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Britons in Burma 'not in contact' | Britons in Burma 'not in contact' |
(10 minutes later) | |
Seventeen Britons in Burma are still unaccounted for after a cyclone hit the country, the Foreign Office (FCO) said. | Seventeen Britons in Burma are still unaccounted for after a cyclone hit the country, the Foreign Office (FCO) said. |
The British nationals are either visiting the country or already live in the south-east Asian state, but have not contacted family or friends. | The British nationals are either visiting the country or already live in the south-east Asian state, but have not contacted family or friends. |
The FCO said communication problems could be the reason, adding that it had not had reports of British casualties. | The FCO said communication problems could be the reason, adding that it had not had reports of British casualties. |
Burmese state media says the death toll has reached 22,980, and 42,119 missing, but there are warnings it could rise. | Burmese state media says the death toll has reached 22,980, and 42,119 missing, but there are warnings it could rise. |
There are about 200 British nationals living in Burma, and some 7,500 UK tourists are believed to visit the country every year. | There are about 200 British nationals living in Burma, and some 7,500 UK tourists are believed to visit the country every year. |
The British Embassy warned those living in the country that Saturday's cyclone was due to hit. | The British Embassy warned those living in the country that Saturday's cyclone was due to hit. |
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "At the moment we are aware of 17 British nationals that friends and family have not been able to make contact with. | |
"But we have had no reports of British casualties and we have no reports that they are in danger." | "But we have had no reports of British casualties and we have no reports that they are in danger." |
One of the people reported missing on Wednesday - Tom Bourden, from Eastbourne, Sussex - has made e-mail contact with his family to say he is safe. | One of the people reported missing on Wednesday - Tom Bourden, from Eastbourne, Sussex - has made e-mail contact with his family to say he is safe. |
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), made up a group of British aid agencies and charities, has launched an appeal for help. | The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), made up a group of British aid agencies and charities, has launched an appeal for help. |
It said the scale of the disaster meant the need for aid was "immediate and vast". | It said the scale of the disaster meant the need for aid was "immediate and vast". |
DEC, whose members include British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Oxfam and Save the Children, said the money would be spent on immediate relief efforts and also long-term reconstruction projects. | DEC, whose members include British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Oxfam and Save the Children, said the money would be spent on immediate relief efforts and also long-term reconstruction projects. |