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Cyclone survivor describes situation in Dadaye

May 6, 2008 (DVB)-In the aftermath of the devastating cyclone that swept Burma over the weekend, DVB spoke to a survivor from Dadaye township, Irrawaddy division, one of the worst-affected areas.

The Dadaye resident spoke about her own experiences and what she had seen as he fled to safety.

"The tides came along with the storm. So people left their homes and tried to sleep on the roads. I think there were maybe more than 1000 people sleeping in the streets."

DVB: Are there any homes left?

"There are no homes left. People are now searching for the bodies of their family members. Many families lost three, five or more loved ones. We were lucky and we survived. We left all our belongings and brought nothing with use when we escaped. We escaped during the night."

DVB: Is the tide coming in?

"Yes, the tide is coming in. Trees have fallen on top of people, there are many dead bodies lying under trees. Many people have lost their homes."

DVB: How many people were killed?

"I saw lots of dead bodies on my way, and large herds of animals have been killed everywhere. Children were seen hanging by their hands as they died."

DVB: Were many children killed?

"Not just children, also adults, elderly people , everyone."

DVB: Did all the villagers die?

"There are only six left alive in the entire village."

DVB: Is that Danyingon village, near Dadaye?

"Yes, all the people I saw were in floods of tears and were searching for the bodies of their loved ones. There was a bad smell from the dead bodies along the way we came."

DVB: Have the dead bodies not yet been removed?

"There are bodies in areas which have not yet been searched. We found about 40 dead bodies on our way. Herds of cows and buffalo were also among the victims."

DVB: Were there dead bodies floating in the water?

"Everywhere – in the bushes, in the streams, everywhere."

DVB: Floating bodies could be brought back when tide comes in again.

"This tragedy was caused by a combination of the tides and the storm. There was too much water coming in."

For footage of this interview, please send a request by email to [email protected]

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