Washington: The United States is considering air-dropping food aid and other relief supplies to victims of the devastating cyclone in Myanmar, even if the closed regime resists, a US official said today.

The option is not ideal, but is being studied by the US and several other countries as a last resort if Myanmar's military leaders continue to limit outside aid and expertise that would help millions of people affected by the storm, said Ky Luu, the director of the US Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.

Air drops are often inefficient and, compounded with the junta's refusal to accept most offers of assistance, could have broader international legal implications, he said, adding that the best option would be for Myanmar to accept the aid.

Still, "anything that might have a positive impact is being looked at and is being discussed," Luu told reporters at the State Department. "Air drops (are) not the most efficient manner in terms of providing relief assistance and, in the end, may create more harm than anything else."

"So, yes, we re looking at it, but the immediate needs are for open access for the current existing operational partners and for the regime, in order to open up, to provide for additional relief workers to get on the ground," Luu said.

His comments came as the United States and other donor countries continued to wait for permission to enter with tons of assistance and disaster relief personnel to assess what the needs are and move toward distributing the aid. He and other US officials today reiterated appeals for Myanmar to allow such access.

Source : PTI