CWS appeal update: Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Nargis response

May 8, 2008

As the first few flights of relief supplies have reached the survivors of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar (Burma) the scope of the disaster is starting to take shape. A U.S. Diplomat in Yangon estimates casualties could top 100,000 as isolated communities are surveyed and those in need wait for supplies. The UN estimates that nearly 1 million people are now homeless.

London's Daily Telegraph quotes British International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander's perspective: "This is a very grave crisis on a scale not seen since the tsunami of 2004."

The United Nations World Food Program has airlifted 45 metric tons, or four airplane loads of high-energy emergency biscuits to survivors. WFP officials are working with Myanmar (Burma's) government to allow more relief to enter the country from international aid groups.

CWS RESPONSE
A CWS regional coordinator is in Yangon conducting assessments and networking with four CWS local partners. CWS convened a coordinating meeting in Bangkok among key Action By Churches Together Alliance members who will be involved in the response.

As an initial response, CWS plans to provide water and water purification materials and temporary shelter materials (tarpaulins, ground sheets & blankets) to displaced communities in the disaster area.

As assessments continue, the nature and dynamic of the CWS response will likely change, and this appeal may be expanded further to meet evolving needs in Myanmar (Burma).

Contributions to support this emergency appeal may be made online, sent to your denomination, or to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN, 46515. Please designate: Appeal # 699-A, Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Nargis Response. For further information about disasters to which Church World Service is responding please visit www.churchworldservice.org or call the CWS Hotline, (800) 297-1516.