Bangkok Post : General news

Bangkok Post : General news: "Thailand will act as a mediator to help with the movement of international relief supplies to Burma, which are being held up by the military junta and are stuck in Thailand, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said yesterday.

The move comes as the UN says up to 102,000 people could have been killed by Cyclone Nargis and about 220,000 are reported missing."

London Free Press - Editorials - Caution key to relief effort in Myanmar

London Free Press - Editorials - Caution key to relief effort in Myanmar: "anada has offered its Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and made an initial pledge of $2 million in relief.

Meanwhile, charities such as World Vision, which has Myanmar staff on the ground working to distribute aid, said Canadians are responding to its appeals 'proving again just how generous they are."

Disaster in Burma: The Dead Calm After the Storm - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

Disaster in Burma: The Dead Calm After the Storm - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News: "It's difficult to imagine how the aid could get to where it's needed even if a fleet of planes were arriving here. The place has only one forklift truck. There's a crane that could help load goods, but it's been out of action for months for repairs, say the taxi drivers and baggage handlers at the airport."

5-year-old spearheads fundraiser

5-year-old spearheads fundraiser: "'I was concerned so I brought the picture to school and we decided to have a fundraiser,' said the kindergarten student, who attends Montessori Play and Learn Centre.

The five-year-old kicked off her fundraising campaign by making posters to raise awareness and by holding a coin drive at her school's 25th anniversary spring concert Saturday."

U.S. Begins Myanmar Relief Effort As U.N. Pleads for Cooperation - WSJ.com

U.S. Begins Myanmar Relief Effort As U.N. Pleads for Cooperation - WSJ.com: "YANGON, Myanmar -- The U.S. delivered its first relief airlift to Myanmar on Monday as the United Nations pleaded with the country's military rulers to cooperate with the international community in helping up to two million cyclone victims facing disease and starvation."

Mounting a Global Response to a Massive Disaster

Mounting a Global Response to a Massive Disaster: "Slightly more than a week after cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar, relief supplies—such as tarps, water containers, water purification tablets, mosquito nets and hygiene kits—are arriving and being distributed. Earlier today, an airplane carrying American Red Cross supplies, including 8,000 mosquito nets, arrived in Myanmar. According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 220,000 people have received some form of aid, which includes 80,000 people who were assisted by the Red Cross."

Relief boat sinks, leaving aid in Myanmar river - CNN.com

Relief boat sinks, leaving aid in Myanmar river - CNN.com: "A Red Cross boat delivering supplies to help 1,000 victims of last weekend's cyclone sank Sunday when it hit debris in the Irrawaddy Delta region, as the U.S. prepared to deliver relief supplies to Myanmar."

KESQ.com Palm Springs, Coachella Valley - Weather, News, Sports: Myanmar junta members distribute foreign aid boxes with generals' names on them

KESQ.com Palm Springs, Coachella Valley - Weather, News, Sports: Myanmar junta members distribute foreign aid boxes with generals' names on them: "- Myanmar's military regime has been handing out international relief supplies after having generals' names plastered on the boxes.

Election day news coverage showed top generals handing out aid boxes in elaborate ceremonies."

The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Nation | Exile aid for Nargis

The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Nation | Exile aid for Nargis: "Cyclone-ravaged Myanmar has refused relief from the UN, but its citizens abroad could put the country’s military rulers to shame.

About one lakh Myanmarese refugees living in India have begun efforts to help their countrymen back home.

In the national capital, the refugees today set up the “India relief fund for Cyclone Nargis survivors”."

U.N. aid for Myanmar seized -- -- baltimoresun.com

U.N. aid for Myanmar seized -- -- baltimoresun.com: "YANGON, Myanmar - Myanmar's military leaders seized U.N. aid shipments headed for cyclone survivors and told the top U.S. diplomat there yesterday that they're not ready to let in American aid workers, despite warnings that the country is on the verge of a medical catastrophe."

ABC News: Amid Stench of Death, Myanmar Holds Vote

ABC News: Amid Stench of Death, Myanmar Holds Vote: "Myanmar's ruling generals today appeared more interested in promoting the vote that will entrench their rule than they were in the hundreds of thousands of their people who are drinking coconut milk because they have no clean water, who are sleeping under the stars because they have no homes, who haven't had electricity since the storm hit."

AFP: Aid groups hit out at Myanmar over delays

AFP: Aid groups hit out at Myanmar over delays: "BANGKOK (AFP) — At least one million survivors remain without aid more than a week after a deadly cyclone ripped through Myanmar, the UN said Saturday, with emergency supply shipments still held up by the regime.

Relief experts say time is running out for stricken people in the country's southwest delta who are desperately waiting for food, drinking water and medicine, and that the junta is not acting quickly enough."

globeandmail.com: Advance team lands in Thailand to pave way for relief deployment

globeandmail.com: Advance team lands in Thailand to pave way for relief deployment: "OTTAWA -- A reconnaissance unit from the Canadian Forces' disaster assistance response team landed in Thailand yesterday to pave the way for a possible deployment to cyclone-stricken Myanmar.

The Canadian advance team touched down in Bangkok the same day that the House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion calling on reclusive Myanmar to open its borders to foreign aid workers."

The CNN Wire: Latest updates on top stories Blog Archive - U.N. seeks $187 million for Myanmar relief « - Blogs from CNN.com

The CNN Wire: Latest updates on top stories Blog Archive - U.N. seeks $187 million for Myanmar relief « - Blogs from CNN.com: "WASHINGTON (CNN) — The United Nations issued a “flash appeal” to its members Friday to raise $187.3 million in cyclone relief for Myanmar."

Burma aid workers hit by visa delays - World - theage.com.au

Burma aid workers hit by visa delays - World - theage.com.au: "Aid agencies seeking access to Burma to provide relief to the cyclone-ravaged nation are being delayed by the slow processing of visas."

