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Saudi Energy Summit; Filipino Ferry Sinks; Crop Damage from Flooding

Aired June 22, 2008 - 16:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Straight ahead this hour. Plenty of promises from oil countries. They hope the U.S. will keep buying their product instead of finding other fuel alternative. What could those promises mean to you?
Plus families and friends anxiously await word on their loved ones after a ferry sinks. The Philippine president wants to know why that ferry was out in a typhoon anyway.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHRYSTE GAINES, OLYMPIAN: If I took whatever you took and I couldn't run any faster than I could run by myself then I must have gotten some placebo.

WHITFIELD: She was banned, now she is back. Olympian Chryste Gaines talks about the drug use allegations of her past and her hope for Beijing in the future.

Hello everyone, I'm Fredricka Whitfield. And you are in the CNN NEWSROOM. With gas prices at $4 a gallon, relief may be on the way. The world's largest oil producer announced it is willing to boost production but we'll we see it at the pump. Here are the nuts and bolts of what happened at today's meeting of petroleum companies and providers in Saudi Arabia. Saudi King Abdullah says his country will boost daily oil production to 9.7 million barrels by next month. The kingdom hopes to bump production an extra 25 percent by the end of the year. The kind also called for OPEC nations to donate $1 billion to create a strategy to reduce world oil prices. So does that mean gas prices might be going down? CNN's Wilf Dinnick is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with the very latest. Wilf, how hopeful should we be?

WILF DINNICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, no quick fixes here. That is what every one has been saying right from the start of this conference. All the parties, all the major players in the oil industry gathered here today to figure out mid to long-term solutions to try to figure out what they can do together to try to bring down the price of oil. And they vary widely in divergent deals on just how to do it. Some saying more investment in alternative energies like solar power and wind, others saying that existing oil fields and refineries that haven't really had investments in a long time. They need more money. So the real belief here though, is the immediate effect though that good news from Saudi Arabia that all that new oil will get on to the marketplace and eventually ease demand. Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: And so might it mean that we may see a reduction in some of the gas prices as a result but maybe not in the short term but long-term?

DINNICK: That's exactly right. That is what they're saying here. There's going to be a follow-up meeting in London in October to see what sort of progress has been made. They have come to a working document, what they're calling a joint player here. All the players agreeing on all the list of things they can do. But just whether they can agree on the list of priorities on how soon they can get those things done and whether they can come together to actually make that - to put those into action really unclear at this point. But the Saudi officials here, saying that the fact that everyone is speaking, everyone is trying to get to the bottom of this and everyone is trying to move forward doesn't send a message to the marketplace that they are interested in bringing the price of oil down. So, well it may not happen right away, they really believe mid to long term that they're going to get this under control. Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right. Wilf Dinnick, thank you, so much. So with so much dependency on foreign oil, does the U.S. drill for more of its own oil or look for alternatives? The energy debate is definitely a top issue in Washington this coming week especially we'll have more at the half hour on that.

And this time, a program reminder, CNN's Special Investigations Unit explores the vulnerability of the world's oil supply. "We were warned out of gas" airs tonight at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

Well, a typhoon tragedy in the Philippines. A powerful storm has left at least 141 people confirmed dead. And more than 700 people are missing at sea after a ferry capsized. The Coast Guard wrapped up its search for survivors for the night after rescuing just 28 people. Anguished and angry relatives wait back in Manila for word. Many including the country's own president want to know why the ferry as allowed to sail in the middle of a typhoon.

Well, joining us now from Manila, Philippines, Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the country's Red Cross. Senator, thanks so much for being with us. First, can you give me an idea, what is the answer to the question of why would this ferry be out in open sea in the middle of a typhoon?

VOICE OF SEN. RICHARD GORDON, CHAIRMAN, PHILIPPINE RED CROSS: Well, the rules, because it's a big ship, allowed them to get out while signal number one was in progress and by the time they got to the middle of the voyage, signal number 3 was hoisted. And they got into trouble with the big waves and they, where I supposed, broad sided by the waves and they capsized.

WHITFIELD: Well, explain to me the dependency of the ferries in this region. Very few people here in the U.S. understand just how vital ferries of this magnitude. Explain to me why it is that people needs these ferries and why they really can't do without.

GORDON: Well, we're an archipelagic country with 7,107 islands and we really depend on shipping. And therefore, this is really, very, very integral to the development of our country. And what is important here is that we try to rescue the people nowadays and we will have to figure out who would be liable in this situation so that let the axe fall where it may.

