Irish aid efforts for cyclone victims

Ireland/Burma:PRESIDENT MARY McAleese has led expressions of sympathy to the people of Burma on the loss of life and devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis.

Mrs McAleese said Ireland was "anxious to assist the people of Burma in their relief and recovery efforts", while the association of non-governmental organisations, Dóchas, launched a website to show how practical help can be given to Irish aid agencies in Burma and other areas in need.

John O'Shea, the chief executive of the Irish aid agency Goal, also called on the Government to use its influence to force the military junta in Burma to allow more aid workers into the country.

Mr O'Shea said Goal was "ready to respond to this tragedy, but we can do nothing until staff are given visas to enter Burma".

Although the military authorities have said they will allow the United Nations to deploy on the ground, Mr O'Shea said difficulties were being experienced with visa applications from NGOs and if an organisation like Goal could not assist UN aid, "then that aid would be greatly diminished".

Nearly 22,500 people were reported killed and 41,000 were still missing yesterday after the cyclone ripped through Burma's Irrawaddy delta. It was Asia's most devastating cyclone since 1991, when a storm killed 143,000 in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Military helicopters dropped food and water yesterday. The UN says over one million people need shelter and life-saving assistance.

Hans Zomer, spokesman for Dóchas, said disasters of this nature struck the most vulnerable.

"When such disasters strike, immediate action is needed to save lives" he said at the launch of the association's new website: www.howyoucanhelp.ie

"The How-You-Can-Help website sets out the principles of good emergency relief, and the many ways in which members of the public can assist the Irish aid agencies to do their work," said Mr Zomer. The website was sponsored by Irish Aid, the Government's aid arm.