cyclone in Myanmar

A tropical cyclone has killed at least 243 people in Myanmar and damaged thousands of buildings.
The cyclone ripped down power lines, battered buildings and left uprooted trees and other debris scattered across the streets of Yangon. IVE central and southern regions and states, Yangon, Ayeyawaddy, Bago, Mon and Karen, have been declared disaster areas. Police and army have been deployed throughout the worst hits areas to start the clean-up operation. The information ministry official said that seven empty boats had sunk in the country's main port, while Yangon's international airport was closed until further notice with flights diverted to the city of Mandalay. The storm cut most electricity and telecommunications in the nation just a week before a crucial referendum on its new constitution, the first polling in Myanmar since general elections in 1990. Winds of about 190 Kilometre per hour battered the Irrawaddy, Rangoon, Bago, Karen and Mon regions. Military and police personnel have been carrying out rescue operations. Cyclone Nargis has since moved towards Thailand where storm warnings have been issued. However, it appears to be lessening in force.