WHEELING, W.Va. -- A local family that used to live near the country of Myanmar, where a cyclone raged four days ago, watched the destruction unfold on their television set.

The deadly cyclone in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, hit close to home for Uba and Mathein Maung, who now live in Wheeling.

"It was terrible, terrible," said Uba Maung.

"Sad, really horrible," said Mathein Maung.

The Maungs used to live in neighboring country Bangladesh and moved to the United States in 1995.

Fortunately their relatives overseas have not been affected by the cyclone, a disaster that's taken an estimated 22,000 lives, left thousands missing, and a million people homeless.

"We can't imagine how the people are living there without food, without shelter, how they're living," said Uba Maung.

The Maung's have been watching the cyclone aftermath on television, and told NEWS9 they are sickened by the fact that while Myanmar said it does want help, the reclusive generals have yet to allow emergency relief workers into the country.

"I hope they will agree to this," said Uba Maung. "The state of devastation is unprecedented in that country."

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