WHITFIELD: Well, it has always been unthinkable that perhaps the ferry that you are on would capsize. But it has happened so tell me about the rescue or the relief efforts when something like this is to take place.

GORDON: Well, there is an awful lot of effort going on right now. For example, the Coast Guard has been able to go to the quill of the vessel, tap into it but they have not found any signs. However, some fishermen were able to sight 29 people who are floating on the ocean. They were able to pick up the 28 and one remains missing and the 28 are alive and well. And they are in Mulanay, Quezon, which is north of the area where they sank, about 95 nautical miles northeast and they are going be brought to Manila by today, by lunch time today, Manila time. They will be in Camp Nacar.

WHITFIELD: Will the Philippines be asking for any kind of assistance from other countries perhaps in the rescue or recovery mission?

GORDON: Well, all help will be useful here. Because you have about 749 souls in that boat and we have only found 32 so far. And so, we are trying to find more people. I'm sure there are people alive floating somewhere in the ocean. And if we could have helicopters from friendly nations like the United States or friendly ships, it would be very much appreciated by the Filipino people. That is why the Philippine National Red Cross has already asked the U.S. Navy and the U.S. government to try and send ships or planes within the area so that they can assist our very fledgling Philippine Navy.

WHITFIELD: What has been the response from that request to the U.S.?

GORDON: Well, I'm told by USAID that it has to go through the Pacific command and they are trying their best to try and bring in a ship or helicopters in the area.

WHITFIELD: Senator Richard Gordon there in the Philippines, also chairman of the country's Red Cross, we appreciate your time and all the best, and continued best success on the recovery and relief missions.

GORDON: Thank you very much, Fredricka. Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Well, relief efforts continue in Myanmar, more than a month after a powerful cyclone devastated that country, leaving more than 100,000 people dead or missing. We'll talk to a UNICEF representative who has just returned from Myanmar a bit later on for an update.

And now to the flooding misery in this country in the midwest. Water levels are still high. The Mississippi River is still rising at some point. The river is likely to crest in those areas today or perhaps even tomorrow. And several towns in Missouri and Illinois remain on flood watch. Officials do expect that levees will hold and weather service says rivers should start to recede later on in the week.

Our Reynolds Wolf is in the floodwaters in one hard hit town on the Mississippi, where it is not a typical Sunday.

REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: I'm coming from Grafton, Illinois where we have interesting visual here today. Floodwater from the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers come together and flowing into the downtown area. Normally, you would have people here enjoying the sites. It is a beautiful river community. But today, it really is a river community. In fact, you look up there at the sign, it says Illinois River Road and today it is certainly living up to it's billing.

Now, it has not crested yet here. In fact the river is expected to rise a bit more over the next 24 to 48 hours. It should stick around through the rest of the week, and then as we get into the next work week, it should begin to recede slowly. And they're going to have one heck of a clean up. If you take a look behind me, you will notice this big awning. That is actually where the river waters climbed back in 1993. And that certainly is the record stage. So, it is certainly been a mess here to say the least. Over here behind me, you see a couple of homes back here where the waters drop of the distance. You see a barge behind me pushing up a big load up the river. And certainly it's a tremendous mess. I got Ray with me, my fried Ray. Ray, how you doing? Ray, you've been here for some 40 years?

RAY: Yes, around 40 years in this area.

WOLF: And how is it compared to what you've seen in the past?

RAY: Well, it's sort of one of the worst, but it is not the worst. It happens this way all the time. But the 1993 flood was pretty bad. I mean it is always bad when this sort of thing happens. You hate to see it. People put a lot of effort in little towns like this. It's a nice little leisurely town to come and relax and get something to eat.

WOLF: I guess this is just part of living on the river?

RAY: Yes, it is part of living in the river.

RAY: If you want to live along the river you got to expect it from time to time and be prepared for it.

WOLF: And that is the price they pay. And that's going to be the story for them as soon as these waters recede, it's going to be - they clean up and then hopefully life returns to normal. That's the latest we got from Grafton. Let's send it back to you in the studio.

WHITFIELD: And up river in Iowa, the floodwaters now have receded there. And the picture certainly isn't pretty. Here is a look at part of Des Moines. Pile after pile of ruined possessions, sofas, carpets, appliances, computers, you name it. In Cedar Rapids, a local official estimates that the loss in terms of weight, some 96,000 tons of rubbish. We spoke with a local reporter about the job the city is facing.

