Washington, D.C. - In the wake of the destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes today appealed for $187 million to assist 10 UN agencies and nine non-governmental organizations to support the Myanmar government for at least three months.

Speaking at UN headquarters in New York, Holmes said the appeal will cover 12 sectors including food, shelter, sanitation, and agriculture as well as other support and services.

The $187 million flash appeal is the best assessment that can be made at the moment and will ultimately be revised based on new information, Holmes cautioned.

Thus far, governments and relief agencies have pledged more than $38 million in aid and other support.

The UN will allocate at least $20 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for the aid effort.

Holmes also reported that the government of Myanmar has pledged $5 million and is providing military helicopters to distribute relief supplies.

"I hope they will step up those efforts further given the clear, massive need," Holmes said.

Holmes reported that between 1.2 to 1.9 million people have been "severely affected" by the disaster and an estimated 63,000 to 100,000 people have died, with the majority of those deaths occurring in the delta region.

As of May 7, it has been estimated that about 276,000 individuals have been reached.

Holmes warned again today that the biggest risk are "severe epidemics" if adequate aid is not delivered quickly. 

"The logistical challenge of operating on the delta is huge," Holmes warned.

In response to the lack of visas being approved by the Myanmar government, Holmes said, "I strongly urge the government to reconsider its attitude in view of the urgency of the situation and to do all it possibly can to speed up aid and relieve the suffering of its people."

Holmes said the cyclone that struck Myanmar on May 2 is the worst since the cyclone that struck Bangladesh in 1991. "The extent of this human catastrophe is enormous," Holmes said.

Cyclone Nargis, which made landfall in the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) delta region, caused widespread destruction, including destroying homes, tearing down trees and power lines and damaging communications.

For the latest information about the UN's efforts in Myanmar and around the world, visit: www.un.org/news/

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