U.N. Pressures Myanmar to Allow Aid - New York Times

U.N. Pressures Myanmar to Allow Aid - New York Times: "With up to 1.5 million people in Myanmar now believed to be facing the threat of starvation and disease and with relief efforts still largely stymied by the country’s isolationist military rulers, frustrated United Nations officials all but demanded Thursday that the government open its doors to supplies and aid workers."

India plans to send more medical supplies to cyclone-hit Myanmar-India-The Times of India

India plans to send more medical supplies to cyclone-hit Myanmar-India-The Times of India: "The MEA said that the damage caused by the cyclone was much more extensive than feared earlier and that the external affairs minister has conveyed to his counterpart in Myanmar India's readiness to offer help.

An IL-76 aircraft carrying tents, medicine and roofing material reached Yangon on Thursday. Another IL-76 aircraft will be leaving Delhi on Saturday for Yangon."

Relief effort to concentrate on health and sanitation in disaster zone

Relief effort to concentrate on health and sanitation in disaster zone: "KUALA LUMPUR: The first two Mercy Malaysia's relief officers who flew over to Myanmar on Wednesday night have started to establish contacts there.

Mercy Malaysia general manager Mona Hanim Sheikh Mahmud said Hew Cheong Yew and Hafidzi Ahmad Bunian, arrived safely in Yangon at 8am yesterday.

“The letter of support from the Myanmar Embassy here helped,” she said here yesterday."

UN Suspends Aid Shipment to Burma

UN Suspends Aid Shipment to Burma: "The UN announced on Friday that it has suspended all aid shipments to Burma, following the junta’s seizure of all food and equipment of the World Food Program (WFP)."

Khaleej Times Online - UAE planeload of relief to Myanmar tomorrow

Khaleej Times Online - UAE planeload of relief to Myanmar tomorrow: "UAE planeload of relief to Myanmar tomorrow
By Zoe Sinclair |and Ahmed Abdul Aziz (Our staff reporters)

9 May 2008


DUBAI — UAE Red Crescent Society (RCS) will dispatch an urgent relief plane tomorrow to offer humanitarian assistance to Myanmar which was hit by cyclone Nargis, said Khamees El Swaidi, Head of RCS in Sharjah.

He told Khaleej Times yesterday that the plane will fly next week with a relief team to help the people affected by the cyclone which left more than 50,000 killed and almost 20,000 in bad condition."

Myanmar turns down U.S. aid | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Myanmar turns down U.S. aid | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press: "YANGON, Myanmar -- Relief supplies from the United Nations arrived in Myanmar on Thursday, but the country's military government denied access to U.S. military planes loaded with aid, five days after a devastating cyclone."

BBC NEWS | UK | UK pledges £5m in aid for Burma

BBC NEWS | UK | UK pledges £5m in aid for Burma: "Britain has promised £5m to Burma to help the survivors of a cyclone that struck on Saturday leaving more than 22,000 dead and many more missing."

Top Stories: Springs nonprofits find it’s hard to help after Myanmar cyclone | myanmar, food, vandyke : Gazette.com

Top Stories: Springs nonprofits find it’s hard to help after Myanmar cyclone | myanmar, food, vandyke : Gazette.com: "It's a sentiment shared by several Colorado Springs nonprofits that are trying to provide help to the victims of Saturday's devastating cyclone in the country once known as Burma.

The country's regime has prevented most foreign aid from reaching an estimated 1.5 million survivors. Experts estimate that at least 22,980 have been killed and 42,119 remain missing. But the death toll could exceed 100,000, experts say, because of the scarcity of safe food and drinking wate"

Corpses dot waterways of Myanmar's stricken delta | Reuters

Corpses dot waterways of Myanmar's stricken delta | Reuters: "The grieving farmer carries a photograph of two of his daughters in the breast pocket of his shirt.

He said it is the only assistance he has.

'There are no NGO's here. No U.N. Only me.'

Several Asian governments including Thailand, China, Indonesia, Singapore and India have flown in supplies, but the military government has dragged its feet in allowing aid experts from United Nations agencies and western countries."

Myanmar refuses to grant visas for relief workers - 09 May 2008 - NZ Herald: World / International News

Myanmar refuses to grant visas for relief workers - 09 May 2008 - NZ Herald: World / International News: "YANGON - The UN blasted Myanmar's military government Friday, saying its refusal to let in foreign aid workers was 'unprecedented' in the history of humanitarian work, while survivors of a devastating cyclone waited for food, shelter and medicine."

New Zealand contributes further 1 million NZ dollars for Myanmar relief _English_Xinhua

New Zealand contributes further 1 million NZ dollars for Myanmar relief _English_Xinhua: "- New Zealand will contribute another one million NZ dollars (773,000 U.S. dollars) to the United Nations efforts to help Myanmar recover from the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis, Prime Minister Helen Clark announced on Thursday.

Clark said the money will be made via NZAID and is in addition to the 500,000 NZ dollars pledged Wednesday to New Zealand aid and relief agencies involved in Myanmar."

FOXNews.com - Myanmar Clears First Airlift Carrying Aid, U.S. Planes Still Blocked - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europ

FOXNews.com - Myanmar Clears First Airlift Carrying Aid, U.S. Planes Still Blocked - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News: "Relief supplies from the United Nations began arriving in Myanmar Thursday, but U.S. military planes loaded with aid were still denied access by the country's isolationist regime five days after a devastating cyclone."

Google Tries To Help After Myanmar Cyclone | WebProNews

Google Tries To Help After Myanmar Cyclone | WebProNews: "When Google's making an important announcement, posts will sometimes appear on more than one corporate blog. Posts relating to Myanmar have been put on at least three, and the Google homepage has been altered, as well."

TODAYonline

TODAYonline: "The widespread physical devastation aside, the human toll from Cyclone Nargis' fury is staggering: The number of fatalities may climb to as high as 60,000 while more than 1 million people may have lost their homes.
.
In an acknowledgement of the dire straits the country is now in, Myanmar's normally-xenophobic military regime issued a rare appeal for urgent international aid on Tuesday."

