RSSEpiscopal Relief & Development Continues to Assist Recovery Efforts in Myanmar
7/3/08
Episcopal Relief & Development continues to provide emergency assistance to communities devastated by Cyclone Nargis, which struck Myanmar (Burma) on May 2nd. The entire Irrawaddy Delta Region, which is home to 21.5 million of Myanmar’s 53 million residents, has been declared a disaster zone. Official figures state that 77,738 people have been killed, 55,917 are missing and 19,359 are injured. An additional one million people are homeless.
Working in partnership with the Anglican Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM), Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting relief and recovery efforts. Prior to the cyclone, the agency was working with CPM on economic development, water and sanitation, education, agriculture and livestock programs. The cyclone has not impacted the continuation of these programs.
CPM’s relief activities are centered in multiple remote villages in the township of Latputta in the delta region. From this base, staff are able to reach out to people in the most affected zone. CPM is the only resident agency operating in this area and is supporting medical care and other emergency services. “God has given us the strength to extend a smile amidst our tears,” says Archbishop Stephen Than Myint Oo.
Earlier this week Episcopal Relief & Development staff returned from Myanmar and confirmed that CPM is receiving and disbursing the agency’s support. “Given the enormity of the disaster, the difficult work CPM continues to do with more than 1500 survivors of multiple faiths really demonstrates compassion and effective service. With Episcopal Relief & Development’s support, they have been able to provide food, shelter, livestock replacement, reconstruction and health services,” says Abagail Nelson, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Senior Vice President for Programs.
To help people affected by the cyclone in Myanmar, please make a donation to Episcopal Relief & Development’s “Myanmar & Cyclone Response” online at www.er-d.org , or call 1.800.334.7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief & Development “Myanmar & Cyclone Response” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. As an independent 501(c) (3) organization, Episcopal Relief & Development takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief & Development strengthens communities today to meet tomorrow’s challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
