Thanks so much for posting that information about the referendum. I have just gotten an update from an aid worker in Yangon and will post some of what was said: "A few days ago I told you that eight members of the health teams were heading out to try to reach villages directly south of Bogalay which haven’t yet been reached by any assistance. Actually, it was the team members’ fourth attempt to reach that group of villages, and they were once again unsuccessful. Previously, they tried to reach those villages by land, but couldn’t get through because of flooding. Then, they were trying by boat, but when waves began breaking over the front of the boat, the group had to turn back. It is discouraging for them to know that people are in need but are not within reach. I imagine they are not the only ones experiencing these types of setbacks. However, they aren’t giving up. The group is already out trying again, this time by going via smaller rivers and streams from the east, instead of going down the main river by a more direct route. It will be a longer trip, but with more chance of eventually arriving in the neediest areas. The reason the area isn’t being reached isn’t only that the weather and travel are so difficult. It is also because the government is not allowing any international organizations access to those areas. The local authorities have stated the area is off limits because of “security concerns” though it is unclear what the current security concerns may be. The area is between Bogalay and the coast, and includes some of the most devastated Karen and Burman villages in the Delta, according to the helicopter fly-over report that was accomplished a week after the cyclone hit. We are so grateful that the local partners HOPE is supporting are not being denied access to these areas. They just have to persevere and find a way through." Please watch this video if you get a chance: http://dvb.cachefly.net/nargis/comments_sinpon_1305.wmv www.helladelicious.com