WASHINGTON, May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, a commercial
airplane carrying the first shipment of American Red Cross relief supplies
touched down in Yangon, Myanmar, to assist survivors of cyclone Nargis.
This newly arrived shipment includes an initial supply of 8,000
insecticide-treated mosquito nets to help prevent the spread of malaria.
"This is a very critical time for survivors, who are exposed to the
elements and vulnerable to diseases, like malaria," said David Meltzer,
senior vice president, International Services for the American Red Cross.
"Our staff and many others in the humanitarian community are working around
the clock to provide assistance as quickly as we can."
As of Friday, May 9, three planeloads of supplies from a Red Cross and
Red Crescent warehouse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, had arrived in Myanmar,
bringing in more than 14 tons of shelter material and other emergency
items. These materials, along with stocks from local warehouses-such as
hygiene kits, food, water purification tablets, and mosquito nets-are being
distributed by the Myanmar Red Cross, who has at least 27,000 volunteers
assisting with relief efforts.
"There are considerable challenges to getting relief supplies into the
hardest hit areas," said Meltzer. "But this is the priority right now: to
get survivors the assistance they need."
So far, the American Red Cross has made available $250,000 in relief
supplies, including 10,000 tarps and an additional 12,000 mosquito nets,
which will be delivered in the coming days. In addition, the American Red
Cross has committed $1.25 million for this relief effort, which includes a
pledge of $1 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development's
Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. The American Red Cross will continue
to be in close contact with the International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies and its other partners to determine further options-
including relief items, financial support and personnel-to help people in
the affected area.
You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each
year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International
Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support
through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in
need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to
the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red
Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund,
P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure
online contribution by visiting http://www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross
honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific
disaster please do so at the time of your donation.
SOURCE American Red Cross
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Related links:
http://www.redcross.org
CONTACT:
Michael Oko of American Red Cross,
+1-202-316-4399, or +1-202-303-5551
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