Cyclone Nargis Devastates Myanmar: ADRA Responds

6th May, 2008

Silver Spring, Maryland—The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is responding after Cyclone Nargis, a category 4 tropical storm, struck Myanmar (Burma) on Saturday May 3, killing more than 10,000 people and leaving nearly 3,000 others unaccounted for, according to the Foreign Ministry.

In response to the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis, ADRA emergency response personnel based in the Yangon office are evaluating the damage and determining the most urgent needs in affected areas, after the ten-hour storm slammed the Southeast Asian nation with winds speeds reaching 190kph.

The storm, which left hundreds of thousands of people displaced, blew roofs from hospitals and schools, and cut off electricity throughout the country. ADRA Myanmar, with support from ADRA network partners including ADRA Australia, is committed to providing emergency assistance to survivors, including food, water, medical supplies, shelter, and clothing.

The cyclone hit heavily populated Yangon directly leaving many streets, roads, and bridges impassable due to the considerable amount of downed trees and other debris. In some villages, early estimates indicate that 95 percent of homes have been destroyed.

On Sunday, May 4, a state of emergency was declared across five regions, including Yangon, Irrawady, Pegu, Karen and Mon, in which 24 million people live. On Monday, foreign ministry officials said they welcomed international aid and relief items, such as roofing materials, plastic sheets and temporary tents, water purifying tablets, blankets, and mosquito nets.

Updates will be released as ADRA’s response efforts expand.

To support ADRA’s work during times of emergency, contributions can be made to ADRA’s Disaster and Famine Relief Fund by calling 1800 242 372 or visiting www.adra.org.au

ADRA Australia is a non-government organisation (NGO) engaging in sustainable community development and emergency management for people in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. It is fully accredited with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and is signatory to the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct. The ADRA network has a presence in 125 countries. For more information about ADRA Australia visit www.adra.org.au.

Author: Nadia McGill

Media Enquiries:
Candice Jaques
p    02 9489 5488
m   0407 172 305
e    news@adra.org.au
www.adra.org.au