SCIAF Aid Gets Through to Cyclone Survivors

Local Catholic Church partners of SCIAF and the wider Caritas Internationalis network are delivering aid to the people of Myanmar following the devastation caused by Cyclone Nagris, despite wider concerns on aid delivery.

SCIAF has launched a Scotland-wide Myanmar (Burma) Appeal to help its Church partners deliver urgent aid and long term support.

Local church partners in Myanmar are working in six townships – Kungyangon, Kawhmu, South Dagon, East Dagon, Talwin and Kayan – and have already distributed food, medicines, plastic sheets and blankets to over 11,000 people. A second phase of operations will see the distribution of mosquito nets, kitchen utensils and temporary shelters. The relief items are being sourced within the country at present.

SCIAF is providing further support to Caritas Internationalis staff extending assistance to a further 26,000 in the affected Yangon and Irrawaddy region.

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SCIAF Chief Executive Paul Chitnis said:

“It is crucial that the public continue to give whatever donations they can to help the many thousands of suffering people left devastated by Cyclone Nagris. SCIAF and its partners are getting help to survivors on the ground but the huge recovery operation will need to be followed by long term support to help the population rebuild their lives, homes and future.”

“SCIAF is getting funds to local partners on the ground to help them buy rice and temporary shelters. We are also supporting the Caritas Internationalis network of 162 Catholic aid agencies in its co-ordinated responce in delivering food, water and medicines to the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. SCIAF will continue to take action to help the survivors now and in the long term.”

Archbishop Charles Bo of Yangon said:

“As a Church, we are reaching out to the victims with all the means at our disposal. At this hour of darkness, we are encouraged by the show of support by our friends from abroad. There are urgent needs for food, water and shelter. Thousands are in need of medical help.”

Church medical staff are also travelling to the worst affected areas to provide treatment to the survivors. Assessment teams have reported back.

One staff member, speaking anonymously, said:

“I was in Phyapon, far off down the Irrawaddy River. The bodies of human beings and cattle were still in the water.

“We reached a destroyed village. We were the first outsiders they had seen. To my eyes, that have seen the Asia tsunami and the Kashmir earthquake, it was overwhelming. Nature unleashed an orgy of death. Women explained how the waves took their babies. As our boat moved along, the body of a small boy drifted past.

“People have no drinking water or food or shelter. Children are eating coconut shells. Dead animals are everywhere. There is a terrible smell. There were many refugees, living in roofless churches and monasteries. Help has not reached them. We are doing what is possible. In the last two days, we have reached out to the starving people.”

The public can help SCIAF’s continued support of its Myanmar partners by donating now to the SCIAF Myanmar (Burma) Appeal on 0141 354 5555 or online at www.sciaf.org.uk

SCIAF has already sent £10,000 and is sending a further £50,000 to help Church partners purchase food, water, medicines, and temporary shelters. Additional money is needed to continue the immediate emergency response and deliver long term support.

The storm hit the Irrawaddy Delta region on 3 May and the death toll is now believed to be 100,000 people, with parts of the country still cut off and 1.5 million people affected. The death toll is expected to rise further.

SCIAF: Val Morgan Tel: 0141 354 5555

May 30th 2008