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UN Says Burma Needs More Funds for Cyclone Recovery


The United Nations says millions of dollars in international aid are still needed to help Burma's people remover from Cyclone Nargis two years ago.

The U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Burma, Bishow Parajuli, said Friday only about 25 percent of a $690 million recovery plan has been received from international donors.

He said two years after the cyclone, significant gaps in the recovery threaten to slow down or even stop longer-term rebuilding efforts.

The United Nations says around 150,000 families still need to rebuild their homes and 180,000 people face severe water shortages.

Cyclone Nargis caused widespread devastation in the Irrawaddy Delta in May 2008. It killed more than 140,000 people affected two million others. Total losses were estimated at more than $4 billion.

In February, a United Nations report on Burma's recovery from the cyclone said progress had been achieved in key areas, such as child development and health care. However, it said there is still much to do, particularly in improving people's livelihood and shelter.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

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