| |
SINGAPORE: Sources tell Channel NewsAsia that almost 200 Singaporeans are still in Myanmar.
Many of their relatives here are anxious to get in touch with their loved ones. But disruptions to the communication lines are making it difficult for them to do so.
Fast Facts
Most calls from Myanmar to Singapore can get through, but not vice versa.
Officials said, so far, there have been no reports of any Singaporean injured in the disaster.
After several tries, Channel NewsAsia managed to get in touch with two Singaporeans in Myanmar. They said that most people in the country are trying to make sense of what has happened.
There is also a severe lack of food, water and electricity.
Nagappn, a Singaporean working in Myanmar, said: "The trees have fallen down everywhere, it was looking like a ghost town. People are a little bit panicky."
Channel NewsAsia managed to contact the Singapore ambassador to Myanmar, Robert Chua.
He said the Singapore community there is staying close to each other and that on the ground, food and water are most needed. Mr Chua also suggested that any contributions should be channelled through the Red Cross.
He added that recovery efforts are slow, but officials are working to restore water and electricity.
Mr Chua said: "We hear from the Singaporean community that in some parts of the city, water and electricity have been restored. And overall, our Singapore community is alright and continuing to look after each other and help each other."
Aid agencies are rushing supplies of food and water but they also caution that delivering aid to some of the remote regions would pose a major challenge.
World Vision intends to send almost S$4 million worth of food and medical supplies.
|
