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Official reports from the government of Myanmar (Burma) cite a death toll of 56 due to in due to the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake on December 26, 2004. Independent media reports 90 people killed [1] http://www.irrawaddy.org/default.asp , with estimates extending to 600 [2] http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=2255 [3] http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=2760851 .

Although loss of life and property in Myanmar is suspected to be higher than official reports suggest, loss of life is not as high as in neighboring Thailand due to various factors, most significantly the numerous islands off the coast of Myanmar which served to dissipate the force of the tsunami, a rocky shoreline, and the postion of the coastline. [4] http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/01/05/tsunami.myanmar/index.html

A Rangoon-based representative from the United Nations states, "Conjecture fueled by the experiences in neighboring countries created a major and dangerous disconnect with reality" [5] http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/05/international/worldspecial4/05cnd-myan.html . This assessment has also been corraborated by satellite photographs according to Colin Powell [6] http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,11852812%255E1702,
00.html .

Also contributing to Myanmar's apparent lack of devastation is the fact that it is less developed than neighboring Thailand; political instability has prevented the country from capitalising on a thriving tourism industry.

The Bangkok Post estimates 800 citizens of Myanmar working in Thailand during the event have been lost; these are included in the Thai numbers. 788 buildings have been reported damaged and destroyed. 30,000 citizens of Myanmar are estimated to be in need of shelter, food and water [7] http://www.examiner.ie/pport/web/world/Full_Story/did-sg3nE1qhdzaJ2sg7OWirIStPSk
.asp .