon trishaw driver | Where are all those uniformed people who are always ready to beat civilians? They should come out... and help clean up... Rangoon trishaw driver |
"It's a bad situation. Almost all the houses are smashed. People are in a terrible situation. | "It's a bad situation. Almost all the houses are smashed. People are in a terrible situation. |
"All the roads are blocked. There is no water. There is no electricity." | "All the roads are blocked. There is no water. There is no electricity." |
Many roofs were reportedly ripped off even sturdy buildings in Rangoon. | Many roofs were reportedly ripped off even sturdy buildings in Rangoon. |
"I have never seen anything like it," one retired government worker told Reuters. | "I have never seen anything like it," one retired government worker told Reuters. |
"It reminded me of when Hurricane Katrina hit the United States." | "It reminded me of when Hurricane Katrina hit the United States." |
A trishaw driver in Rangoon, who did not want to be identified, complained that the security forces were not doing enough to help. | A trishaw driver in Rangoon, who did not want to be identified, complained that the security forces were not doing enough to help. |
"Where are all those uniformed people who are always ready to beat civilians?" he said. | "Where are all those uniformed people who are always ready to beat civilians?" he said. |
"They should come out in full force and help clean up the areas and restore electricity." | "They should come out in full force and help clean up the areas and restore electricity." |
Are you in Burma? Have you been affected by the cyclone? Send your comments and pictures using the post form below: | Are you in Burma? Have you been affected by the cyclone? Send your comments and pictures using the post form below: |
Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here. Read the terms and conditions | Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here. Read the terms and conditions |
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. | At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. |