VOICE OF ADAM BELZ, "CEDAR RAPIDS GAZETTE": On the first floor of most building, everything has to be thrown out. And it's like what you saw there, it is piles of garbage along the streets everywhere in town and in affected areas. There is all kinds of worries. Officials say you're not supposed to bring your children down there. And people are supposed to wear respirators. I don't think everybody is but you know they say there's a lot of health concerns.

People are pretty dazed. I think the last few neighborhoods opened up on Friday. And you walk through those neighborhoods and like you said, they are completely devastated and people are still sort of figuring out what to do. It's almost become a cliche at this point but you know, Iowa, Iowans are pretty resilient and there's a kind of a can-do spirit already. And I think that people are pretty optimistic even though they're still sort of realizing the impact.

WHITFIELD: And that's not all, there is another growing concern. Tons upon tons of farm fertilizers are now washing up down the Mississippi River, on the way to the Mississippi Delta and to the Gulf of Mexico. Well, if you would like to help victims of the flooding in the midwest, please go to our impactyourworld website where you'll find links to several organizations that are stepping in to offer assistance. That's at cnn.com/impact.

Well, the floods hits in the nations red basket. Well, the crop damage will likely hit us all in the wallet. Coming up in the next half hour, we'll talk to a guest about the economic impact of the floods and how it is facing all of us at the dinner table.

Well, no rain in the midwest today. That is a good thing. Let's check it out with meteorologist Jacqui Jeras in the weather center. They need some good news.

JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: They do and dry weather is in the forecast for the next couple of days. Tomorrow, maybe a few hit and miss thunderstorms. But check out the radar picture, things are nice, and high and dry across the state of Iowa as well as into Missouri. A couple of pop-up storms here across certain parts of Illinois but we've got an upper level trough here across the Great Lakes spreading into the northeast. So, that's going to keep all the action into this area and keep us a little bit dryer here across parts of the rest. OK, what is the river doing here today? We're talking about the Mississippi. We've already seen cresting happen in Canton, Quincy and Hannibal is actually starting to crest now even though the official forecast is to early Monday. We're seeing that it's starting to level off a little bit. Clarksville will be early tomorrow and St. Louis. The river is at it's highest point but it's staying at a high level we think through Friday.

Now, Google earth here showing you all the purple dots. Yes, that's major flood we're still looking at the Quad Cities up at the top of your screen down to just north of the St. Louis area. We still have all that still going on. Let's take a quick little trip up here and show you what's going on upstream. You, we haven't talked about Iowa City in a while because you've crested now quite some time ago. But as we check out the river levels, look at this. This is today. 26.41 feet and major flood is at 25 feet. So, the forecast shows you staying in major flood at least through next weekend. Incredible. That's a whole another week ordeal. And what about the folks in Des Moines? We saw some of those pictures with all of the garbage that is just sitting in the streets. Well, Des Moines, you're faring a little bit better. Look at your flood stage here today. You are just a smidge above flood level and you're going to continue to go down and we'll watch that Des Moines River go within its banks. So, a little bit of good news for some of those folks that were so devastated. Things are looking much dryer in those areas. Really, another day and a half to go, Fredricka, before I think everybody is going to be done with the crest.

WHITFIELD: Wow and then maybe we'll hear a big sigh of relief hopefully.

JERAS: A long time to clean up though.

WHITFIELD: I know. It really is. The heavy lifting is really just going to be just beginning. All right. Jacqui, thanks so much.

Well, overseas, a political bombshell in Zimbabwe. The government says the opposition leader "chickened out of the presidential election." A live report coming up. And then back in this country, a matter of black and white. The role of race in the U.S. presidential race. You are in the CNN NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: A dramatic development in Zimbabwe. The disputed presidential election. Opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai says he is pulling out of Friday's run off. He says violence and intimidation of his supporters make a fair vote impossible. CNN's David McKenzie is following this story from Johannesburg, South Africa. David, you're unable to and CNN as a whole is still unable to get into Zimbabwe and that is why you are doing most of your reporting from South Africa?

