The United States is doubtful that the aid it is sending to Myanmar will reach cyclone victims.

Ky Luu, director of the U.S. office of foreign disaster assistance, said that aid groups are being asked to track U.S. supplies flown to the stricken country on Monday.

"There's massive concerns," he said, about whether it will reach those suffering from disease and lack of food and water.

The problem is that Myanmar's military government has taken over distribution of the supplies and will not let U.S. officials deliver or track the items.

Mr. Luu said: "What we are trying to do here is react, on the one hand, to the immediate humanitarian imperative; on the other hand, we do want to make sure to be able to verify and track these commodities."

The U.S. aid flown in on a military C-130 cargo plane contained mosquito nets, water and blankets. The Myanmar government has approved two more U.S. flights.

The United States is ready to provide $13 million more in food and logistical help to the U.N. world food program as it responds to the needs of cyclone victims.

But the Myanmar government is standing in the way of much assistance the people could be receiving. Washington is still talking to the junta about the possibility of U.S. personnel distributing aid in the country.

The rulers of Myanmar, formerly Burma, seem to have hardened their hearts against foreign intervention in their affairs.

Many will die because of their attitude.