World Vision launches appeal to help Myanmar cyclone victims

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

World Vision has today launched a major appeal to provide emergency relief to millions of people displaced and homeless after Cyclone Nargis slammed into Myanmar's Irrawaddy Delta region on 2 May. 

"The country has been paralysed and all infrastructure has been wiped out. Villages in the southwest delta region have been completely flattened. People are finding whatever shelter they can until aid arrives," said World Vision Chief Executive Tim Costello.

Cyclone Nargis hit the southern delta regions about 250 kilometres southwest of Yangon. The storm has dissipated after pounding the country with ten hours of rain, packing winds of 190 kilometres per hour at its peak. 

Almost 90 per cent of the region around Laputto has been wiped out. 

World Vision's emergency teams arrived overnight at the request of the Government of Myanmar. Immediate response will be to distribute emergency food and shelter and assess longer-term needs. 

"We are still trying to get to the worst hit region. There are massive obstacles to reach these parts. Roads are impassable and communications are down. This is a catastrophe for a small nation."

World Vision has more than 500 staff in country and is now mobilising all available humanitarian aid into the region. 

Australians can give to the Myanmar Cyclone Appeal by visiting www.worldvision.com.au or calling 13 32 40.

Media Releases, Emergencies, Asia and the Pacific, Cyclone Nargis, Disaster relief, Myanmar

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