Myanmar’s generals have a choice to make following Friday’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
They can repeat the mistakes of 17 years ago when they refused to allow international help after Cyclone Nargis tore through the country, leaving 140,000 dead, or facilitate the free flow of urgent assistance.
Determined to keep Myanmar closed to the world, the junta blocked international relief efforts by banning foreign boats and aircraft from delivering supplies and delaying visas for aid workers in the first few critical weeks after the 2008 disaster. It cannot afford to take the same path this time. Modeling from the United States Geological Survey indicates that more than 10,000 people may have died in the quake and that estimated economic losses could exceed the nation’s gross domestic product.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.