DAVID MCKENZIE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right. We're banned from Zimbabwe because that regime has not allowed international reporters in there for some time. Stunning news as you say coming out of Zimbabwe. Candidate, a major candidate from opposition is saying he will not run in that run off, leaving the presidential run off with just one contender.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MCKENZIE (voice-over): A country's descent into lawlessness. Supporters of Robert Mugabe's regime brutally beating MDC supporters trying to attend a rally in Harare today. More evidence of systematic violence against the opposition across the country. The country has been racked by violence and opposition says scores have been killed and injured for trying to bring change to this country. Ordinary Zimbabweans suffering the most. Here armed youth militia in Harare chasing down women and children, forcing them to attend Mugabe's rallies. Opposition says that the pain of the people is a higher price to pay in this run off.

MORGAN TSVANGIRAI, OPPOSITION CANDIDATE: We at the MDC have resolved that we will no longer participate in this violence, illegitimately sham of an election process. The courageous people of Zimbabwe, of this country, and the people of the MDC have done everything humanly and democratically possible to deliver a new Zimbabwe and a new government. We now urge the EU, the United Nations to intervene urgently in this unprecedented situation, to restore the rule of law.

MCKENZIE: Independent analysts and diplomats say the government of President Robert Mugabe has done its best to thwart the MDC. Tsvangirai has been detained several times while trying to campaign.. His second in command Tendai Biti faces treason charges punishable by the death penalty. The government is saying Tsvangirai has pulled out because he was set to lose the run off.

VOICE OF PATRICK CHINAMASA, ZIMBABWE JUSTICE MINISTER: What is true is that he realized that he is going to be face a humiliating defeat on the 27th of June and he is trying to avoid that humiliating defeat.

MCKENZIE: Mugabe lost the first round of the presidential vote in March to Tsvangirai. The official margin too small for an upright winner. The international community continues to condemn Mugabe and the regime's brutalities.

DAVID MILLIBAND, BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY: I think it is vital that above all the African countries with the support of every country in the world recognizes that the only people with the only legitimacy are those who won the parliamentary and presidential elections on the 29th of March and that is the opposition. And resolves that state- sponsored violence is no basis in which to claim victory which Mugabe is going to try and do.

MCKENZIE: But despite the pressure, President Mugabe shows no signs of giving up. And he held a mass rally in (Buluwayo)ph on Friday saying only god can remove him. Now it seems the president is destined to stay.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MCKENZIE: Well, Fredricka, Thabo Mbeki, who is a mediator between these two sides, he is the president of South Africa. He has been widely criticized for his dealings with the two sides. He is telling reporters tonight the latest news that he hopes the two sides can negotiate. But that is looking far from the reality right now with the continuing violence. Back to you.

WHITFIELD: All right. Thank you so much, David. And of course, we'll talk to you again next hour to talk about not just the threat that's going to Tsvangirai but other opposition party leaders as well even death. Thanks so much.

Well, would increase oil production overseas pumped more money into your wallet. Coming up, with what the White House says about today's announcement from the Saudis. And thousands of lightning strikes ignite hundreds of fires in California. We'll take you to the frontlines as crews battle stubborn blazes there.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) WHITFIELD: The two presumptive presidential candidates are taking a breather from the campaign trail today. Republican John McCain went to church in Phoenix this morning. Later, he was set to attend a private meet and greet at an Army Reserve Center. Tomorrow he holds a town-hall meeting in Fresno, California.

Meantime, democrat Barack Obama is spending the day at his home in Chicago, getting ready for a pretty busy week ahead. He campaigns in Albuquerque tomorrow and Las Vegas on Tuesday. On Friday, he makes his first joint appearance with Senator Hillary Clinton. So Senator Obama warned his supporters this week that the republicans will try to play two voters racial fears. And a new "Washington Post"-ABC News poll suggests that those fears are very real. It shows half of white Americans say race relations are in good shape. And more than 60 percent of African-Americans see race relations as not so good or poor. I put that question to CNN political contributor Amy Walter.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

AMY WALTER, CNN POLITICAL CONTRIBUTOR: When those of us who analyze elections are trying to predict what is going to happen, we like to use historical markers. A lot of us are looking at some of the markers like the approval ratings of the president or how voters feel about the direction of the country or the economy. And those have helped us to determine which party has an advantage. But we've never had a situation like this before. And so what folks like the "Washington Post" and ABC and some other polling operations are trying to do, is to try to put, to understand that this - there are layers of this, right. You can't just simply ask a question. Well, do you think that your views on race is going to affect the way you vote. Most people aren't going to say that out loud and so it is trying to figure out just a way in which people perceive race whether or not that's going to have an impact. It will certainly will. We just don't know how to find it yet. And I don't know if we will ever be able to figure that out, maybe until this contest is over.

