The United States was launching its first relief airlift to cyclone-hit Burma today after prolonged negotiations with the country’s military rulers.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies says a cargo ship carrying relief supplies for more than 1,000 cyclone victims in Burma has sunk.

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.