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SINGAPORE: Official medical teams from Singapore are expected to leave for Myanmar this week.
Singapore's Foreign Ministry said the ASEAN-led coordinating mechanism will work out the deployment of international relief workers to Myanmar, including those from Singapore.
Fast Facts
This followed Myanmar's agreement to let ASEAN coordinate international aid for the cyclone victims at a special meeting in Singapore on Monday.
ASEAN foreign ministers were given a comprehensive update by the grouping's Emergency Rapid Assessment Team, which was in Myanmar from 9 to 18 May to see first-hand the destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis.
The team reported that the overarching concern for the international community is access to affected areas.
It also fears the possibility of a potential second wave of deaths due to diseases and lack of proper nutrition. This could be avoided through a more coordinated effort between the international community and the Myanmar government.
Shelter and resettlement for the affected people is also a priority as many are living in cramped tents with inadequate sanitation facilities.
Furthermore, the assessment team reported that water concerns are paramount in Myanmar as many people do not have access to clean drinking water.
The team also concluded that ASEAN can play a crucial role in helping the Myanmar government tackle the immediate needs, based on the grouping's long and trusted working relationship with the country.
To take the effort a step further, the United Nations and ASEAN have urged the international community to help the people in Myanmar.
They will hold an ASEAN-UN International Pledging Conference in Yangon on Sunday, May 25.
- CNA/so
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