WHITFIELD: As recently as leading into this weekend, Barack Obama said look, let me be frank with you. I realize that there will be people who are afraid of me because either a, they say they don't know me or because of my funny name or for the very fact that I'm black. Just listen to what he had to say.

VOICE OF SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We know what kind of campaign they are going to run. They're going to try to make you afraid. They're going to try to make you afraid of me. They are going to say, you know what, 'he's young and inexperienced and he's got a funny name. And did I mention he's black?'

WHITFIELD: All right. Amy, why was this necessary?

WALTER: Well, I think he needs to get out front on this. The reality is he is young and he is inexperienced and those are two things that really are holding him back or holding at least a lot of voters back in terms of putting their support behind him even though people who had voted in the democratic primary, maybe those who supported Hillary Clinton. So, he does need to get out front there. The question is going to be going to be is he going to be able to effectively say to voters are you using inexperience? Is that an issue here? Or are what republican groups or those who oppose me trying to use something else and using inexperience as something that it really isn't, right? Are you using that to mask questions about race? And so, I think what Obama is trying to say, 'OK, let's get out front of this. let's not let this define me or define this contest.' He needs to still though, talk about the experience issue and he needs to be able to get out in front of that before that starts to define.

WHITFIELD: How does republican John McCain seize upon this or perhaps does he say, you know what, I don't want any part of this?

WALTER: Right. It is a very dangerous game for both to plan. Neither one wants to look as if they are using or playing some sort of race card. But I do think that you're going to see outside groups who neither campaign has any control of, trying to find a way to talk about this as well. The two candidates are going to have to be very careful about how they address those groups and how they address their own supporters.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: And of course, there more to talk about when it pertains to this presidential race. All the latest campaign news is right at your fingertips. Just go to cnnpolitics.com. We also have analysis from the best political team on television. It's all there, cnnpolitics.com.

Well, flooding isn't just an Iowa problem or a Missouri problem. The midwest floods have created a crisis for corn crops as well and you might feel all of that when you go to the grocery store. That story straight ahead.

And Saudi Arabia says it is willing to pump more oil. Will that mean lower prices at the pump for you? You're in the CNN NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Here is a quick look at what is happening right now. The head of the Red Cross in the Philippines said the United States navy is being asked to save the potential survivors. Who may be trapped in the hole of a capsized ferry. The ship was carrying more than 740 people when it flipped during a strong typhoon. And the storm has killed more than 140 people more than 250 are missing there in the Philippines.

Saudi Arabia says it is willing to boost oil production by 700,000 barrels a day. They made that pledge at a conference the Saudi's are hosting among major oil producers and consumers. Let's find out what the White House is saying about all of this. CNN's Kathleen Koch is live in Washington. Kathleen I have to imagine that President Bush, at least the White House must be feeling a small sense of victory here. Given that the last time the president asked for the Saudi Arabia's help they were turned down. KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well correct Fredricka. And not surprisingly most in Washington do see the prospect of more oil on the market as a good thing. When it comes to what steps to take here at home, that is something Democrats and Republicans don't see eye to eye on.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KOCH (voice over): The White House expressed cautious optimism at the news. A spokesman saying, "Any increase in production in today's oil market is welcome." The Saudi promised to pump more crude.

GOV. BILL RICHARDSON, OBAMA SUPPORTER: It is going to help a little bit, maybe reduce prices just a little. The point is, that we have got to have a bipartisan comprehensive strategy and this administration and it seems Senator McCain all they want to do is drill, drill, drill.

(UNIDENTIFIED MALE): It is important to have greater global supply. But it would be better if the United States controlled its energy destiny. That is what John McCain wants to do.

KOCH: With gas prices soaring both parties agree something must be done just not what. On Capital Hill the house this week plans to begin debating four new Democratic energy proposals. Grants to cut fares for mass transit and to cut down on fuel price gulzing (ph), another aims to curb speculation on the energy futures market which many including the Saudi's believe is driving up the price of oil.

REP. ED MARKEY, (D) MASSACHUSETTS: There is absolutely no way that this market doubled in value over 12 months unless manipulation and speculation was a part of it. We need to get at the heart of it and to shut that down before it shuts down the American economy.

KOCH: Finally one measure would force oil companies to explore for oil on federal land they are leasing or lose those rights. The oil companies insist there is a reason they are not drilling.

