Overview
On May 2, 2008, high winds, heavy rain and flood water claimed thousands of lives and damaged hundreds of thousands of homes in southwestern Myanmar. According to state media reports, the death toll may reach 22,000 as a result of Cyclone Nargis; as many as 10,000 may have died in just one town.
Early estimates indicate the storm destroyed 95 percent of homes in low-lying delta regions and impacted a total of one million people nationwide. The storm also compromised the water and fuel supplies, caused widespread power and telecommunication outages and wiped out vital crops, compounding the existing problem of food shortages. Cyclone Nargis is the worst storm to hit Asia since 1991 when 143,000 people died Bangladesh and the worst to hit Myanmar since 1926 when 2,700 people were killed.
The greatest priorities for the Red Cross and its humanitarian partners at this stage of the emergency response are providing shelter and access to clean drinking water to survivors.
Red Cross and Red Crescent Response
Immediately following the storm, the Myanmar Red Cross began assessing the damage as well as caring for survivors' needs by distributing family kits, containing clothing, blankets, cookware and hygiene supplies, and drinking water to the schools and pagodas serving as emergency shelters. The International Federation has deployed its regional disaster management coordinator to Myanmar from Bangkok to coordinate the International Red Cross response.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has also released an initial $189,000 and shipped shelter kits, made up of tarps, ropes and hammers, to support the relief effort in Myanmar. Additionally, the American Red Cross is prepared to respond with financial aid, estimated at $250,000, to aid cyclone survivors.
The American Red Cross and International Federation also have emergency supplies - such as tarps, hygiene kits and insecticide-treated bed nets – pre-stocked in warehouses in Kuala Lumpur and Dubai, if requested.
The American Red Cross is in close contact with its colleagues at the Myanmar Red Cross and the International Federation. We continue to monitor the situation, assess the needs of survivors and stand prepared to offer additional assistance as future needs are identified.
Restoring Family Links
Concerned family and friends in the United States may have difficulty contacting their loved ones as a result of telecommunication outages caused by this disaster.
If you are trying to reach relatives living in Myanmar who are citizens of Myanmar, the American Red Cross suggests you keep calling or try contacting other family members who live nearby.
Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens living or traveling in Myanmar should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747.
How to Support the Relief Efforts
Donate to the International Response Fund
You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.
To make a donation:
The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate a donation for a specific disaster, please do so at the time of donation.
NOTE: The Red Cross has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for its effective use of donations.
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