2.5. Inland mountains
The inland mountains are also occupied by minority ethnic
groups. These groups are numerous and poorly controlled by the central powers.
The population density is there obviously limited and the mountains are far from
being easily accessible. They are only concerned with scarce selective projects
liable to open the area especially towards China. The fulfilment of such
projects will however depend on the development of international relationships
that are often strained in the area. According to ESCAP, the principal advantage
of the Mekong Committee lies in "strengthening co-operation, mutual
understanding and trust among the riparian countries" (15). While
these mountains are not subject to the most intense cyclones, however they may
experience droughts and suffer from flash floods and mass movements, which makes
the access still more difficult.
15 In: ESCAP and the Mekong cooperation.
Water Res. Jour., Sept 1997, p. 4.
Key to the maps showing territories
prone to risks. (Figs. 34 - 35 - 36 - 37)
Fig. 34 - Territories prone to
risks in Bangladesh and Myanmar
Fig. 35 - Territories prone to
risks in Thailand
Fig. 36 - Territories prone to
risks in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam
Fig. 37 - Territories prone to
risks in the
Philippines