Cyclone devastates Myanmar
A cyclone has killed more than 350 people and destroyed thousands of homes in Myanmar. Cyclone Nargis cut electricity to Yangon, the country’s largest city.
The cyclone hit just days before a referendum scheduled for May 10 on a new constitution supported by Myanmar’s military junta. The current government’s response to the disaster, the Associated Press said, could affect the outcome of the vote.
Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962. The current leaders have been in power for two decades. As part of a plan to move toward democracy, the May 10 referendum is to be followed in 2010 by a general election.
Sources:
Associated Press
Al-Jazeera