American Red Cross stands ready to aid cyclone survivors in Myanmar

Editors Note: Spokespeople are available to provide the media with reports and interviews about the Red Cross response. For more information, contact Michael Oko at 202-303-5551 or 202-316-4399.

WASHINGTON, Monday, May 05, 2008 — The American Red Cross is prepared to release funds and supplies, estimated at $100,000, to help the people of Myanmar who were affected by Cyclone Nargis, a deadly storm that made landfall on May 2.

Government and media reports estimate up to 10,000 deaths and catastrophic damage, causing widespread power and telecommunications outages. Initial reports also indicate the storm compromised water and fuel supplies, wiped out vital crops and, in some areas, destroyed 95 percent of the homes, leaving thousands of families without shelter.

Almost immediately, the Myanmar Red Cross began distributing thousands of family kits, containing clothing, blankets, cookware and hygiene supplies, and safe drinking water to schools and pagodas serving as emergency shelters. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has released an initial $189,000 to support the Red Cross relief effort in Myanmar.

The American Red Cross is in close contact with its colleagues at the Myanmar Red Cross and the International Federation, and continues to monitor the situation to assess the needs of survivors. The American Red Cross stands prepared to provide additional assistance as the situation develops.

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. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.