The Burma Airlift

When cyclone Nargis hit Burma on May 2nd 2008 millions of lives were put at risk. The final death toll will never be known but it probably exceeded 200,000.  Many of these deaths were caused by the delay in providing aid due to the initial refusal to allow international aid workers into the country.  When the first U.N. aircraft was allowed to land the Burmese army simply stole the supplies and equipment and kicked the medical teams and other aid workers out of the country.  Only after a great deal of pressure was applied was a proper relief operation able to begin and even then a lack of cooperation delayed relief at a time when the need was desperate.   As our home is situated just 3 kilometres from, and in a direct line with, the runway at Don Muang airport we had a good view of the departing aircraft.

At last they were on their way.  A United Nations C 130 heads for Burma with much needed supplies after weeks of delay caused by the psychotic Senior General Tan Shwe.  This was taken from our kitchen window.

Another C130 on its way. This huge aircraft can carry 33 tons of cargo.

Another giant aircraft, this time a Russian built Ilyushin 76 heading for Burma. This plane has an enormous 40 ton carrying capacity.