Relief Efforts to Reach 40,000 People in Myanmar
Caritas Internationalis emergency response efforts are underway in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady division and Yangon districts, two of the areas hardest hit by Cyclone Nargis, for an estimated 40,000 people who will receive vital relief, including food, shelter, water, medical care and psychological support. Catholic Relief Services is supporting Caritas Internationalis and partners on the ground after one of the worst cyclones to hit the region in decades struck this delta region on May 2.
To date, 1,000 people have received food, and another 16,000 people are expected to receive relief supplies in the coming days. More than 100 local volunteers have been trained to play a critical role with assessments, market surveys, procurement and logistics, as well as disposal of dead bodies. Local Caritas Internationalis partners continue to procure food and shelter materials in Pathein and Yangon districts.
A boy plays in front of his home, destroyed by Cyclone Nargis. Photo by REUTERS/Stringer (MYANMAR)
"Survivors have started to relocate into temporary shelters in churches and schools which has helped us to provide aid more quickly," said Elizabeth Griffin, director of CRS communications, from Baltimore. "Transportation remains a serious challenge though, and some of the most affected areas can only be reached by helicopter or boat."
Latest government estimates for the cyclone's dead or missing is 62,000; unofficial reports place the figure closer to 100,000. Increased reports from affected areas indicate the most critical needs as food, shelter, water, sanitation and health care.
"The international Catholic community is now providing critical support for our local Catholic Church partners in Myanmar to save lives. Through them, we are able to reach people in some of the most devastated areas with urgent humanitarian assistance, including food, means for shelter, counseling, water and medical care," said Ken Hackett, CRS President.
An added challenge for aid workers is the heavy rain that has continuously fallen in the affected area, with more expected through the weekend.
"The weather will exacerbate humanitarian conditions for the homeless, many of whom are living under an open sky. Thankfully, no serious outbreaks of bacterial, water or mosquito borne diseases have been reported, but this could change in the next two to three weeks," said Griffin.
The Caritas Internationalis network is responding to the needs of some of the most vulnerable in the area, and will address the immediate and longer-term aspects of recovery. As the aid community receives more guidance on the ability for humanitarian relief efforts in the country, the Caritas Internationalis network will determine the most appropriate, sensitive and timely way to carry out its relief effort.
Caritas Internationalis is a confederation of 162 Catholic relief, development and social service organizations working in over 200 countries and territories. Catholic Relief Services is a member of the Caritas network.