U.S. Disaster Relief Efforts Hampered - washingtonpost.com

U.S. Disaster Relief Efforts Hampered - washingtonpost.com: "Americans are responding to the devastation wrought by the cyclone in Burma last week with an outpouring of support to U.S. charities and disaster relief groups, but geopolitics are complicating their efforts."

Myanmar relief efforts pick up as death toll rises -- -- Newsday.com

Myanmar relief efforts pick up as death toll rises -- -- Newsday.com: "As the death toll from the Myanmar cyclone rose to at least 100,000, U.S. relief efforts picked up yesterday, with donations trickling in to nongovernmental organizations as U.S. and Myanmar authorities eased controls on philanthropy.

'They are realizing that even though they say they have the capacity to respond that that's wishful thinking, and they realize they need help,' said Maureen Aung-Thwin, director of the Burma Project/Southeast Asian Initiative, in Manhattan. '[The cyclone] is much more massive than anybody thought.'"

World concern over use of donated funds | World news | The Guardian

World concern over use of donated funds | World news | The Guardian: "Fundraising efforts to help victims of the Burmese cyclone are being complicated by concern that the junta may misuse funds and block aid workers from reaching some of the worst-hit areas.

Potential British donors have voiced fears that the Burmese government is not doing more to help its own people. Major charities are also struggling to assure institutional donors that their money will be spent effectively in Burma."

More than one million could be homeless after cyclone, warns charity - icWales

More than one million could be homeless after cyclone, warns charity - icWales: "We are one of the biggest international non-governmental organisations (INGO) working in Burma with 500 national staff working from 35 offices across the country. We have project sites in all of the five states and divisions and since Monday our staff has been on the ground distributing aid to 30,000 people. Save the Children is providing food, water purification tablets, plastic sheeting, kitchen equipment and rehydration salts to treat diarrhoea to people in the worst-hit regions of Yangon and we are putting in place the logistical resources, including trucks and boats, to distribute shelter equipment, food and medication to people living in the remote areas of the rural delta region."

Ships, planes carry relief supplies to Myanmar for cyclone victims despite visa holdup

Ships, planes carry relief supplies to Myanmar for cyclone victims despite visa holdup: "GENEVA (AP) - Ships and cargo planes carried relief supplies to Myanmar on Wednesday while organizations distributed food and other aid to people left homeless by a devastating cyclone, officials said.
Myanmar's government stalled on issuing visas to aid workers, hampering relief operations. But U.N. and other agencies said they were making progress in persuading"

Global response to Myanmar cyclone victims - International Herald Tribune

Global response to Myanmar cyclone victims - International Herald Tribune: "Initial aid offerings to help an estimated 1 million people made homeless by the cyclone in Myanmar in addition to shipments by the U.N., Red Cross and other aid organizations:"

Make a tax-deductible donation to projects supporting myanmar disaster relief | GlobalGiving

A updated landing page from Global Giving.

Make a tax-deductible donation to projects supporting myanmar disaster relief | GlobalGiving: "he devastating Myanmar cyclone has killed over 22000 people, and thousands are still missing. A state of emergency has been declared in five regions: the capital city of Yangon, Irrawaddy, Pegu and the states of Karen and Mon. There is massive flooding, power loss, and damage to houses and other buildings. Support short-term relief and longer-term rebuilding efforts through these projects."

Laura Bush and the Myanmar Relief Effort - Philanthropy.com

Via the Chronicle Give and Take Blog

Laura Bush and the Myanmar Relief Effort - Philanthropy.com: "Laura Bush and the Myanmar Relief Effort

In appealing to help for victims of the cyclone in Myanmar, First Lady Laura Bush should have known better than to “mindlessly repeat the toothless U.S. policy positions on a government we disapprove of,” writes RIchard Walden on the Huffington Post."

Ships, planes carry relief supplies to Myanmar for cyclone victims despite visa holdup - International Herald Tribune

Ships, planes carry relief supplies to Myanmar for cyclone victims despite visa holdup - International Herald Tribune: "The international relief effort for hundreds of thousands of Myanmar cyclone victims picked up speed Wednesday as India dispatched two planeloads of aid and Myanmar authorized the United Nations to send air shipments, officials said."

IRIN Asia | Asia | Myanmar | MYANMAR: Offers of help face logistics and visa hurdles | Natural Disasters | News Item

IRIN Asia | Asia | Myanmar | MYANMAR: Offers of help face logistics and visa hurdles | Natural Disasters | News Item: "So far, shipments of emergency relief supplies from India, Thailand and other Asian countries have been sent, and the local Red Cross has also been distributing materials they had stockpiled in the country. Major donors have made multimillion-dollar funding pledges and some non-governmental organisations have launched appeals for cash."

Beth's Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: BlogHers Act and Other Ways to Help Myanmar Cyclone Victims

A variety of Coverage from Beth's Blog

Beth's Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: BlogHers Act and Other Ways to Help Myanmar Cyclone Victims: "Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar last weekend devastating five regions. Channel NewsAsia reported that more than 22,000 people are dead with another 41,000 missing. Hundreds of thousands are now homeless. The media reports are horrific. 'Witnesses described images of rice field littered with corpses.' Save the Children, one of the few relief agencies allowed to operate in-country, said the toll would rise sharply in the coming days as more victims were found in difficult to reach areas.

The photos, videos, and blog reports are giving us vivid citizen accounts. Global Voices, South Asia Editor, Mong Palatino, offers this round up of what blogs in the region are reporting, including these eye witness accounts."

