The National Council of Churches in Australia is responding to the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis in Burma (Myanmar), through our humanitarian agency Christian World Service, our partner the Myanmar Council of Churches and our global humanitarian network ACT International.
Over 22,000 people have been killed, 41,000 people are missing and up to a million people have been rendered homeless. These disturbing figures are set to rapidly increase as aid efforts uncover further damage in remote regions of the country. The consequences of the storm are immense, such as food shortages, contaminated water supplies, sanitation problems, damaged infrastructure and communication break downs.
Agricultural regions (particularly the Irrawaddy Delta) have been devastated causing food prices to increase beyond 300%, an impossible burden on the people caught in this tragedy.
Christian World Service has already committed $35,000 to local partners in Burma.
Immediate relief operations are underway with a comprehensive assessment on-going. More information about the response will be available as a more detailed understanding of the issues is uncovered.
Alistair Gee, Executive Director of NCCA CWS says, “As we have seen with other disasters, unless there is a massive and immediate aid effort the people of Burma will feel the affects of this cyclone for years to come. We are asking for churches around Australia to pray for the people of Burma and to please give generously.”
Churches or individuals may give to the Burma Cyclone Appeal by cheque or money order to: NCCA Christian World Service, Locked Bag 199, SYDNEY NSW 1230.
To give online, please go to www.ncca.org.au. To give by phone, please call our toll free number 1800 025 101.
Updates about our humanitarian response will be on our website: http://www.actforpeace.org.au.
Over 90% of gifts to this appeal will be sent directly to the field. Gifts are tax deductible. Any excess funds raised by this appeal will be allocated to ongoing humanitarian and development work for the Burmese people.
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For Further Information Contact:
Mr Alistair Gee, Executive Director, NCCA Christian World Service, 0417 672 650
