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        May 8, 2008

(CNN Student News) -- May 8, 2008 Quick Guide Myanmar Relief Effort - Hear why help is being delayed to many victims of a cyclone in Myanmar. Myanmar Relief Effort AZUZ: Turning our attention to Myanmar, where the deadly impact of Cyclone Nargis seems to be getting worse every day. According to the country's government, more than 22,000 people have been killed. But one U.S. official in the region says that number could end up over 100,000. Aid workers are trying to get help to the victims, but many can't get permission to enter the country. Ralitsa Vassileva has more on the relief efforts. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) RALITSA VASSILEVA, CNN REPORTER: It's been very frustrating for aid workers, as you mentioned, who are waiting in long lines at Myanmar's embassy in Bangkok just to get the paperwork to get into the country. They're ready to help, but they're stuck, while storm survivors are going yet another day without basic needs. And neighboring Thailand is the main staging ground for disaster operations to Myanmar, and the United States is among those with supplies there ready on standby. As you can see, three U.S. Navy ships are in a holding position in the Gulf of Thailand, waiting for permission to join the disaster effort. The U.S. has also flown in helicopters into Thai air bases, as well as C130 aircraft. And this is where they will be headed, if they are let inside the country of Myanmar. You see the Irrawaddy Delta here on your screen, that's where the disaster struck. The worst hit area you see there in that square, that's where all the flooding, where all the people who are suffering, the homeless, the dead. All of them are there in that area. But what's holding them up is the lack of visas. So, we talked earlier to the commander of the Pacific Command. He explained what is behind this hold-up. ADMIRAL TIMOTHY KEATING, U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND, COMMANDER: We've been watching this through our command center as the storm came ashore over the weekend. We began moving forces very soon thereafter. We've been in extensive dialogue with our defense leaders and listening as the department of our state leaders and our president himself have implored Myanmar/Burma to let us come in. And it has been several days now, and we do not, as yet, have permission. VASSILEVA: Washington has pledged three and a quarter million dollars in aid, but it says that it could do much more to help those in need if only it is allowed in. (END VIDEO CLIP) Impact Your World AZUZ: The groups trying to get aid to the cyclone victims can use your help, too. You can donate food, clothing, money, supplies; every little bit counts. Log on to CNN.com/impact to see how you can make a difference. And if you'd like to, you can share your thoughts on this disaster on our blog at CNNStudentNews.com.

   
 

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