SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS/AP)  -- Bay Area Burmese-Americans are applauding the latest decision by the U.S. Treasury.

The government has reversed a government policy on remittances to Myanmar, also known as Burma, in the aftermath of a devastating cyclone. Many Burmese immigrants in the Bay Area believe this could help relatives and friends stranded by disaster.

The cyclone has killed as many as 100,000 people in Burma, whose citizens are starving. The ruling military junta has impeded the flow of food and water and many people fear more will die as a result of that action.

The Contra Costa Times reports that the U.S. Treasury has decided to lift sanctions against personal money transfers to the country. Treasury officials are allowing people to send any amount of money they want back home.

However, the U.S. government still holds firm on its decision prohibiting any transfer of cash to people or organizations linked to the military government.

KCBS' Dave Padilla reports

(gma)