Burma’s military authorities have agreed to let 160 aid workers from four Asian countries assist its disaster relief effort, in the regime’s first public acknowledgement that it needs international help in responding to the catastrophe..

Thailand’s public health ministry has confirmed that it is sending 30 doctors, along with medical supplies, on Friday to work for two weeks. United Nations officials said India, China and Bangladesh have also been asked by Burmese authorities to send teams of experienced disaster relief personnel.