SILVER SPRING, Md., May 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CHF International
has deployed an emergency response team to begin providing shelter for the
hundreds of thousands of Burmese displaced from their homes as a result of
Cyclone Nargis, which hit on May 2, and is issuing an urgent appeal for
additional support.
Donations in support of this effort can be made online at
http://www.chfinternational.org.
The full impact of the deadliest tropical storm in a decade is only now
becoming clear. Over 24 million people live in the areas affected by
Cyclone Nargis. Recent information indicates that more than 22,500 people
have died and some 41,000 are still missing. Estimates of the numbers of
people displaced from their homes range from 200,000 to several million. As
is typical during the early stages of major disasters, these numbers are
likely to rise in the coming days and weeks.
"Our hearts go out to the millions of people whose lives have been
thrown into turmoil as a result of this cyclone," said Judith A. Hermanson,
CHF International's Senior Vice President. She added, "CHF has assisted
communities in the aftermath of similar devastating disasters, and
understands the importance of providing affected families with shelter as
quickly as possible."
In addition to providing shelter, CHF's Emergency Response Team will
concurrently assess other key needs as well as ways to rapidly help the
Burmese people begin to reestablish their livelihoods and mitigate future
disasters. Initial assessments show that after shelter and clean water, the
most pressing needs are for food, sanitation, medicines and other basic
supplies.
CHF has been a leader in responding to numerous natural disasters, and
transitioning communities from relief to recovery. Most recently, CHF
provided comprehensive shelter and livelihoods assistance in the aftermath
of natural disasters in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Peru. Since 1952, CHF
International has worked in over 100 countries and provides technical
expertise and leadership in international development, as well as emergency
management following disasters and civil conflict.
CHF International's mission is to be a catalyst for long-lasting
positive change in low- and moderate-income communities around the world,
helping them to improve their social, economic and environmental
conditions. Visit http://www.chfinternational.org for more information about the
organization.
For media inquiries, please contact CHF International's Communications
Manager, Jennifer Hyman, at jhyman@chfinternational.org.
SOURCE CHF International
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Related links:
http://www.chfinternational.org
CONTACT:
Jennifer Hyman of CHF International,
+1-301-587-4700, jhyman@chfinternational.org
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