Overview:- Cyclone Nargis was an extremely destructive and deadly tropical cyclone that struck Myanmar on May 2-3, 2008.- It was the worst natural disaster in Myanmar's recorded history.- Nargis made landfall in the densely populated Irrawaddy Delta region as the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane, with winds up to 135 mph.Impact:- At least 138,000 people were killed, with some estimates as high as 146,000 deaths.- Around 2.4 million people were severely affected across dozens of towns and thousands of villages.- Over 800,000 homes and buildings were destroyed by the cyclone's extreme winds and devastating storm surge.- 55 townships in the Irrawaddy Delta were hit by the cyclone, laying waste to homes, schools, roads, and other infrastructure.- The massive storm surge reached heights of 12-20 feet in some areas, inundating the low-lying delta region.- Total economic losses were estimated around $10 billion, dealing a catastrophic blow to Myanmar's economy.Delayed Response:- Myanmar's secretive military junta initially prevented international aid and relief workers from accessing the hardest hit areas.- Limited resources, poor planning, and the regime's policies exacerbated the cyclone's death toll and suffering.- Critical medical teams, food, clean water, and supplies were delayed over a week from reaching survivors.- As a result, diseases like cholera and malaria began to spread out of control in makeshift survivor camps.Vulnerability Factors:- The Irrawaddy Delta region was extremely vulnerable due to its low-lying geography and dense population.- There was no advanced warning system in place to alert residents about the incoming cyclone.- Poverty, lack of reinforced structures, and the isolation imposed by the military junta compounded the devastation.- Inadequate evacuation plans and cyclone shelters left hundreds of thousands trapped by the surge and winds.Aftermath:- Rebuilding efforts and recovery programs were hampered by Myanmar's political instability and lack of funds.- Thousands remained displaced for years due to the scale of destruction in the delta.- Steps have been taken to improve disaster preparedness, but experts warn Myanmar remains highly vulnerable.- The cyclone prompted limited democratic reforms as public anger grew towards the junta's poor response.