Non Traditional Threat: Disaster in Myanmar

[update: 12 May 2008 / 00:51] Myanmar state TV says, death toll from cyclone now at 28,458 and 33,416 still missing but then UN agencies say death toll closer to 100,000. This shows that Junta are hidding the real figures and they are not cooperating with UN aid agencies. May be they are not bothered with the numbers as far as they can keep their country closed from out side world. But then how long they can keep the country from outside world? People's life is more important then the junta's pride. That's the major reason, why I believe the civilian must run the country administration and let the military to take care border of the country.

I was really disturbed when I read, The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued specific and precise advisories to Myanmar 48 hours in advance about the impending cyclone 'Nargis' which wreaked havoc and left a trail of death in Myanmar but then the people were not informed about this disaster. Meanwhile, US diplomat in Yanggon said, the death toll can reach 100,000 but then it's look like, Junta are hidding the actual figures or they don't have ample resources to handle the tragedy. Junta should leave politics a side at this moment and go all out to help the people's.

[updated: 00:02 / 08 May 2008] Nargis is a severe tropical storm, known as a cyclone, among the most powerful and destructive weather systems. The term cyclone means that its circulation is counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere. Depending on their location and strength, there are various terms by which tropical cyclones are known, such as hurricane, typhoon, tropical storm, cyclonic storm and tropical depression. 22,000 people died so far and it is expected the number will increase in few days. More than 44,ooo people are missing. Everything happens in a day and no one could stop it. This is what I said previously, non-traditional threat which never cross our mind in 80's or even before Tsunami. All this while our geography teacher use to say, ASEAN especially Malaysia on a safe platform but i think it's "NOT SAFE" any more. I'm wondering whether the Tsunami detector can detect the cylone or any other tidal wind? If this can happen to Myanmar our neighbour country, it can also happen to Malaysia. Are we ready for this? Sean Turnell, an economist from Australia Macquire University said, Myanmar going to face the food shortage in next 18 to 24 months. Believe me, this cyclone going to change the political climate of Myanmar. The junta has no option other than open-up the country to foreign access. [Photo's is not mine, I got it from various web.10Q]