Press Releases: Myanmar: Tropical Cyclone Nargis - May 2008, Don Muang to be used as center for Myanmar relief efforts

Press Releases: Myanmar: Tropical Cyclone Nargis - May 2008, Don Muang to be used as center for Myanmar relief efforts: "Don Muang to be used as center for Myanmar relief efforts


Minister of Foreign Affairs Noppadol Pattama stated that Thailand was contacted by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon to open itself up as a center for relief efforts to Myanmar. He asked that Thailand be the headquarters to receive foreign aid aimed towards Myanmar, which Thailand has agreed to."

Newsdesk Special: Burma: Aid breakthrough at Asean meeting – but has it come too late? | News | The First Post

Newsdesk Special: Burma: Aid breakthrough at Asean meeting – but has it come too late? | News | The First Post: "Aid breakthrough at Asean meeting – but has it come too late?

Burma today agreed to allow its partner countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to coordinate outside relief efforts in a concession that observers say probably comes too late to save the lives of thousands of starving and destitute survivors of the May 2 cyclone, writes Edward Loxton for The First Post."

Burma softens stance on cyclone aid | World news | guardian.co.uk

Burma softens stance on cyclone aid | World news | guardian.co.uk: "Burma agreed today to allow some international assistance for the victims of Cyclone Nargis, two weeks after the devastating storm killed an estimated 128,000 people.

The move came as the ruling junta announced three days of official mourning for the cyclone victims, starting tomorrow, with flags flown to be flown at half mast. It mirrors a similar mourning period which began today in China, for the victims of last week's earthquake in Sichuan provice."

Mercy Relief: Press Release - Mercy Relief Delivers Aid in Sichuan

Mercy Relief: Press Release - Mercy Relief Delivers Aid in Sichuan: "MERCY RELIEF DELIVERS AID IN SICHUAN

Monday, 19 May 2008 - Mercy Relief yesterday personally delivered and distributed its first batch of relief supplies to the affected areas in Sichuan namely at Mianzhu and Shifang counties and Jiulong Township. Food supplies (comprising mineral water, milk, biscuits, cakes, bread, sausages and instant noodles) totaling S$20,000 so far, was distributed to 10,000 persons in the affected regions. The supplies were procured locally which allow for savings on freight costs, hence able to provide greater quantity"

Immediate Escalation Of Myanmar Relief Operations Needed - MSF

Immediate Escalation Of Myanmar Relief Operations Needed - MSF: "Fourteen days after Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar, the needs remain immense in the Irawaddy Delta. Teams with the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) are delivering direct medical assistance and relief supplies to tens of thousands of people. However, MSF urges an immediate scale up of overall relief operations, which have been deployed far too slowly and are largely insufficient."

What Drives Disaster Donations - Philanthropy.com

Chronicle Prospecting Blog

What Drives Disaster Donations - Philanthropy.com: "What Drives Disaster Donations

Stephen J. Dubner, writing on The New York Times’ Freakonomics blog, says it’s a safe bet that you haven’t donated to help cyclone victims in Myanmar. Why not?

Charity Navigator: Crisis Giving: Cyclone, Earthquake, Tornados and Fires

From the Charity Navigator Blog

Charity Navigator: Crisis Giving: Cyclone, Earthquake, Tornados and Fires: "The number of charities responding to the Myanmar cyclone has grown considerably since we began tracking charities last week. Although aid is starting to trickle into the country, charities still face many obstacles in their attempts to deliver aid. So far, cyclone related giving is off to a slow start. Perhaps donors are hesitant to give in light of the fact that the government continues to hinder the relief efforts. Did you donate to the cyclone relief efforts? Why or why not?"

Maryland Daily Record

Maryland Daily Record: "Thankfully, relief agencies from around the world have sprung into action. Organizations, such as the International Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders, whose very mission is to respond to emergency situations for victims of war and natural disasters quickly mobilized.

Just as important, the global community is reaching out to help. Governments, corporations and individuals are responding quickly and generously. But relief is being hampered by geographic isolation, poor weather, damaged infrastructure and, perhaps most challenging, political posturing."

Missing ecotourists located with satellite phone - CNN.com

Missing ecotourists located with satellite phone - CNN.com: "Twelve American ecotourists who went missing Monday in China's earthquake used a satellite phone to let their loved ones know they are alive and well, an official said Wednesday."

The Standard - Hong Kong's First FREE English Newspaper

The Standard - Hong Kong's First FREE English Newspaper: "Entertainment tycoon Sir Run Run Shaw yesterday became the most generous individual Hong Kong donor to relief efforts in earthquake-devastated Sichuan when he pledged HK$100 million for rebuilding schools in the province."

