news & events
Burma Appeal Update
 A villager collects rice at the village
of U Khai-Hlaing which was hit by Cyclone Nargis. Photo: REUTERS/Stringer |
A month after Cyclone Nargis swept across Burma leaving 134,000 people dead or missing, MRDF is still appealing for funds to provide relief supplies to many homeless families. As news of the devastation caused by the cyclone emerged from Burma in early May, MRDF launched an appeal with the Methodist Church and immediately allocated £20,000 to help those affected by Burma's biggest natural disaster in its recorded history. This preliminary response by MRDF has helped to assist over 100,000 people through ACT (Action by Churches Together) International – |
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people like Myo Lin*, who clung to a tree for eight hours during the cyclone. After the storm surge, Myo Lin discovered that his son had survived, but his wife and daughter had been swept away, along with half of the 700 people in his village. Myo Lin and his son are now being cared for and have clothes, shelter, clean water and enough food. MRDF's support is continuing to help with the provision of emergency food aid, water, sanitation and temporary shelter in Yangon and the Irrawaddy Delta area. Materials are being delivered from stocks that were purchased in Burma or were already in position before the disaster. Families affected by the cyclone are also receiving visits from local doctors, nurses and students trained in psychosocial care. MRDF is also supporting a relief effort by a local organisation, whose members have a long history of support and work within Burma, but which cannot be named for security reasons. Amanda Norman, MRDF's Supporter Relations Director, said: 'MRDF supporters have once again responded with speed and generosity. The MRDF hotline was ringing within hours of the appeal being launched and over £40,000 has already been donated. In view of the widespread devastation and chaos, every donation is significant.' MRDF is continuing to support the relief effort in Burma and will send more funds to ACT and a local organisation in the coming weeks. * Name has been changed. To donate to MRDF's appeal for Burma: By cheque, payable to “MRDF (Burma emergency)” - post to Taxpayers are encouraged to gift aid their donations where possible, adding a value of 28p to every pound they give, at no extra personal cost. |
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