Situation Reports; Contributions: Myanmar: Tropical Cyclone Nargis - May 2008, Myanmar: Cyclone Nargis OCHA Situation Report No. 3

Situation Reports; Contributions: Myanmar: Tropical Cyclone Nargis - May 2008, Myanmar: Cyclone Nargis OCHA Situation Report No. 3: "II. INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

6. The Government has said it will receive international aid. The UN has been in close consultation with Government about the need for international support, which is available across all the key priority areas. Issuance of visas for critical humanitarian actors as soon will greatly enhance the international community's ability to meet the needs identified by the Government. This is a critical moment for Myanmar's vulnerable populations. In the next few days assessments must be provided or thousands more could die."

Aid for Myanmar Mobilizes, Mixed With Criticism - New York Times

Aid for Myanmar Mobilizes, Mixed With Criticism - New York Times: "While Myanmar, formerly Burma, has accepted only a trickle of aid, the information minister, Kyaw Hsan, said Tuesday that the country would be seeking assistance “from at home and abroad.” A United Nations spokeswoman in Geneva said disaster assessment officials were awaiting visas to enter Myanmar."

Capital charity to help cyclone victims - Scotsman.com News

Capital charity to help cyclone victims - Scotsman.com News: "Mercy Corps is working with fellow aid agencies to bring relief to families affected by the disaster, which have left up to 22,000 people dead. City-based fund manager, Artemis Investment Managers, have pledged £25,000 to the charity to help with its response."

Arab Times :: Cyclone dead tops 22,500

Arab Times :: Cyclone dead tops 22,500: "Cyclone dead tops 22,500

YANGON (Agencies): Myanmar’s military government raised its death toll from Cyclone Nargis on Tuesday to more than 22,500 with a further 41,000 missing, nearly all of them from a massive storm surge that swept into the vast Irrawaddy delta. Of the dead, only 671 were in the former capital, Yangon, and its outlying districts, state radio said, confirming Nargis as the most devastating cyclone to hit Asia since 1991, when 143,000 people died in Bangladesh. “More deaths were caused by the tidal wave than the storm itself,” Minister for Relief and Resettlement Maung Maung Swe told a news conference in the rubble-strewn former capital, Yangon, where food and water supplies are running low. “The wave was up to 12 feet (3.5 metres) high and it swept away and inundated half the houses in low-lying villages,” he said, giving the first detailed description of the weekend cyclone. “They did not have anywhere to flee.”"

Burma Says Storm Killed 15,000 - washingtonpost.com

Burma Says Storm Killed 15,000 - washingtonpost.com: "Burma's government, which is traditionally wary of international aid workers, issued a rare appeal for outside help. The United Nations, the United States, Britain and the European Union all expressed willingness to assist, while India said Monday that it was already dispatching two naval ships with relief supplies."

Aid agencies begin difficult relief operation in Burma | World news | guardian.co.uk

Aid agencies begin difficult relief operation in Burma | World news | guardian.co.uk: "nternational aid workers are beginning the task of trying to get emergency supplies to the thousands of people stranded by cyclone Nargis in Burma, as charities describe the devastation as similar to the tsunami that struck Asia in 2004.

Teams of disaster specialists are on their way to the region. Save the Children already has 500 staff there but more are flying out as the scale of the situation emerges."

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Aid call as Burma casualties rise

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Aid call as Burma casualties rise: "International agencies are pushing to gain access for a massive aid operation in Burma, where the toll from Saturday's cyclone continues to rise.

Up to 15,000 people are said to have died in the disaster, and many more are missing, officials say.

Hundreds of thousands of people are said to be without clean water and shelter, with some areas still cut off.

Burma's leaders say they will accept external help, in a move correspondents say reflects the scale of the disaster."

Gulf Coast still needs volunteers

Gulf Coast still needs volunteers: "Gulf Coast still needs volunteers
Port Townsend and Jefferson County were well represented along the Gulf Coast for ongoing Hurricane Katrina relief efforts during the months of January and February.

While the major work of debris removal has mostly been completed in the region, the waiting line for affordable housing continues to grow faster than local relief organizations can build those new affordable homes, according to local volunteers."

KSDK NewsChannel 5 - DPS Director Thanks RIM for Rescheduling BlackBerry Updates

KSDK NewsChannel 5 - DPS Director Thanks RIM for Rescheduling BlackBerry Updates: "KSDK -- Director of Public Safety Mark James applauded the outstanding cooperation from Research In Motion (RIM) with Missouri's emergency response community. RIM postponed a scheduled 4 hour BlackBerry Database upgrade for all North American subscribers from early Saturday morning, until a future date."

FACTBOX-Tsunami donations around $12 billion | Environment | Reuters

FACTBOX-Tsunami donations around $12 billion | Environment | Reuters: "SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Government and multilateral agencies have pledged around $7 billion in aid for nations hit by the December 26 earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean, while global private donations amount to around $5 billion."

The Jakarta Post - Indonesia thanks world for post-tsunami aid

The Jakarta Post - Indonesia thanks world for post-tsunami aid: "Indonesia thanks world for post-tsunami aid

When the deadly tsunami devastated Aceh and Nias in 2004, the global response was unprecedented. Millions of people -- from children to senior citizens -- donated huge amounts of money and goods to tsunami victims."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Fire-alert technology discussed

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Fire-alert technology discussed: "The October wildfires were fought with blood, sweat and technology. But technology – particularly notifying residents by phone that a fire is headed their way – isn't exactly perfect."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Relief funding needs mapped by foundation

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Relief funding needs mapped by foundation: "From $5 checks to seven-figure corporate contributions, millions of dollars collected for wildfire relief will be spent in four key areas over the next two years: survivor needs, civic engagement, the environment and preparedness.

The San Diego Foundation has developed a road map to steer the spending of its huge charity fund, which tops $7 million in donations and pledges."

Charities' coffers swell to $23 million – and counting | The San Diego Union-Tribune

Charities' coffers swell to $23 million – and counting | The San Diego Union-Tribune: "Major nonprofits have collected more than $23 million for wildfire relief in what some are predicting will become the largest local charity drive ever. The American Red Cross has collected $17.3 million in contributions for Southern California wildfires, most of which it said will go to San Diego County. And millions more has been donated and pledged to The San Diego Foundation, the Salvation Army, the Jewish Community Foundation and others."

