Churches in Myanmar Join SCIAF Aid Call

SCIAF’s local Church partners in Myanmar, based in some of the worst affected areas and currently delivering aid, have put out an urgent call for help following the devastation caused by Cyclone Nagris.

SCIAF has launched a Scotland-wide Myanmar Appeal to help its Church partners deliver urgent aid.

One Church representative speaking from Myanmar said:

“As a Church, we are reaching out to the victims with all means at our disposal. At this hour of darkness, we are encouraged by the show of support by our friends from abroad and we thank you for your sympathetic enquires.

“We have a severe situation and are very worried about the people here. Our country is in a state of mourning with 22,000 deaths and still counting. Thousands have disappeared and more than a million are displaced. The magnitude of devastation overwhelms a poor country like ours.

“As nature left a trail of devastation, access to the victims and assessment is a hard task. Data is slowly coming in. Urgent needs are food, water and shelter. Thousands are in need of urgent medical help."

SCIAF has been working in Myanmar for many years and has pledged £50,000 to help purchase food, water, medicines, and temporary shelters which is being delivered to people in need in three townships in Rangoon. SCIAF is also working through the Caritas Internationalis network of 162 Catholic aid agencies worldwide to provide further support.

Paul Chitnis, SCIAF’s Chief Executive, said :

"It is vitally important for the public to give whatever they can to the SCIAF Myanmar (Burma) Appeal to help local people access desparately needed supplies of food, water, medicine and shelter. SCIAF is already helping deliver aid via partners in Rangoon and other areas. We will continue to take action to help the survivors now and in the long term."

The storm hit on the morning of Saturday 3rd May and the death toll is estimated to be over 22,000 with parts of the country still cut off and 41,000 people missing. The death toll is expected to rise and is the worst cyclone-related disaster in the region since 1991.

Members of the Scottish public are being asked to donate to the SCIAF Myanmar (Burma) Appeal by calling 0141 354 5555 or online at www.sciaf.org.uk.