US to Assist Cyclone Vicims in Arakan State

27 October 2010: The United States Government on Tuesday pledged a 100,000 dollar aid package toward assisting victims of Cyclone Giri in Arakan State, which struck Burma’s western coastal region last weekend.

On October 22, Cyclone Giri made landfall on the western coast of Burma with wind speeds of 140 to 155 miles per hour. The cyclone damaged or destroyed houses, bridges, roads, and power and communications infrastructure, particularly in coastal towns. Relief agencies have identified food, water, and shelter as priority needs in affected areas.

A press release yesterday by the US Embassy in Rangoon said that the ’emergency’ assistance will be provided to the affected population through an international agency, adding that the United States Government will closely monitor the situation through its diplomatic mission in the former Burmese capital.

Cyclone Giri, the second deadliest storm to hit the poverty-stricken Southeast Asian county in two years, has reportedly claimed 27 lives and left hundreds thousands homeless.

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Chinland Guardian