Latest figures put the combined toll of dead and missing from Cyclone Nargis at around 60,000 people. Millions are homeless, and without any prospect of immediate help.

A storm surge of 3.7 metres obliterated towns and villages across the low-lying Irrawaddy delta. Horrific tales are emerging of survivors suffering burns because of the sheer force of driving rain on exposed skin.

It was not entirely unexpected. The Bay of Bengal has a history of destructive cyclones, as Bangladeshis know only too well. And this year, extra ferocity was expected because of the effects of La Nina, the cooling of waters in parts of the Pacific.

Two developments are needed now to bring at least some relief to devastated communities.

Firstly, the military dictatorship must open the country up, both to external aid agencies but also to new thinking on flood defences, the economy and political freedoms.

Also, however, people in the West have a role to play, and that is by supporting the numerous aid agency appeals £ like one launched by UNICEF yesterday.

As little as £11 can buy 1,000 water purification tablets which will undoubtedly save lives as disease and hunger follow Nargis' horrific wake.