Yangon: Ports in Yangon (sometimes referred to as Rangoon) have sustained severe damage as a result of Cyclone Nargis which struck Myanmar on May 2 and caused extreme flooding (pictured). According to a statement by the Singapore Shipping Association, from lines that trade to Myanmar, Bo Aung Kyaw Terminal (BSW), Myanmar Industrial Port Terminal (MIPT) and Asia World Port Terminal (AWPT) are currently closed to all traffic. Operations at Myanmar International Terminals Thilawa (MITT) are limited to handling geared vessels only since the 2 quay cranes they have collapsed.
In addition to damage to the various terminals' cranes and facilities, that SSA states that latest reports show that the Irrawaddy River has been blocked by up to 80 sunken vessels (mostly small fishing vessels and other inland commercial craft).
The main shipping lines plying from Singapore to Yangon are:
1. Myanmar Five Star Lines
2. Advance Container Lines
3. Inter Asia Line
4. Tong Joo/EP Carriers
5. ECL
Myanmar's state television says the current death toll as a result of the cyclone is just under 32,000. SSA has donated S$10,000 from its kitty towards victims of the crisis and is actively raising funds for this cause, to be channelled through the Singapore Red Cross (see http://www.redcross.org.sg/ for further information). [12/05/08]
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