The NonProfit Times - California Fires Activate Response Lessons learned at Katrina helped

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "California Fires Activate Response Lessons learned at Katrina helped By Mark Hrywna and Marla E. Nobles

Around this time every year, the warm, dry winds known as the Santa Anas sweep down wide across the deserts of Southern California and across the Los Angeles Basin, bringing with them the constant threat of wildfires. But even longtime residents hadn't seen anything like the wildfires that began burning across Southern California on Oct. 20."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Charities' coffers swell to $23 million – and counting

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Charities' coffers swell to $23 million – and counting: "Major nonprofits have collected more than $23 million for wildfire relief in what some are predicting will become the largest local charity drive ever.
The American Red Cross has collected $17.3 million in contributions for Southern California wildfires, most of which it said will go to San Diego County. And millions more has been donated and pledged to The San Diego Foundation, the Salvation Army, the Jewish Community Foundation and others.
Many nonprofits are still collecting money while they forge a long-range plan on how to best spend the contributions."

The California Endowment Commits $750,000 to Aid Vulnerable Communities Impacted by the Southern California Wildfires / California Endowment

The California Endowment Commits $750,000 to Aid Vulnerable Communities Impacted by the Southern California Wildfires / California Endowment: "he California Endowment Commits $750,000 to Aid Vulnerable Communities Impacted by the Southern California Wildfires Los Angeles (November 1, 2007) –

The California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation, today announced its commitment of $750,000 to provide wildfire relief and aid to the often overlooked communities impacted by the recent wildfires.
“The Endowment wants to ensure that the regions’ poorest and most vulnerable residents have equal access to aid now and during the days and months to come,” said Robert K. Ross, M.D., president and CEO of The California Endowment."

Arts scene slowly returns to normal North County Times - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County News - NCTimes.com - Californian.com

Arts scene slowly returns to normal North County Times - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County News - NCTimes.com - Californian.com: "Arts scene slowly returns to normal By: PAM KRAGEN - Staff Writer Life may be returning to normal in San Diego County this week, but last week's wildfires were hard on the county's arts community. Road closures, evacuations and the unpredictability of the fires forced most theaters, galleries, museums and theme parks to shut their doors for at least one day last week, and poor air quality kept many county residents at home through the entire weekend. Most venues reported a moderate to sharp dip in ticket sales through the weekend."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Recovery fund targets Cal State Games participants

This link leads to other related material on the Wildfires
SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Recovery fund targets Cal State Games participants: "Recovery fund targets Cal State Games participantsUNION-TRIBUNE October 31, 2007 The California State Games Wildfire Recovery Fund is accepting donations to help Cal State Games participants affected by the fires."

(Knox County) NAR Donates Half-Million to California Fire Relief - Real Estate - WaldoSoup

(Knox County) NAR Donates Half-Million to California Fire Relief - Real Estate - WaldoSoup: "KNOX COUNTY (Oct 29): The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is donating a half-million dollars to aid the victims of the disastrous fires that have swept California and left hundreds of thousands of people homeless. REALTORS® have been early to respond to help victims of similar emergencies in the past, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and victims of the South Asian tsunami in 2004."

Pet Lovers Raise Nearly $140,000 for California Wildfire Animal Relief

PRESS RELEASE

Pet Lovers Raise Nearly $140,000 for California Wildfire Animal Relief: "Pet Lovers Raise Nearly $140,000 for California Wildfire Animal Relief Through the PETCO Foundation's Emergency Round Up Fundraiser, pet lovers across the nation have donated nearly $140,000 to benefit the more than 19,000 animals affected by the California wildfires. San Diego, Calif. (Vocus/PRWEB ) October 30, 2007 -- Through the PETCO Foundation's Emergency Round Up Fundraiser, pet lovers across the nation have donated nearly $140,000 to benefit the more than 19,000 animals affected by the California wildfires."

Richard Walden: How Best To Help Victims of the California Wildfires: More of the Same or ??? - Politics on The Huffington Post

Richard Walden: How Best To Help Victims of the California Wildfires: More of the Same or ??? - Politics on The Huffington Post: "Once again, an intensive media-driven campaign is underway to fill the coffers of two of America's largest nonprofits--the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The Los Angeles ABC TV station joined with the Red Cross for a second consecutive time (Hurricane Katrina was the first) in arranging 'drive-by drop-offs' of cash in the parking lots of major sports and entertainment venues. While it's too early to tell just how much money will be donated to these two groups, my guess is it will be well over $100 million and perhaps much more nationally."

Wildfires Force Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Postponement in San Diego | The Final Sprint (TFS) | The Internet’s Premier Running, Fitness, and Nut

Wildfires Force Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Postponement in San Diego | The Final Sprint (TFS) | The Internet’s Premier Running, Fitness, and Nutrition Publication: "Due to the wildfires in San Diego County, the Komen San Diego Race for the Cure which was scheduled for Sunday, November 4, has been postponed to Sunday, December 2, 2007."

PhilanTopic: Information on Southern California Fire Relief Funds

A listing of Resources via PhilanTopic.

PhilanTopic: Information on Southern California Fire Relief Funds: "Information on Southern California Fire Relief Funds The information below on special funds established to respond to the fires in Southern California was put together by the folks at San Diego Grantmakers and Southern California Grantmakers and forwarded by Northern California Grantmakers to Janet Camarena, the director of the Foundation Center's San Francisco office. Thanks to Janet for the head's up."

allAfrica.com: Uganda: UK Charity Gives Sh140m Relief Aid to Katakwi Victims (Page 1 of 1)

allAfrica.com: Uganda: UK Charity Gives Sh140m Relief Aid to Katakwi Victims (Page 1 of 1): "AN international charity, ShelterBox, linked to Rotary Club of Helston, in the UK, has donated relief items worth 40,000 pounds (about sh140m) to flood victims in Katakwi. The donation, which included tents, stoves, axes, hoes, saucepans, ladles, jerrycans water purification tablets and blankets, was channelled through the Rotary Club of Muyenga."

