| Aid for cyclone victims sold in Rangoon
May 12, 2008 (DVB)–Noodle packets, cans of condensed milk and mosquito nets intended for Cyclone Nargis victims are being sold openly in the streets and markets of Rangoon, a local resident told DVB.
The Rangoon resident said people had been surprised to see provisions designated for flood victims being sold in the shops.
"I saw dry noodle packets, condensed milk tins and mosquito nets from rescue efforts in downtown. They are selling noodle packets at Nyaungpinlay Market for 600 [kyat] a packet, and tins of condensed milk too," the resident said.
"The brands are not the same as the previous ones. They are the same brands that are mentioned in the [state] media."
Another resident said recent heavy rains have been causing more problems in the city as debris from the cyclone has blocked the drainage canals.
"People are living in fear because the weather forecasts predict storm and heavy rains. The winds are not that strong, but it has been raining heavily for three consecutive nights," he said.
"They haven't collected the rubbish left behind by the storm, the gutters and roads are blocked, and the water rises up very quickly."
The resident said there had been no assistance from the authorities so locals had to tackle the problem themselves.
"Local people have to come and cleared [the roads] and the water is gone again now," he said.
"We are doing things on our own initiative. No one is coming to help us."
Reporting by Naw Say Phaw
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