Chiang Mai: The junta has postponed the date of the referendum in seven townships in Irrawaddy and 40 townships in Rangoon to May 24.

An announcement aired by state-owned Myanmar TV said the areas have been seriously affected by cyclone Nargis on Saturday where more than 50,000 people died.

The referendum for the rest of the country will be held on 10 May as scheduled, it added.

The 47 townships are Nga Pu Taw, Labutta, Maw La Myaing, Phar Pone, Bokalay, Kyauk Lat and Day Da Ye in Irrawaddy Division.

Tar Mwae, South Okkalapa, Da Gon, South Dagon, North Dagon, East Dagon, Daw Pone, Pazundaung, Botahtaung, Mingalar Taung Nyunt, North Okkalapa, Yan Kin, Tar Kay Ta, Thin Gyan Kyun, Ka Mar Yuk, Kyi Myint Taing, Kyauk Ta Tar, San Chaung, Seik Kan, Pa Bae Tan, Ba Han, Ma Yan Kone, La Thar, Hlaing, Lan Ma Taw, Ah Lone, Than Hlin, Kyauk Tan, Thone Khwa, Kha Yan, Ton Tae, Kun Chan Kone, Kaw Hmuu, Da La, Seik Kyi Kha Hnaung To, Insein, Mingalar Don, Shwe Pyithat and Hlaing Thar Yar in Rangoon Division.