I am watching the news not quite believing what I am seeing. The destruction the cyclone has caused is rising and the death toll seems to be going up at an alarming rate. More than 22,000 people are confirmed dead, but now the top US diplomat in the country has warned that without speedy action that could top 100,000. Amid the "increasingly horrendous" situation, there is a "real risk" of disease outbreak, said the head of the US embassy in Burma, Shari Villarosa. Some aid has arrived but the UN says big obstacles remain for aid agencies. Burma's ruling military junta has approved the passage of some aid, but other offers have been spurned while many foreign aid workers are being held in a queue for visas. Hopefully help will be accepted soon. Miss M.