One Month After Cyclone, More than 2 Million Still At Risk

Children walk past a destroyed hut near Yangon, Myanmar, after receiving food from a Buddhist monastery. June 1, 2008

Photo: AP Photo

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With more than 2 million people still awaiting substantial aid a month after Cyclone Nargis devastated the country, leaving 135,000 dead or missing, the United States is giving up on the repressive government of Myanmar. More than 250,000 have yet to receive any aid, international groups say.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates told reporters that four U.S. Navy ships would leave the region, having been prevented from delivering supplies directly to the Irrawaddy River Delta region, where the Category 4 hurricane did the most damage.

The military junta that rules Myanmar had recently cracked open its borders to additional non-profit international aid, and defended its efforts to provide relief. But it has steadfastly refused the United States access via all but 15 cargo plane drops, according to the New York Times. And reports from within the country indicate that the government has prevented even its own citizens from lending a hand.

Gates also ruled out invading Myanmar to forcibly deliver aid.

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