Aid to Burmese Cyclone Victims Falls Short

As the one-year anniversary of Cyclone Nargis approaches, the needs of victims are still not being met.

David Verboom, regional head of the European Commission's European Humanitarian Aid department, said Thursday that Burma's political situation undermines international donor support.

"It is clear the political environment of course is a hindrance for many donors to contribute ... that is quite clear," he said.

Burma's military government was accused of restricting international aid right after the cyclone. Only intervention from the United Nations and regional governments led the government to give aid workers access to the hardest-hit areas.

"From the international community side it is fair to say that support has been limited. Much more could have been done," he said.

Verboom notes that international aid after the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 totaled $12 billion. After Nargis, in which a similar number of people died, only about $300 million was given.