Video the aftermath | Eyewitness report | DEC appeal

A generation of children could be wiped out if help does not quickly get through to the cyclone-stricken villages of Burma, according to international officials frustrated by the military junta’s obstruction of western aid workers.

Charities warned that epidemics of “apocalyptic proportions” could be caused by delays in securing supplies of fresh water and medicines.

Latest estimates suggest that up to 116,000 people died when a tidal surge swept across the Irrawaddy delta from ocean water whipped up by Cyclone Nargis.

Of 1.7m who have been left homeless or are in distress, many hundreds of thousands are children who are most vulnerable to waterborne diseases. Reports of dysentery have already surfaced and there are fears of a measles epidemic.

Although some aid is reaching Burma, the junta has refused to let it be distributed by foreigners. It insists on using its poorly equipped military to conduct a grossly mismanaged operation.

“We are very worried about a ‘second disaster’,” said Greg Beck of the International Rescue Committee. “We’ve had some early indications that cholera is breaking out . . . also dengue fever and malaria. These are treatable and we could contain them very easily if we were able to get access.”

Times Recommends

• Both sides blame US for worsening relations
• Stieg Larsson: losing the plot over his cash
• Odd creature paralysed by incompatible parts