Aid has started to trickle through to the survivors of the Burmese cyclone disaster but many more supplies are urgently needed if a disease epidemic is to be avoided, aid agencies said today.
However,a spokesman for the World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed this afternoon that two planes containing humanitarian supplies had "not been released" by the Burmese authorities after arriving in Rangoon airport earlier today.
The planes were containing "critically needed supplies and equipment" provided by the WFP, UNHCR and other aid organisations and were intended to help with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.
A WFP spokesman said: "This is yet another example of the frustratingly long clearance process of receiving food aid, humanitarian supplies and visas for humanitarian workers."
Charities have been warning of a disease epidemic of "apocalyptic proportions" due to delays in supplies getting through to those in need.
Moreover, while Burma's military regime has begun distributing international aid, they have been plastering boxes with names of top generals in an apparent effort to turn the relief effort for last week's devastating cyclone into a propaganda exercise.
State-run television continuously ran images of top generals - including the junta leader, Senior General Than Shwe - handing out boxes of aid to survivors at elaborate ceremonies. One box bore the name of Lt Gen Myint Swe, a rising star in the government hierarchy, in bold letters that overshadowed a smaller label reading: "Aid from the Kingdom of Thailand."
"We have already seen regional commanders putting their names on the side of aid shipments from Asia, saying this was gift from them and then distributing it in their region," said Mark Farmaner, director of Burma Campaign UK, which campaigns for human rights and democracy in the country.
"It is not going to areas where it is most in need," he said.
State media say 23,335 people died and 37,019 are missing after Cyclone Nargis, which submerged entire villages in the Irrawaddy delta. International aid organisations say the death toll could climb to more than 100,000 as conditions worsen.
The UN estimates 1.5 million to two million people have been severely affected and has voiced concern about the disposal of bodies.
With phone lines down, roads blocked and electricity networks destroyed, it is nearly impossible to reach isolated areas in the delta, complicated by the lack of experienced international aid workers and equipment.
But the junta has refused to grant access to foreign experts, saying it will only accept donations from foreign charities and governments, and then will deliver the aid on its own.
Despite the crisis the military government has pushed ahead with a referendum, although the balloting has been postponed for two weeks in the areas hardest hit by Cyclone Nargis - including the largest city, Rangoon.
PA