The British government estimates that up to
100,000 people are dead or missing in the cyclone in Myanmar and that the
figures of those "vulnerable" to the consequences of the disaster
could reach 1.9 million, according to a briefing in London Friday.
The figures are based on "authoritative sources" quoted by Britain's Ambassador to Myanmar, Mark Canning, who has been reporting to the Foreign Office in London.
The number of those missing or dead was estimated to be between 63,000 and
100,000, while the toll of those vulnerable could "escalate
dramatically" to between 1.2 million and 1.9 million.
The British government was continuing to urge the authorities in Myanmar to allow in conventional aid as well as more experts from international aid
organizations.
But if those efforts failed, enforced airdrops or the supply of aid through
nations "friendly" with Myanmar, including China and India, could
also be a consideration, the briefing was told, dpa
reported.