RED CHAVANEY, AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE: There is no map quest chart that says drill right here for 50 million barrels. Most of that land doesn't have oil or gas.

KOCH: White House and Republican energy plans push for clean cold technologies ending the moratorium on oil shale as well as more oil refiners and off shore drilling.

SEN. KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, (R) TEXAS: Drilling off shore on a state by state option is something that I think we could do very environmentally safely. And yet anything that says production is killed by the Democrats.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KOCH: As Democrats and Republicans joust over whose energy plan is best, the one thing they can agree on is cold comfort to American drivers. And that said is the fact there is no single silver bullet solution that will quickly cut prices at the pump.

Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: We'll have to continue to be a little patient. Thank you so much Kathleen.

Well despite the Saudi announcement there are fears that oil prices could spike again with news out of Nigeria now. Chevron confirms it has stopped on shore production after a critical pipeline was attacked Thursday in southern Nigeria. Rebels are being blamed for a ruptured pipeline. The main militant group denies involvement. Nigeria is the world's eighth largest producer of oil but output has steadily decreased in recent years because of rebel attacks.

Back here in the U.S., it is a day of California burning. A series of lightening strikes is blamed for an out break of wild fires in the northern part of that state. There are at least 600 brush fires like this one right here. The largest is nearly five square miles in the heart of California's wine country, Napa Valley.

FRANK MCGILL, RESIDENT: One of the lightening strikes was so loud we heard the lightening and at the same time the thunder was shaking our house. We looked up behind we started seeing the smoke up in the hill.

WHITFIELD: Besides the tough terrain firefighters are also battling searing hot temperatures. Let's find out if there will be any relief soon for stifling parts of California. Meteorologist Jacqui Jeras is in the Severe Weather Center. Jacque.

JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLIGIST: Hey Fredricka. We have another day to go yet with the heat to cross parts of the southwest. We are dealing with the dry thunderstorms mostly what caused all the fires yesterday. These were regular old thunderstorms, but what happens is all the moistures in the mid level of the atmosphere and the base of the thunderstorm is relatively high. While it is raining like most normal thunderstorms do, the precipitation actually evaporates before it reaches the ground. So you get light rain but you don't get anything wet. When you are talking about dry conditions here, fires are ignited very, very easily.

The area highlighted today by the Storm Prediction Center right here across parts of Nevada, into Utah and even into western parts of Colorado for that threat of dry thunderstorms. A number of record highs yesterday, this is hot even for Phoenix 115 that is miserable. Ramona, California, 107, and San Diego had 92 degrees. We could break a few more records once again today.

Extension heat warnings remain in place across parts of southern California, also into parts of Arizona but we'll start to watch conditions cool off a little bit by Monday and a little bit more significantly by the middle of the week. But in the mean time it feels like 106 in Vegas and 91 in California.

Severe weather the rule of the day here across parts of the northeast. Look at all of the watch boxes right here. Damaging winds and large hail will be the big concern. We have some strong thunderstorms moving just north of New York City. A lot of problems at the airports. When you see those boxes closing in on the megalopolis, you know that almost every major airport is going to be impacted, you will have delays. Too many to show you, so call ahead.

WHITFIELD: OK that is always a good idea. All right. Jacqui appreciate it.

It is too early to tell for sure, but the state of Iowa estimates that crop losses from the flooding could hit $3 billion. You have to think that we'll be feeling this at the grocery store. Jeff Caldwell is "News and Features" editor for Agriculture.com. He is on the phone with me now. All right Jeff, prices of corn and soy bean have already been high in part because of ethanol production. How hard is this flooding going to hit these crops?

JEFF CALDWELL, NEWS EDITOR, AGRICULTURE.COM: Hi Fredricka. The biggest concerns are with the folks who are still facing serious trouble with lack of property here with the floods. Regarding the corn and soy bean crops, we will likely not see any consumer price hikes as a result of this for several months. We are looking at here with the flood damage is sort of the first step in a longer chain of supply and -- the process and production of the food products that are based on the corn and soy beans grown in the Midwest. We are looking at; I hate to put a number on it, but maybe a 5-10 percent increase in the price of things like beef and pork. The meat case will be the first place where you might see some price hikes in six to nine months. Because the majority of the corn and soy beans that are grown in the Corn Belt, in areas affected by the flooding go toward feeding cattle and hogs and poultry.

