Emergencies: Burma Cyclone Relief

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Burma Cyclone Relief

Cyclone Nargis Hits Burma

Burma Cyclone Relief Appeal

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Photo by Relief Web

Latest reports from Burma indicate that at least 10 - 15,000 people have died as a result of Cyclone Nargis, which swept across the south coast towards China on May 3, 2008. A further 3000 people remain missing. It is estimated that up to 90% of homes in affected regions have been destroyed, and more than 100,000 people left homeless. Electricity, communications, and water supplies have been severely affected. Many roads are damaged, further disrupting the supply of relief materials.

Families are now facing skyrocketing food prices, with items such as eggs and rice now four times what they cost a week ago. As clean water supplies run low, many communities will face increased illness and the threat of widespread disease. Fuel and transport costs are also massively increased.

A constitutional referendum is scheduled for Burma on Saturday 10 May. Currently, the Government intends to proceed with this on schedule.

Locals in Yangon weave through uprooted trees in the wake of Cyclone Nargis. Photo by Democratic Voice of Burma

TEAR Australia's Response:

TEAR Australia's main partner in the region, World Concern Burma (Myanmar), is planning relief and rehabilitation activities, when they become possible. TEAR Australia is committed to supporting World Concern Burma's response. Please see this website for more details in the coming days.

TEAR Australia is in a strong position to have a significant involvement. We support three Australian fieldworkers and their families in Burma: David Allan, Tamas Wells and David McClintock. They are reported to be safe and well in Yangon.

Electricity and communications infrastructure has been severely disrupted across Burma. Photo by Democratic Voice of Burma

Please Pray:

Thank God for the safety of World Concern staff and project communities.
Please pray for them as they embark upon the dangerous and difficult work of distribution of relief supplies.
Pray for fast and equitable delivery of emergency food, water and household supplies, by all relief agencies.
Pray for access to emergency supplies, as prices rise and transport is disrupted.
Pray for long-term food security in the region, as many crops have been destroyed.
Please pray for all of TEAR Australia's partners in Burma: World Concern Burma, GNIDS and the Lisu Christian Church.