Burma cyclone cost

The authorities in Burma say relief and reconstruction work after Cyclone Nargis will cost at least $1 billion.



The figure was released in a report at Asean\'s annual meeting in Singapore.



It is the first comprehensive assessment of the damage caused by the May 3 cyclone, which is believed to have killed 130,000 people.



Burma\'s ruling generals were criticised in the wake of the cyclone for being slow to accept international aid.



Asean has already played a key part in helping to facilitate exchanges between Burma\'s ruling junta and international donors.



Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan told a news conference that the three parties involved in the report - the UN, Asean and the Burmese government - needed at least $1 billion to provide relief and carry out reconstruction.



The estimated figure covers the most urgent needs such as food, agriculture and housing for the next three years.