Qualcomm Commits $1.5 Million to Support Wildfire Relief and Recovery Efforts

Qualcomm Commits $1.5 Million to Support Wildfire Relief and Recovery Efforts: "- Qualcomm Incorporated , a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies and data solutions, today announced that the Company has committed $1.5 million to support relief and recovery efforts after this week's devastating wildfires in San Diego County. The total commitment includes immediate donations of $100,000 to the San Diego/Imperial Counties American Red Cross Chapter and $100,000 to Volunteer San Diego. Over the next several weeks, the remaining $1.3 million will be directed to various nonprofit and first responder organizations providing fire relief and recovery efforts via Qualcomm's corporate giving program, employee matching grant program and donations in recognition of employee volunteer efforts."

NAR Donates Half-Million to California Wildfire Relief

PRESS RELEASE

NAR Donates Half-Million to California Wildfire Relief: "The National Association of Realtors, through the REALTORS Relief Foundation, is donating a half-million dollars to help the victims of the disastrous wildfires that have swept California and left thousands of people homeless."

N.O. charities eager to return favor to fire victims - Breaking News Updates New Orleans - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com

N.O. charities eager to return favor to fire victims - Breaking News Updates New Orleans - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com: "N.O. charities eager to return favor to fire victims Posted by The Times-Picayune October 25, 2007 7:53PM By Bruce Nolan Staff writer Wounded New Orleanians helped by the kindness of strangers two years ago are looking toward fire-ravaged Southern California with an urge to help, but local disaster managers are urging them to wait until it is more clear exactly what the stricken communities need.
'I'm getting phone calls: 'Can we go? Can we go?,' ' said Archdeacon Dennis McManis, operations director of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana's office of disaster response. '
I'm telling them, 'Let's sit back and see what they need.' '"

California Wild fire relief efforts: How you can help

California Wild fire relief efforts: How you can help: "Wild fire relief efforts: How you can help The devastating wildfires in Southern California have caused at least $1 billion in damage in San Diego County alone, charring more than 650 square miles and destroying over 1,500 homes from Malibu to just north of the Mexican border. Community foundations in the areas hardest hit have established funds to help the individuals and areas impacted by the wildfires"

2theadvocate.com | News | Report: Help of nonprofits running dry — Baton Rouge, LA

2theadvocate.com | News | Report: Help of nonprofits running dry — Baton Rouge, LA: "The nonprofit sector’s response to the 2005 hurricanes has been unprecedented, but, with money for volunteer services running low and “Katrina fatigue’’ running high across the nation, it is time for the government to take the ball and drive the recovery, a report released Monday stressed.

“The scale of the devastation is so vast in Louisiana and across the Mississippi Gulf Coast that only the government has the capacity to handle significant rebuilding,’’ the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana and the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government said in a joint report."

Realty Times -Hurricane Relief Update: Foreclosures, Housing, Taxes

Realty Times - Real Estate News and Advice: "Several federal agencies recently extended or clarified relief efforts for Gulf Coast residents suffering the devastating effects of storms that battered the region this year. On December 1st, both Freddie Mac extended foreclosure suspensions on homes and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continued paying the hotel bills of nearly 50,000 hurricane area evacuees."

Burlington Free Press.com | Local/Vermont-Professor explores disaster-aid rejection

Burlington Free Press.com | Local/Vermont: "Travis Nelson, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Vermont, has been studying this curious phenomenon. He counted 129 major global disasters over the past 25 years of an 'immediate' nature -- quakes, floods, tsunamis, storms -- with death tolls of at least 500. He discovered that in 24 cases -- about 20 percent -- the victimized country refused at least some of the aid being offered."

Disaster response group settles in case of Katrina donations - October 1, 2007

Disaster response group settles in case of Katrina donations - October 1, 2007: "Disaster response group settles in case of Katrina donations Printer-friendly version Noah's Wish, a nonprofit organization out of California that responds to the needs of animals affected by disasters, has agreed to a settlement following an investigation into how the group handled donations after Hurricane Katrina. The annual budget of Noah's Wish normally averaged $210,000, according to California's attorney general, but the group raised more than $8 million after Katrina and spent $1.5 million on responding to the hurricane."

Postbulletin.com: Life Vest: 12 hours of music for flood relief - Sun, Sep 16, 2007

Postbulletin.com: Life Vest: 12 hours of music for flood relief - Sun, Sep 16, 2007: "Life Vest: 12 hours of music for flood relief 9/17/2007 6:38:52 AM By Dawn Schuett Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN In the midst of flood recovery, peopled gathered Sunday in Rochester to throw a 'Life Vest' for those affected by the disaster. A fundraising concert and event -- dubbed 'Life Vest' by organizers -- brought together a dozen bands performing nearly 12 hours of music at the Rochester International Event Center and $20,000 in items donated by individuals and businesses for a silent auction and raffle. Ray Samson, executive director of the event center, said the benefit concert was a way organizers can help flood victims, including some of his employees, in their time of need."

Features | Online edition of Daily News - Lakehouse Newspapers

Features | Online edition of Daily News - Lakehouse Newspapers: "n several coastal hamlets in Sri Lanka the tide has turned for potters, batik designers and other entrepreneurs whose small-scale businesses were hit hard by the December 2004 tsunami. Boost for pottery Their trades are bouncing back and incomes increasing thanks to some post-tsunami assistance from developing countries."

Reuters AlertNet - SRI LANKA: Small grants turn tide for tsunami-hit entrepreneurs

Reuters AlertNet - SRI LANKA: Small grants turn tide for tsunami-hit entrepreneurs: "BENTOTA, 14 September 2007 (IRIN) - SRI LANKA: Small grants turn tide for tsunami-hit entrepreneurs BENTOTA, 14 September 2007 (IRIN) - In several coastal hamlets in Sri Lanka the tide has turned for potters, batik designers and other entrepreneurs whose small-scale businesses were hit hard by the December 2004 tsunami. Their trades are bouncing back and incomes increasing thanks to some post-tsunami assistance from developing countries."

