United Nations Radio

The UN refugee agency -UNHCR- says it's seeking all possible means to send urgent shelter materials and household supplies to victims of the recent cyclone in Myanmar.

UNHCR says it hopes to start airlifting 57 tonnes of emergency shelter from its major stockpiles in Dubai.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Pagonis says the agency is also hoping to send supplies by road through northwestern Thailand.

"We've emptied our warehouses and these supplies will be headed out over the border we hope over the weekend into Myanmar. And then they'll make their long journey down to Yangon. Because of road conditions, it may take some time for these supplies to reach there."

Pagonis says these supplies will include about 5,000 plastic sheets and some 200 tents for people in desperate need of shelter.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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