WHITFIELD: So when we talk about the increase in beef and pork, is that because live stock was killed and displaced at a result of this storm?

CALDWELL: It is hard to say at this point. About the number of animals lost as a result of the flooding. I know that there was a serious effort with the Iowa's hog farmers for example to move those animals out of the flooded areas before the high waters hit. That was kind of an example that went on a head of time. A lot of those losses will probably be less because farmers were able to prepare ahead like that.

WHITFIELD: OK and the second part, is that response that you had earlier are we saying that the majority of the corn and soy that is grown in Iowa goes toward the feeding of live stock and that is in part why we are not likely to feel it at the store right away?

CALDWELL: That is true. And one important thing is also the corn that goes toward the products that we consume, is a small, small fraction compared to the amount that is feed to these animals and hogs and chickens and turkeys that are raised in the area.

WHITFIELD: So is our stock of these grains pretty substantial that it could carry us over for quite sometime until these farmers or perhaps other farmers are able to pick up where you know, these crop losses left off? CALDWELL: That could be the case. You know, circumstances last year, we had the largest corn crop in this country last year. Many farmers grew more corn last year and also constructed more on farm grain storage, grain bins for that crop. So there was still some grain on the farms and as these prices have been going up in the market before the flooding, folks were selling into the market place so we will still see about the same amount of grain going into the system from these farms for quite a while. And we really won't know how much of a shortage that we'll have until this (INAUDIBLE).

WHITFIELD: Jeff, before I let you go, what are you hearing directly from the struggling farmer who has already had quite a few years of tough times?

CALDWELL: You know the last year or so has been good for a lot of the farmers in this area. With higher prices, input costs are going up. You know folks were looking forward to hopefully a bumper crop this year, and pretty good incomes and a lot of things that are not going to happen. There are some ways that farmers will be able to hedge against the damage that they've taken. But there again, some will be left with no real recourse from the floods.

WHITFIELD: Jeff Caldwell, thank you for your time, "News and Features" editor with Agriculture.com.

Tragedy overseas -- before we get to that. If you would like help out the people who are struggling there in the Midwest you can through our Website Impact your World, go to CNN.com/impactyourworld. Certainly if you tap in there you can find out what kind of aid organizations are there to help the people who are struggling as a result of this calamity. CNN.com/impact.

In the mean time tragedy overseas as well. More than 100,000 people dead or missing. Weeks after a cyclone practically destroyed Myanmar there are still major relief efforts going on. We will speak with someone who has just left the devastation is now at state side next in THE NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: We felt it was important to touch base with a story that has simply slipped from radar. Seven weeks ago a cyclone struck Myanmar. The latest official death toll stands at 78,000 with 56,000 still unaccounted for. The countries military resisted outside assistance but later relented at least to some degree. Well today hundreds of thousands of people are still in need of great help. Here to give us a read on the current state of the crises UNISEF is Michael Bociurkiw, he is the agencies emergency communications officer. He helped with the effort in Myanmar and also worked out a lot of imaging that we and other news organizations were able to convey across the world to give people an idea of what was taking place there.

Good to see you. You are just now back. It has been just over a month, if you have you seen progress compared to when you first descended upon Myanmar? MICHAEL BOCIURKIW, UNICEF EMERGENCY COMMMUNICATIONS: You know a big difference would happen. We got the helicopters in. And that provided us with such amazing lift capacity to go into areas that hadn't been reached before.

So for example, the images that you have, you will see the big -- coming off the helicopter. Those came from Indonesia. To put the disaster into perspective, we are talking about an area about the size of Kansas. School as loan, 4,000 schools have been totally wiped off the map or severely damaged. So they aren't able to go back into classrooms. So that is why it is so important for example to get that school back in there so the kids can get back to a normalcy.

WHITFIELD: In addition to no classrooms, nothing for a lot of these young people who survived to do, we're talking about basic necessities that it took a long time to get these things in. And there is still a great need for more, bottled water, purification tablets. Did you see that people died while they were waiting for Myanmar to allow these non government agencies to get in there with these supplies?

BOCIURKIW: No doubt about it. Most of the deaths happened when the cyclone struck. But in the days following, people were left with very little or nothing. The other day we reached a community where 25,000 people had not been reached yet. The main priority for UNICEF like you pointed out water. The worst thing that could happen of course is if there is wave of death that could have been prevented. UNICEF we have very affordable life saving medicines.

