'Shortage of funds' threatens United Nation's Burma aid effort
Ashin Mettacara
|
Saturday, June 21, 2008
|
WFP Country Director for Myanmar, Chris Kaye
Rangoon The United Nations gave warning that it will be forced to ground helicopters that have been ferrying aid to Burma’s cyclone survivors unless the international community provides more funding.
The UN’s World Food Programme said that it was facing a “critical shortage of funds” for its logistical operation in the country, including its ten helicopters, which have delivered lifesaving material to 60 locations in the Irrawaddy delta.
The use of helicopters, trucks and boats will “grind to a halt by the end of this month unless we get additional funding now”, Chris Kaye, WFP’s country director in Burma, said. The UN estimates that 2.4 million people were affected by Cyclone Nargis and says that more than 1 million still need help.
The WFP issued an appeal for $50 million (£25 million) to fund its logistical operation - of which the helicopters are the most expensive to run - but has so far received pledges and funding to cover only 60 per cent of requirements, the statement said. (AP)
Filed Under:
