United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon criticised Burma’s military junta for its “unacceptably slow response” to helping cyclone victims.

Voting began in Burma today as the military government pushed ahead with a referendum on a controversial proposed constitution despite the devastating cyclone that killed tens of thousands.

UN and private aid agencies today raced to prepare aid for victims of the devastating cyclone in Burma, but were awaiting a go-ahead from the ruling junta.