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RSSAn Update of Episcopal Relief & Development's Relief Efforts in Myanmar
7/10/08
In early May, Cyclone Nargis tore through Myanmar (Burma), killing more than 77,000 people and leaving over 1 million others homeless. The devastating storm made landfall in the Irrawaddy Delta region, creating a huge tidal surge that swept away entire villages, livestock and fields of crops. Yangon, the capital, was also directly hit. Episcopal Relief & Development immediately responded to this disaster and is providing ongoing assistance to those most severely impacted.
Episcopal Relief & Development staff recently returned from Myanmar and has confirmed that its partner, the Anglican Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM), has been receiving and disbursing the resources that have been sent. Since the earliest days of the disaster, CPM has been assisting people in the most affected areas. Assessment teams were sent out immediately to the Irrawaddy region and in the suburban areas of Yangon in order to prioritize critical needs. Food, water and shelter were provided to victims within days of the disaster.
Prior to the cyclone, Episcopal Relief & Development 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.
Current Relief Activities
CPM’s ongoing cyclone relief activities are centered in a remote cluster of villages in Laputta Township in the Irrawaddy Delta region. CPM was the first organization to arrive in this area, and continues to be the only resident agency serving these communities.
The suffering in this area has been acute. Three of the villages were completely destroyed. One village lost 500 of its 600 residents. In another, only three out of 100 homes remain standing. A recent visit from a medical team found that over 500 people were suffering from illnesses such as acute viral infections, pneumonia, anemia, dizziness and duodenal ulcers.
More than 1,500 individuals—250 families—are being reached by CPM in Laputta Township. The outpouring of assistance and support from Episcopalians has given CPM the opportunity to serve victims of many different faiths at this very difficult time. “God has given us the strength to extend a smile amidst our tears,” says the Most Rev. Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Myanmar.
Long-Term Rebuilding Plans
During the recent monitoring visit, Episcopal Relief & Development staff helped CPM develop a long-term plan to rebuild communities in the targeted areas. Over the next two years, the agency will work with CPM on an integrated rehabilitation program with an emphasis on housing repair and reconstruction; restoring livelihood opportunities; providing medical services, water and sanitation interventions; and educational programs for children.
To help people affected by the cyclone in Myanmar, make a donation to Episcopal Relief & Development’s “Myanmar & Cyclone Response” online, or by calling 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.
