Press Release: Myanmar/Burma: Rare TV footage illustrates Commission humanitarian action one year on from Cyclone Nargis

A year ago, on 2-3 May 2008, Cyclone Nargis struck south-western Myanmar bringing widespread destruction to the Irrawaddy delta region. This was the world's second worst natural disaster in almost four decades (after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami). An estimated 140,000 people were killed and hundreds of thousands more lost their homes and livelihoods. The Commission responded quickly, with fast-track finance for vital relief in the stricken areas. Louis Michel, the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, went to Myanmar/Burma in mid-May, engaging in face-to-face negotiations with the authorities to open up the humanitarian gateway. This was followed up with further Commission support for ongoing humanitarian needs. The Commission has so far provided humanitarian funding of €39 million in response to the cyclone.