|
Myanmar Red Cross volunteers distribute containers to cyclone survivors to collect safe drinking water. (Photo: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies)
View a slide show: Myanmar Red Cross response
Map courtesy of AlertNet.org
|
 |
|
|
Response to the Myanmar Cyclone
Overview
On May 2, 2008, high winds, heavy rain and flood water claimed thousands of lives and damaged hundreds of thousands of homes in southwestern Myanmar.
Cyclone Nargis is the worst storm to hit Asia since 1991 when 143,000 people died Bangladesh and the worst to hit Myanmar since 1926 when 2,700 people were killed.
The greatest priorities for the Red Cross and its humanitarian partners at this stage of the emergency response are providing shelter and access to clean drinking water to survivors.
Red Cross and Red Crescent Response
Immediately following the storm, the Myanmar Red Cross began assessing the damage as well as caring for survivors' needs by distributing family kits, containing clothing, blankets, cookware and hygiene supplies, and drinking water to the schools and pagodas serving as emergency shelters.
The American Red Cross has contributed $250,000 to relief efforts and is prepared assist the Myanmar Red Cross with additional aid and supplies, estimated at $1.25 million.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has successfully shipped shelter kits, made up of tarps, ropes and hammers, and jerry cans for storing clean water to the Myanmar Red Cross, who is partnering with UNICEF to distribute to the hardest hit areas of the coastal delta region.
The American Red Cross and International Federation will continue to tap into their pre-stocked emergency supplies – such as tarps, hygiene kits and insecticide-treated bed nets – located in warehouses in Kuala Lumpur and Dubai as requested.
The American Red Cross is in close contact with its colleagues at the Myanmar Red Cross and the International Federation. We continue to monitor the situation, assess the needs of survivors and stand prepared to offer additional assistance as future needs are identified.
Restoring Family Links
Concerned family and friends in the United States may have difficulty contacting their loved ones as a result of telecommunication outages caused by this disaster.
If you are trying to reach relatives living in Myanmar who are citizens of Myanmar, the American Red Cross suggests you keep calling or try contacting other family members who live nearby.
Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens living or traveling in Myanmar should be referred to the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747.
Related News and Press Releases
 Mounting a Global Response to a Massive Disaster
— 5/11/2008
Relief Supplies from American Red Cross Arrive in Myanmar — 5/11/2008
Slide show: Myanmar Red Cross response to Cyclone Nargis — 5/9/2008
Devastation Strikes Southeast Asia Delta — 5/7/2008
American Red Cross Steps Up Relief For Survivors Of Myanmar Cyclone — 5/7/2008
American Red Cross Stands Ready to Aid Cyclone Survivors in Myanmar — 5/5/2008
How to Support the Relief Efforts
Donate to the International Response Fund
You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.
To make a donation:
Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish)
Make a secure, online donation.
Contact your local Red Cross chapter
Mail a Donation
The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate a donation for a specific disaster, please do so at the time of donation.
NOTE: The Red Cross has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for its effective use of donations.
Become A Volunteer
In response to this disaster, the Myanmar Red Cross is currently relying on its existing volunteer base to deliver relief to the cyclone survivors and, therefore, the American Red Cross does not have plans to deploy personnel to the disaster site at this time. Well-meaning individuals are urged not to report directly to the affected areas.
We do, however, have opportunities for volunteers and employees to respond to domestic disasters, such as the recent tornadoes and daily house fires. Some chapters are also recruiting for local volunteers to help them deliver services to the international communities within the United States.
Find your local Red Cross chapter
Visit VolunteerMatch.org
About Donations of Goods or Collected Items
Unsolicited, spontaneous donations of goods and services from individuals and community groups, though well intentioned, have hidden costs and pose a number of complications for relief efforts. For these reasons, the Red Cross is not able to accept any large collections of items, such as used clothing, hygiene items, furniture, toys, and canned goods. Nor are we able to accept small, individual donations of these items.
If you represent a company wishing to offer supplies in bulk, please contact your local Red Cross chapter.
Read more About Collections of Goods and Individual Items
Find your Local Red Cross Chapter
Inquiries Media or Public
Please visit the American Red Cross Press Room on Redcross.org for the latest press releases, media advisories or statements, links to available news photos, video and public service announcements.
Visit the Press Room on Redcross.org
Medial Requests ONLY
NATIONAL Requests: Call Disaster Public Affairs at 202-303-5551
LOCAL Requests: Find and contact the closest Red Cross Chapter
Public requests, including private citizen, business, or student:
Visit the Contact Us page.
Additional Resources
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
| 
