U.N. chief sees devastation on Myanmar aid mission

By Patrick Worsnip

KYONDAH RELIEF CAMP, Myanmar (Reuters) - U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon saw flooded rice fields and destroyed homes during his mission on Thursday to bring large-scale international aid to 2.4 million people left destitute by Cyclone Nargis.

On a helicopter tour of the Irrawaddy Delta and a visit to one of the military government's relief camps and a distribution centre, Myanmar officials told the U.N. secretary-general the situation was under control.

But Ban said his main concern was to get his message across that the generals needed to open up to more foreign aid and expertise, which has been limited since the May 2 storm and sea surge left nearly 134,000 dead or missing.

"I am so sorry, but don't lose your hope," Ban told one woman as he peered into a blue tent at the Kyondah relief camp 75 km (46 miles) south of Yangon. "The United Nations is here to help you. The whole world is trying to help Myanmar."

Only a quarter of those in need have been reached after one of Asia's worst cyclones in decades destroyed entire villages. Relief experts fear more will die of disease and injuries if they do not receive a steady supply of food, medical care and equipment in the coming months.

For the trip by Myanmar military helicopter, Ban changed from a business suit into a beige casual jacket, baseball cap and slacks. His three-hour tour included flying over flooded rice fields, many covered with brown sludge, to get to the camp.

He saw extensive damage to trees, homes and other structures.

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