Cyclone Nargis and Monsoon rains leave water shortage

The cyclone Nargis and heavy rains during the monsoon season have left survivors in Myanmar without safe drinking water, it has been reported.

Rains that have lasted for six months in Myanmar's Irrawaddy delta area have left water supplies contaminated with sea and rain water, reported Reuters.

Rice supplies have also suffered damage due to the conditions.

The country's military junta recently announced in a post-disaster assessment: "Many survivors remain vulnerable, especially in terms of continued access to clean water, adequate shelter and restoring livelihoods."

Merlin, a UK disaster agency, said that it has put six water treatment units into action, but this is still not enough to address the shortage.

Another organisation working in the country, World Vision, conducted a survey among surviving families in the area and found that one-third had reduced food intake following the disaster.