United Nations Radio

UN humanitarian chief John Holmes says significant progress has been made in Myanmar since his last visit at the end of May.

He says the remarkable resilience of people so severely affected by Cyclone Nargis is evident in the way communities are rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.

But he says "it is also clear that there are many relief needs still to address."

And he calls for focus to be placed "on reaching the most vulnerable communities in remote areas, especially along the southern coast of the delta."

Under-Secretary-General Holmes is in Myanmar for three days to assess the situation of cyclone survivors as well as progress in relief and early recovery operations since his last visit.

Accompanied by the Deputy Foreign Minister of Myanmar, U Kyaw Thu, and representatives of UN agencies, Mr. Holmes visited several affected communities in the Ayeyarwady delta Tuesday and was able to see how agricultural and other activities were picking up during an extensive helicopter tour.

The Emergency Relief Coordinator will meet the humanitarian community and donors in Yangon on Wednesday, and is set to travel to Nay Pyi Taw for consultations with the Government on Thursday 24 July.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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