UK-based international development agency Christian Aid has launched an appeal to help those left without shelter, food or water in Burma after Cyclone Nargis hit the country four days ago.

Hurricane Felix, which struck Nicaragua on Tuesday 5 September 2007, has destroyed 9,000 homes, according to the Nicaraguan government. 38 people are confirmed dead, with another 80 missing. Honduras and Guatemala have also been hit.

More than 150 people have died and 20 million have been displaced from heavy floods in south Asia. Reports estimate more than 12 million people in India, 5.5 million in Bangladesh and 750,000 in Nepal are affected.

In the wake of recent demonstrations for massacre-hit Darfur in London and other capital cities, the UK agency Christian Aid has launched an appeal for funds and action.