Aust pledges aid after Indonesian quake - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Aust pledges aid after Indonesian quake - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "Aust pledges aid after Indonesian quake By Jakarta correspondent Geoff Thompson Posted Thu Sep 13, 2007 8:20pm AEST As fears ease over the extent of damage caused by last night's massive 8.4 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, the Australian Government has provided $50,000 in assistance through the Indonesian Red Cross."

The Asia Foundation Puts Mobile Libraries in Motion for Local Sri Lankan Communities - Press Release

The Asia Foundation Puts Mobile Libraries in Motion for Local Sri Lankan Communities - Press Release: "COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asia Foundation is launching a new mobile library initiative aimed at helping an estimated 80,000 families and children who do not have access to the existing library services in four local authorities. Many of these communities were devastated by the tsunami, and schools and libraries are still in the process of being rebuilt. The mobile library initiative is being launched with support from the AIG Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), and Give2Asia, an organization founded by The Asia Foundation to promote philanthropy to Asia."

Chippewa.com

Chippewa.com: "When you stroll the streets of New Orleans, there are people coming and going, street musicians belting out tunes and horns blaring. Not to mention the wonderful smells of creole cooking and sweet sounds of hammers pounding. The city has come a long way since Aug. 29, 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit. According to “The Katrina Index,” created by the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center, applications for new housing construction permits have now soared above pre-Katrina levels, enrollment numbers are rising at elementary and secondary schools and unemployment levels, which used to be extremely high, are back down below the national average. In addition, millions of cubic yards of debris have been cleared away and the levees are in the process of being rebuilt."

Nicaraguans Survey Hurricane’s Wreckage - New York Times

Nicaraguans Survey Hurricane’s Wreckage - New York Times: "TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Sept. 5 — Hurricane Felix spared much of Central America, but residents of the poor coastal communities of Nicaragua, where the storm struck land at full force, picked through the wreckage of their wooden huts on Wednesday and lamented losing the little they had. The Nicaraguan government’s estimates of the death toll varied Wednesday, with one official saying at least 18 people had died since the storm hit Tuesday and another saying the figure was at least 38, according to wire services. Scores more were missing, the wire services said."

Local voices from Katrina relief missions- al.com

Local voices from Katrina relief missions- al.com: "Here are some excerpts from recent reports received at The Huntsville Times from people who have worked or lived in the coastal areas affected by the 2005 hurricanes: St. Stephen's members first became involved in Katrina relief efforts at the processing center at First Baptist Church. We also worked in a coalition of area Episcopal churches to send supplies to Camp Coast Care in Long Beach, Miss., which is operated by Lutheran Episcopal Services."

Two Years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: The Charitable Response - General - Advocacy Blog - OMB Watch

Two Years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: The Charitable Response - General - Advocacy Blog - OMB Watch: "Two Years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: The Charitable Response Nearly two years have passed since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and now is a perfect time to look at the charitable work in the area in terms of what has been accomplished, what needs to be done, and how charities point out the inequities that remain. The Chronicle of Philanthropy ($$) spotlights this discussion of charities and the hurricane recovery through a series of articles. An important point to discuss two years later is that charitable funds are still drastically needed."

BAW: Reopened MLK Charter School a Guidepost for New Orleans’ Post-Katrina Education Model

BAW: Reopened MLK Charter School a Guidepost for New Orleans’ Post-Katrina Education Model: "According to recent reports, less than 60 percent of the Lower Ninth’s pre-Katrina population has returned to the neighborhood. However, 70 percent of King’s students and 90 percent of the staff have returned. Before Hurricane Katrina’s flood waters swept through Martin Luther King Jr. School and its adjacent library in the New Orleans Lower Ninth Ward, every student had a library card, and so did most of their parents, says Principal Doris Hicks."

Golfers raise $20,000 for plane crash victims -- OrlandoSentinel.com

Golfers raise $20,000 for plane crash victims -- OrlandoSentinel.com: "With an urgency to provide help quickly, auction items, donations, golfers and 36 professionals in the sport were rounded up in three weeks to raise money for local families in a tragedy. The Mike Bender Golf Academy and the Timacuan Golf Club, which is owned and operated by Kitson & Partners Clubs, hosted the Mike Bender Charity Pro-Am tournament and clinic on Aug. 3 to benefit families of victims of a July airplane crash in Sanford."

La Crosse Tribune - 6.0

La Crosse Tribune - 6.0: "$313,000 collected for flood victims By RYAN STOTTS / La Crosse Tribune . The flood of 2007 in the region triggered a similar outpouring of money Friday, with more than $300,000 donated during a 12-hour fundraiser in downtown La Crosse."

FEMA reverses controversial policy that would have left nonprofits and public entities on the hook for millions - Money - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com

FEMA reverses controversial policy that would have left nonprofits and public entities on the hook for millions - Money - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com: "FEMA reverses controversial policy that would have left nonprofits and public entities on the hook for millions Posted by rmowbray August 24, 2007 9:08PM 9:10 p.m., Friday The Federal Emergency Management Agency has reversed a controversial insurance policy that would have left nonprofits and public entities on the hook for millions of dollars the next time a major storm strikes the New Orleans area, the agency said Friday. 'We have rescinded that policy,' said Gil Jamieson, the agency's Associate Deputy Administrator for Gulf Coast Recovery. 'It has caused a real furor down here. This was not the message we wanted to send to the business community.'"

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!: "CLIFTON – People gathered with a Hispanic fraternity Thursday night in the backyard of a Broad Street home to raise money for those affected by the massive Aug. 15 earthquake near Lima, Peru. The event, sponsored by Lambda Theta Phi, was designed to attract as many as 200 people, with a goal of raising $10,000, said Ray Lago, who organized the event."