WHITFIELD: For things like dysentery. Water-born illnesses.

BOCIURKIW: Bringing in nets and all of those things are working together to save lives.

WHITFIELD: It must have pained you and other UNICEF workers knowing that you have had a decade long relationship with Myanmar, UNICEF has been there for quite some time, since 1950 and this government would then say we will now restrict you and any others from helping our people. It had to strike you as just such a disappointing, beyond disappointing. You know just effort from a humanitarian standpoint.

BOCIURKIW: Well you know one likes to think that no government and no people would like to see its children die. We have been there for a long time. The problem at the beginning of course was that the plane was this small and needed to be a much bigger. It took a while for those confidence measures to be built up where we could bring more aid in. And also typical aspects as we brought people in from around the world. But it is, very heart breaking and also, I worked to see children who had lost both par rents. We had a nine year old girl just broke down and cried on us because both parents are gone. So UNICEF for example, someone like that we would work to protect them and help find surviving relatives. Just so they are not left on their own or they are not subject to exploitation, abuse, neglect.

WHITFIELD: There were accusations that the Hunta was hoarding aid that came in. Was there evidence of that? BOCIURKIW: All we know is that UNICEF has its supplies under control. We work with partners to get stuff to the people. We had supplies on the ground already. So that saved lives. We have difficulties with man made factors and natural factors. We anticipate things like that.

WHITFIELD: Thank you so much for the information as well as these remarkable images which is really helped educate the rest of the world of what has been taking place in Myanmar and the need that still persists. Michael Bociurkiw of UNICEF. Thank you so much. Appreciate it.

All right. Well straight ahead, she was banned and now she's back. After two years on the side lines, Olympic medalist Chryste Gaines hopes for a medal in Bejing. Well that is not all that she wants. That is coming up next in THE NEWSROOM.

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WHITFIELD: Her dream of Olympic gold was tarnished by the steroid scandal solely on accusations. 2005's sprinter Chryste Gaines was banned from her sport for two years and now she is looking forward to next weekend's track and field Olympic trials and a chance for redemption.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(UNIDENTIFIED MALE): Here we go.

WHITFIELD: Chryste Gaines on her mark to make Olympic history again.

CHRYSTE GAINES, OLYMPIC MEDALIST: This time will be fun.

WHITFIELD: And she hopes it will set the record straight. After injury just before the 2004 Athens games, and then a two-year ban from track and field based on allegations from a former track mate, admitted doper. Kelly White and an owner of the infamous Balco Labs Victor Conte.

You denied using it. How much of this is I want to prove my greatness and at the same time clearing your name.

GAINES: It is both. I want to prove that I can come back to greatness and I am as fast as I was.

WHITFIELD: Fast and determined. A national champion since her early teens, Gaines is now 37 chasing an individual event medal to add to her gold from the 1996 and bronze in the 2000 Sydney Games. Both medals in the 4 x 100 meter relay. As an academic adviser at the Georgia Institute of Technology, she hopes student athletes learn from her lessons.

GAINES: I didn't go from mediocre to great. My performances have been top ten in the world for years. And my take on that is if I took what you took and I could not run any faster then I could run by myself, then I had placebo. WHITFIELD: Banned from the sport, then another blow. Then fast forward this moment. She comes out in front of the courthouse and says --

GAINES: I have betrayed your trust.

WHITFIELD: 2000 relay teammates, Rachel Marion Gentle (ph) falls from grace. Jeopardizing Gaines and the rest of the team's bronze medal.

Holding onto it means what?

GAINES: It means the hard work and struggle that I went through the year prior to it to get there.

WHITFIELD: Even if it means that one of your team members cheated to help the team cross the finish line?

GAINES: That is what people don't understand. They think she helped us; she only joined us in the final.

WHITFIELD: Gaines is back on track. Training with runners half her age, competing again on the world stage at first anticipating whispers of disapproval.

GAINES: I was leery of how people would treat me. Would there be the whispers.

WHITFIELD: Did it do anything to your confidence?

GAINES: It boosted my confidence.

WHITFIELD: The trials, the games, vindication?

GAINES: Definitely. Because not only is this a stage for me, it is a stage for anybody to show that you can go through it, and come out on the other side. Pure gold.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Chryste Gaines, a two time Olympian, proving she can overcome any obstacle. Striving for a berth in Beijing and beyond.

U.S. Olympic trials next weekend. The next hour of the CNN NEWSROOM starts right after this.