WASHINGTON, May 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As of today, Tuesday, May
6, state officials have estimated the death toll in Burma from Cyclone
Nargisat at over 22,000. Over 40,000 people are missing and millions more
are homeless. Priority emergency relief needs are shelter, food, water,
medicines and electricity. Washed-out roads have made it impossible to
reach many people in more remote areas. In seven of the worst affected
deltas, communities are reporting 90-95% damage.
Food is available, but costs have risen 50%. The cost of fuel has risen
100%.
Though the government formally requested emergency aid on Monday, May
5, restrictions on the movements of international aid agency staff members
have slowed down assessment and relief operations. InterAction members are
responding to this crisis through a variety of mechanisms, including, but
not limited to: emergency medical assistance, transitional shelter,
provision of non-food items, and debris clearing.
A regularly updated list of agencies responding to the cyclone is
available at: http://www.interaction.org/burma.
InterAction has also developed guidelines on the most appropriate ways
to help those affected by overseas disasters:
http://www.interaction.org/disaster/guide_giving.html.
InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international
development and humanitarian nongovernmental organizations. Our 165 members
operate in every developing country, working with local communities to
overcome poverty and suffering by helping to improve their quality of life.
SOURCE InterAction
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Related links:
http://www.interaction.org/burma
CONTACT:
Nasserie Carew, +1-202-552-6561, cell:
+1-202-341-3814, ncarew@interaction.org, or Tawana Jacobs,
+1-202-552-6534, cell: +1-301-325-8687, tjacobs@interaction.org,
both of InterAction
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