Death toll doubles in Myanmar cyclone, UN still in dark about survivors

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The official death toll from Myanmar's killer cyclone nearly doubled to 78,000 as aid workers shackled by the country's uncooperative military regime struggled to get even the most basic data about the needs of up to 2.5 million desperate survivors. Heavy rains lashed much of the area stricken two weeks ago, further hampering already-delayed relief efforts. Myanmar state television said late Friday the official death count from the May 3 cyclone was 77,738, with another 55,917 missing. The Red Cross warned that the lack of clean water may increase the number of deaths.