The Myanmar Association of Hawai'i is launching a relief effort as the death toll continues to mount from Cyclone Nargis.

Tin Myaing Thein, president of the Myanmar Association of Hawai'i, yesterday said the numbers of dead and displaced now being reported are likely low as the casualties continue to be tallied.

"There are five states that were declared an emergency, and (the early numbers) come from only two states," she said.

Myaing said the 200 members of Hawai'i's Burmese community are cut off from relatives. "We all have family. My sister and my brother are there," she said. "But nobody can get through. We've called. I've been calling them every day and the phone rings and no one picks up. We know the lines are down, the electricity is down."

Myaing said the lack of communication is frustrating and makes her anxious.

She said the Myanmar Association of Hawai'i, a nonprofit group, is seeking contributions and is partnering with another organization to provide relief supplies from adjacent Thailand including water purification tablets, tarps to keep out the rain during the monsoon season, medical supplies and food.

"If you have so many fatalities, there will be some that are not buried," she said. "Disease is going to be rampant, and we need medical supplies and food."

Myaing is the executive director of Pacific Gateway, a nonprofit organization in Kalihi that works with low-income residents of Hawai'i, including immigrants and refugees. The Myanmar Association is using Pacific Gateway's North King Street address for contributions.

An East-West Center official said e-mail has been coming in from Hawai'i residents of Burmese descent and others wanting to help. About eight Burmese students are participating in East-West Center programs, said Karen Knudsen, director of external affairs.

U.S. Pacific Command at Camp Smith was waiting for U.S. State Department guidance on any possible military relief.

"We require State Department direction in order to act. However, we are aware of the situation," said Maj. David Doherty, a U.S. Pacific Command spokesman.

The U.S. military provided humanitarian assistance after Cyclone Sidr killed 3,300 people in Bangladesh last November. The USS Kearsarge, along with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, delivered more than 9,000 gallons of water and 18,000 pounds of medical supplies.

The U.S. Embassy in Myanmar is providing $250,000 in immediate aid. First lady Laura Bush said yesterday the U.S. "stands prepared" to provide broader help, but it cannot do so until the Myanmar government grants permission for a U.S. relief team to enter the country.