Cyclone Nargis has destroyed large parts of Burma

Cyclone Nargis has destroyed large parts of Burma. It is estimated that up to 100.000 people have already lost their lives. 1,5million people have been displaced and are urgently in need of aid. CARE are on site with 500 active aid workers.

CARE Myanmar´s 500 employees are deployed from their Rangoon base to action immediate aid measures. CARE works closely with the United Nation’s World Food Program (WFP). Due to CARE ’s 14 year presence in Myanmar (since 1994) it has been possible for the organisation to act immediately without the support of aid workers from outside the country.

In the two capital areas, South Dagon and Thaketa, CARE has supplied clean drinking water and rice to people. Due to water contamination, high humidity and un-removed corpses, water borne diseases pose a high risk throughout the disaster area.

Previously malnourished and sick women and children are especially affected. The first cases of Malaria have been reported. CARE is distributing water purification tablets and water containers.

CARE has already released Euro 100.000 in initial aid, targeting 50.000 families or 300.000 people.

The aid work is made difficult due to communication restraints and the refusal of the Military Regime to allow international aid workers into the country. CARE will regularly report on the latest developments here on betterplace.org.