Shanghai holds charity events for the earthquake

Shanghai holds charity events for the earthquake: "Shanghai is reacting in a very Shanghai way to the tragedy of the Sichuan Earthquake-throwing a bunch of parties. Promoters and venues are putting together events to get the clubbers out putting their drinking money to good use. And what's wrong with that? Hey, you were probably going to get lit up this weekend anyways-you might as well get lit up for a good cause."

Students help Katrina victims with cleanup - Bedford, MA - Bedford Minuteman

Students help Katrina victims with cleanup - Bedford, MA - Bedford Minuteman: "Bedford, Mass. - While most students enjoy catching up on sleep during April vacation, 11 high school students spent their time trying to make a difference.

Three years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, people are still in a state of shock and desperately trying to rebuild the city. Eleven students from First Church of Christ Congregational in Bedford spent April 19 to 24 doing volunteer work for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in New Orleans."

UN plans new plea to Burmese generals on aid | World news | The Guardian

UN plans new plea to Burmese generals on aid | World news | The Guardian: "Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary general, plans to dispatch his humanitarian chief to meet Burma's top generals to press the intransigent regime to permit free entry to international aid workers to help survivors of the cyclone disaster"

Chinese Open Wallets for Quake Aid - washingtonpost.com

Chinese Open Wallets for Quake Aid - washingtonpost.com: "Since a massive earthquake struck Sichuan province and surrounding regions three days ago, Chinese have donated $192 million to help their countrymen, according to China's Civil Affairs Ministry. The fundraising has come as officials have issued a rare public appeal for cranes and rescue equipment, hammers and shovels, bandages and medicine."

Parker Pioneer - ParkerPioneer.net

Parker Pioneer - ParkerPioneer.net: "The members of the National Honor Society at Parker High School are attempting to raise $10,000 in five weeks to assist the victims of the cyclone in the nation on Myanmar. Kelly McGuire, PHS teacher and the society's advisor, said the funds gathered will be sent to the American Red Cross earmarked for Myanmar relief. In particular, the students would like to funds to go towards rebuilding schools."

Domestic donations hit 1.34 bln yuan -- china.org.cn

Domestic donations hit 1.34 bln yuan -- china.org.cn: "China's domestic donations in both cash and goods to the quake-hit areas had risen to 1.344 billion yuan (192 million U.S. dollars) as of 3 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA).

The MCA has received donations of 58 million yuan, the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) has received 624 million yuan, and the China Charity Federation has received about 220 million yuan."

China to audit use of funds, goods in earthquake relief_English_Xinhua

China to audit use of funds, goods in earthquake relief_English_Xinhua: "Special report: Strong Earthquake Jolts SW China

BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) -- The National Audit Office (NAO) said here on Friday that it would audit the use of cash and goods for quake disaster regions, to ensure resources were strictly managed and used in a proper and timely manner.

Following Monday's devastating earthquake in southwestern China, a large quantity of funds and goods, including donations, were dispatched for disaster relief operations, and it was necessary to track how they were used, the NAO said in a statement."

EDP24 - Charity director's anxious wait

EDP24 - Charity director's anxious wait: "A Norfolk charity director based in earthquake-stricken China faces an agonising wait to learn of the fate of hundreds of orphans he had helped give caring homes to.

Robert Glover set up Care for Children 10 years ago with a project in Shanghai but now the Norfolk-based charity is active in 30 of China's 32 provinces and has helped re-home more than 1,400 children."

Aid Groups Pleased With Response to Myanmar and China Crises - Philanthropy.com

Aid Groups Pleased With Response to Myanmar and China Crises - Philanthropy.com: "Aid Groups Pleased With Response to Myanmar and China Crises

By Caroline Preston

Donations to help victims of the Myanmar cyclone continued to mount on Wednesday, even as charities faced enormous hurdles in bringing aid to the country. More than $8-million has been pledged so far to some of the biggest aid organizations in the United States.

At the same time, groups have begun providing aid to victims of this week’s earthquake in China."

Only 5% of Chinese earthquake damage is insured - firm - May. 14, 2008

Only 5% of Chinese earthquake damage is insured - firm - May. 14, 2008: "-- The earthquake that struck China's Sichuan Province this week, killing thousands of people, caused an estimated $20 billion in damage - most of it uncovered by insurance, a catastrophic risk modeling firm said Wednesday.

And given the precarious state of the U.S. economy, aid agencies say the ability of Americans to help the Chinese people recover and rebuild may be limited."

Stars unite in quake relief -- china.org.cn

Stars unite in quake relief -- china.org.cn: "Stars from the entertainment circle are making great effort to contribute to the relief work in southwestern China, which was struck by a major earthquake.

