The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Bangkok

A leading aid group warned Sunday that thousands of young children in cyclone-ravaged Myanmar could starve to death within weeks unless emergency food supplies reach them soon.

Save the Children said on its website that the youngsters could succumb to hunger "within two to three weeks".

"We are extremely worried that many children in the affected areas are now suffering from severe acute malnourishment, the most serious level of hunger," said Jasmine Whitbread, chief executive of Save the Children UK.

"When people reach this stage, they can die in a matter of days. Children may already be dying as a result of a lack of food." Cyclone Nargis tore a path of destruction through southwest Myanmar earlier this month, leaving nearly 134,000 people dead or missing and affecting up to 2.5 million survivors, the UN has said.