What now for the Burmese people after Cyclone Nargis?

One of the most inhumane regimes on earth must be the military junta of Burma. Last weekend, Cyclone Nargis slammed directly into the Irrawaddy delta, causing widespread devastation and loss of lives.


Yet, the Burmese junta has done little to allow international aid into the country to help its own citizens. How inhumane and callous can they be? Conservative estimates put it as 22,000 dead with fears of this number reaching 100,000. The destruction could have left as many as one million homeless and risking famine and diseases.

Though aid is pouring into Burma, it is not fast enough. With each passing moment, the Burmese military junta is quickly losing whatever remains of its little credibility. My heart goes out to the people in Burma. How much more do they have to suffer?

The media has been reporting that the Burmese communities in Malaysia are anxious to know the fate of their families in Burma. I know for sure that the small Burmese community around Lunas are equally concerned. The Burmese here have been such great people. Selflessly, they have been helping the Buddhist Hermitage Lunas in constructing the archway into the Hermitage since last August or so, possibly even earlier. They are rushing to complete the archway in time for the Wesak celebrations. The natural disaster in Burma will certainly cast a cloud over the celebrations.

I had hoped that these pictures of the archway would commemorate happier times but unfortunately, it will not be. Nevertheless, I'm dedicating them to the people of Burma, both over there and here around Lunas.