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Cyclone Giri struck Burma's west coast near the town of Kyaukphyu on Friday and has forced thousands of people from their homes.

There has been no official announcement from the military government on damage or casualties. But state television reported on Tuesday that at least 27 people were killed with 15 more missing. More than 3,800 buildings and houses were damaged while about 20 schools were also destroyed.

Residents of the region said damage were extensive and there had been no systematic relief work.

One resident says about four thousand people were seeking refuge at shelters run by Buddhist monks and other citizens.

Coastal regions of Burma are often hit by strong storms. More than 130-thousand people were killed or went missing when Cyclone Nargis struck the Irrawaddy river delta in May 2008.

http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_asia/2010-10-26/160544813220.html