Archbishop of Myanmar plea for aid

Anglican Communion News Service carries a letter from the Archbishop of Myanmar (Burma) on the situation following Cyclone Nargis and the need for aid for emergency relief and long term redevelopment:

…the Church of the Province of Myanmar formed a relief committee on Wednesday 7 April 2008 and immediately sent out 4 teams to survey the affected areas. 3 of these teams returned, reporting general damage but little loss of life. The full extent of the damage in the Delta region, however, is still emerging. The team that was sent to what appears to be the worst affected area has confirmed widespread damage and extensive loss of life. In some places, entire villages have been devastated, with few if any survivors. In other places, survivors have huddled together in makeshift shelters awaiting aid. Travel in that area is very difficult, and villages are often in very isolated and remote areas, accessible only by boat. We have already sent a medical team to some parts of the most affected area, meeting both medical needs and distributing relief supplies. We plan to send a second one in the next few days.

The overall situation is still relatively fluid, with government policy shifting in response to new developments. It continues to be inadvisable for our overseas friends to travel to the most affected area. We continue to receive reports and accounts, and these will contribute to our assessment of the scale of the human tragedy and how best to meet the immediate needs of survivors made homeless, injured and/or otherwise affected in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. We are also assessing the extent of damage to church buildings and property both in the Delta region and in and around Yango.

Episcopal Relief and Development is working directly with those who are able to access the area. For how you can help click here. Also find information on relief following the earthquake in China.

Complete letter is here.

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