Kungfu star Jackie Chan and the foundation in the name of Hong Kong Emperor Group have together donated 10 million yuan to the quake-stricken Sichuan province."

China promises transparency in quake donation fund use_English_Xinhua

China promises transparency in quake donation fund use_English_Xinhua: "China's disaster relief authorities have promised to allow in public supervision as to how donation funds collected across the country would be used.

'Relevant government departments will shine light on the spending of public donations, and will submit themselves to audit department at the end of disaster relief work, lest misappropriations occur,' Wang Zhenyao, director of disaster relief with the Ministry of Civil Affairs said in an interview with state media CCTV on Wednesday here."

Canada falls short on aid to Burma

Canada falls short on aid to Burma: "The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami triggered a tidal wave of public support that pressured the Canadian government into rapidly escalating its matching-donation aid until it totalled an unprecedented $425-million. The Nargis cyclone that devastated Burma a dozen days ago has produced a relative trickle of public donations, allowing the federal government to cap its support at a modest $2-million, or roughly a loonie for every destroyed home"

Terre Haute News, Terre Haute, Indiana- TribStar.com - Disasters, economy could mean tough days ahead for nonprofits

Terre Haute News, Terre Haute, Indiana- TribStar.com - Disasters, economy could mean tough days ahead for nonprofits: "TERRE HAUTE — Hard times combined with multiple disasters may mean decreased funding, according to a local not-for-profit."

Corporations Lend Helping Hand to Myanmar, China

Corporations Lend Helping Hand to Myanmar, China: "Corporations Lend Helping Hand to Myanmar, China

By Aliah D. Wright, May 2008

Thousands of people dead or dying. Infrastructure obliterated. Homes and livelihoods lost to cataclysmic and unexpected destruction. Such are the results of lands laid waste by Tropical Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar May 3, 2008, and the earthquake that shattered southwestern China nine days later.

Yet the people of Myanmar and China are not without assistance, as humanitarian aid comes not just from groups charged with helping the afflicted but also from associations, corporations and thousands of employees worldwide—despite reports that some aid might"

Myanmar insists it can handle cyclone relief--state media - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Myanmar insists it can handle cyclone relief--state media - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos: "YANGON -- Myanmar insisted Thursday that it could handle the massive cyclone relief operation, despite warnings that many more people could die unless aid workers gain access to the two million people in need.

'Myanmar people accept any kinds of foreign aid with appreciation, regardless of the amount,' said an editorial in the government mouthpiece newspaper, the New Light of Myanmar."

Ministry: Donations to quake-hit areas hit 877 mln yuan_English_Xinhua

Ministry: Donations to quake-hit areas hit 877 mln yuan_English_Xinhua: "BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Donations in both cash and goods to the quake-hit areas had risen to 877 million yuan (125 million U.S. dollars) as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) has received public donations of 311 million yuan and the China Charity Federation has received about 120 million yuan."

China Journal : Charity Begins at Home

China Journal : Charity Begins at Home: "While China may not be ready to accept foreign government aid for its earthquake relief efforts, donations are coming in from sources closer to home."

Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca

Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca: "OTTAWA (CP) — Canadian relief agencies said they are managing to help cyclone victims in Myanmar despite continued problems at the border. However, they fear Canadians will be reluctant to donate because of the country’s repressive regime."

U.S. airlift of aid supplies to Myanmar enters into 3 day_English_Xinhua

U.S. airlift of aid supplies to Myanmar enters into 3 day_English_Xinhua: "YANGON, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Two United States military aircrafts with aid supplies on board landed at the Yangon International Airport Wednesday morning, starting the third-day delivery for victims in cyclone-hit regions of Myanmar, according to official sources.."

Quake Toll Rises; China Struggles to Reach Victims - New York Times

Quake Toll Rises; China Struggles to Reach Victims - New York Times: "In the aftermath of the earthquake, rescue workers across southwest China struggled to reach the tens of thousands of people who remained buried, as the death toll climbed above 13,000, according to provincial authorities. That toll is likely to rise still higher as workers break through to affected areas, making the earthquake China’s deadliest natural disaster in three decades. Hundreds of thousands are injured or homeless."

Marketplace: Relief groups tackle two Asian disasters

Marketplace: Relief groups tackle two Asian disasters: "Asia now faces the aftermath of double disasters -- the quake in China and the cyclone in Myanmar. Relief groups say they have supplies to send to both countries, but getting them there is another story. Scott Tong reports from Shanghai."