Nonprofits frustrated by new FEMA requirements - Money - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com

Nonprofits frustrated by new FEMA requirements - Money - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com: "Nonprofits frustrated by new FEMA requirements Posted by kquillen August 22, 2007 7:18PM 7:20 p.m., Wednesday About sixty stunned representatives of local hospitals, schools, universities, cultural institutions, churches and other nonprofits or governmental bodies expressed frustration Wednesday at what they believe are unrealistic new insurance and deductible requirements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency."

Death toll nears 500 in Peru earthquake | Video: Los Angeles Times Travel

Death toll nears 500 in Peru earthquake | Video: Los Angeles Times Travel: "IMA, PERU, 9:15 PM PDT -- The death toll in a massive earthquake that battered Peru's Pacific coast soared toward 500 on Thursday as rescue workers struggled to reach scenes of devastation and stunned victims appealed for medical aid, water and coffins."

TwinCities.com - Disaster aid, and where it ends, is never simple

TwinCities.com - Disaster aid, and where it ends, is never simple: "Disaster aid, and where it ends, is never simple
EDWARD LOTTERMAN
Article Last Updated: 08/01/2007 09:26:08 PM CDT

Most people support government aid to victims of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina or the San Francisco earthquake. Most people don't think such aid is warranted when hail knocks out windows or trees fall on a few roofs. Drawing the line between these two extremes isn't easy.

Aiding those who suffer from disasters is a common function of government that goes back to the dawn of civilization. Spreading the risks of everyday life over a large group was one of the primary social functions of a tribe or clan. If you were part of the group, you knew that you or your family would get help when something bad happened."

Katrina Volunteers Feel Unwanted - New York Times

Katrina Volunteers Feel Unwanted - New York Times: "Katrina Volunteers Feel Unwanted

*
GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) -- They gave Greg Porter the key to the city for his volunteer work after Hurricane Katrina. Then, he says, they showed him the door.

Porter received widespread acclaim -- including an award from the White House -- for founding God's Katrina Kitchen, a faith-based relief operation that has served more than 1 million meals to the storm's victims and the volunteers who helped them."

Largely Alone, Pioneers Reclaim New Orleans - New York Times

Largely Alone, Pioneers Reclaim New Orleans - New York Times
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News & Broadcast - Global Gathering Seeks to Reduce Disaster Risk

News & Broadcast - Global Gathering Seeks to Reduce Disaster Risk: "The Indian Ocean tsunami catastrophe, with its 270,000 deaths and high damage costs, stirred new interest around the world in responding to and preparing for natural disasters, especially in countries where large numbers of people live in threatened areas."

First docudrama about Hurricane Katrina released | HOUSTON METRO | KHOU.com | News for Houston, Texas

First docudrama about Hurricane Katrina released | HOUSTON METRO | KHOU.com | News for Houston, Texas: "A struggle to survive the streets of New Orleans and then Hurricane Katrina; survival came via Houston in the first docudrama released about Katrina.

Among its targets, the largest housing project in America - desire.

“Waters Rising” is a violent docudrama about gangsters who unexpectedly get a second chance."

Channelnewsasia.com

Channelnewsasia.com: "SINGAPORE: A big housing project in tsunami-hit Aceh is almost complete.

Habitat for Humanity, the group behind the massive effort, outlined the challenges faced, in a news conference in Singapore on Friday.

The non-governmental organisation (NGO) helped build 1,500 homes with a budget of S$18 million"

Bloomberg.com: Australia & New Zealand

Bloomberg.com: Australia & New Zealand: "Labor will also establish an Asian counter-disaster organization in Australia to monitor and warn about tsunamis, cyclones and earthquakes. An earthquake and tsunami in southern Asia in 2005, killed an estimated 170,000 people and left 5 million homeless in 12 countries."

NPR : Millions Worth of Katrina Aid Forfeited by U.S.

NPR : Millions Worth of Katrina Aid Forfeited by U.S.: "Millions Worth of Katrina Aid Forfeited by U.S."

Most Katrina Aid From Overseas Went Unclaimed - washingtonpost.com

Most Katrina Aid From Overseas Went Unclaimed - washingtonpost.com: "Most Katrina Aid From Overseas Went Unclaimed

By John Solomon and Spencer S. Hsu
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, April 29, 2007; Page A01

As the winds and water of Hurricane Katrina were receding, presidential confidante Karen Hughes sent a cable from her State Department office to U.S. ambassadors worldwide.

Titled 'Echo-Chamber Message' -- a public relations term for talking points designed to be repeated again and again -- the Sept. 7, 2005, directive was unmistakable: Assure the scores of countries that had pledged or donated aid at the height of the disaster that their largesse had provided Americans 'practical help and moral support' and 'highlight the concrete benefits hurricane victims are receiving.'"

Australia pledges $2m in help, more if needed - World - Home

Australia pledges $2m in help, more if needed - World - Home: "AUSTRALIA will give an initial $2 million to help the Solomon Islands deal with the tsunami which has killed at least 15 people.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Alexander Downer, said the Government had made an initial offer of up to $2 million in emergency assistance to the Solomon Islands Government. 'The Australian Government is particularly concerned by reports of possible loss of life in Solomon Islands,' he said."

The World Today - Recovery efforts underway in the Solomons

The World Today - Recovery efforts underway in the Solomons: "Recovery efforts underway in the Solomons
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The World Today - Tuesday, 3 April , 2007 12:10:00
Reporter: Barbara Miller
ELEANOR HALL: But first today to the Solomons, where locals trying to deal with the devastation of yesterday's disaster have been hit by another earthquake.

Initial reports indicate that today's quake measured 6.2 on the Richter scale. But it hasn't triggered a tsunami warning.

A more powerful earthquake and tsunami yesterday is thought to have killed at least 20 people and left thousands without shelter."