China earthquake toll update - CNN.com

China earthquake toll update - CNN.com: "he official death toll from the China earthquake stood at 12,012 on Wednesday afternoon, but it is expected to rise as soldiers and rescue crews pull more bodies from crumbled buildings at the epicenter in Sichuan province."

Smart Mobs » Blog Archive » Twitter crowdsourced China earthquake in realtime

Smart Mobs » Blog Archive » Twitter crowdsourced China earthquake in realtime: "While the mainstream media scrambled to put up their “breaking news” headlines Robert Scoble alias Scobleizer, was early to tweet the news. Quickly there were live radio interviews, pictures, google maps, videos all being sent in real-time, says VentureBeat."

MTV Newsroom » George Clooney & Brad Pitt’s Charity Steps in to Help Myanmar

MTV Newsroom » George Clooney & Brad Pitt’s Charity Steps in to Help Myanmar: "Well, the good people at Not On Our Watch, a non-profit dedicated towards ending mass atrocities around the world, read our story and emailed us some info. It turns out that the group — founded in part by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Don Cheadle — has given half a million dollars to Save the Children for emergency relief work in Myanmar (Burma). (That’s twice the amount we initially reported.)"

ABS-CBN News Online (Beta)

ABS-CBN News Online (Beta): "A US-based international non-government organization has added its voice to critics who are calling on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to demand that Myanmar (Burma) allow international aid workers immediate access to millions of victims of the horrific cyclone that recently devastated the country.

Washington-based Freedom House on Tuesday said that ASEAN should use all of its resources to urge Myanmar, one of its member-countries, including threatening to suspend Myanmar’s membership."

Houstonians Help Chinese Earthquake Victims - Houston News Story - KPRC Houston

Houstonians Help Chinese Earthquake Victims - Houston News Story - KPRC Houston: "HOUSTON -- Houston's Chinese community plans to send help to the earthquake-ravaged area in their homeland, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Many Houstonians spent hours Monday trying to reach family members more than 7,500 miles from Houston."

ASEAN aid meeting on Myanmar seen offering little | Reuters

ASEAN aid meeting on Myanmar seen offering little | Reuters: "Southeast Asian nations will meet next Monday in Singapore to discuss help for cyclone-hit Myanmar, but analysts say the group will not commit to a regional aid package or apply much pressure to speed up relief efforts."

Powerful Quake Ravages China, Killing Thousands - New York Times

Powerful Quake Ravages China, Killing Thousands - New York Times: "CHENGDU, China — A powerful earthquake struck Western China on Monday, toppling thousands of homes, factories and offices, trapping students in schools, and killing at least 10,000 people, the country’s worst natural disaster in three decades."

Aid makes us feel good, but how about real commitment? - Opinion - theage.com.au

Aid makes us feel good, but how about real commitment? - Opinion - theage.com.au: "Ignoring suffering is impossible, so is thinking there is a quick fix.

BORDERS between countries are often inconvenient — ask any tourist trying to negotiate minefields associated with passports and visas. But for some people, closed borders are literally matters of life and death. After the ravaging impact of cyclone Nargis in Burma last week, the world is again confronted with a dilemma. Just how much respect does a political line on the map actually deserve?"

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UN humanitarian chief says visa grantings to aid workers improved in Myanmar_English_Xinhua

UN humanitarian chief says visa grantings to aid workers improved in Myanmar_English_Xinhua: "- UN humanitarian chief John Holmes said Monday that more visas are being granted to international relief workers to get into Myanmar to help victims of cyclone Nargis, but still more are needed."

The New Straits Times Online......

The New Straits Times Online......: "The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) in Malaysia is appealing for more donors to come forward to contribute to its “Myanmar Children’s Cyclone Appeal 2008” for victims of the Nargis Cyclone in Myanmar."

Reuters AlertNet - Direct Relief Commits $500,000 In Cash To Myanmar Relief Effort - Airlifts Essential Medical Supplies

Reuters AlertNet - Direct Relief Commits $500,000 In Cash To Myanmar Relief Effort - Airlifts Essential Medical Supplies: "Direct Relief International today committed $500,000 in cash to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and sent an initial airlift of $200,000 in essential medical aid."

News1130 - ALL NEWS RADIO.

News1130 - ALL NEWS RADIO.: ") - It's been a scary experience for 10 University College of the Fraser Valley students, who were caught in the area of the earthquake in China. Kinesiology professor Greg Anderson with UCFV says all 10 students and one faculty member are a little"

Myanmar Cyclone Fundraising Sluggish -- -- Courant.com

Myanmar Cyclone Fundraising Sluggish -- -- Courant.com: "Charitable organizations tracking donations for the Myanmar disaster blame a lack of media coverage, which has been tightly controlled by the secretive government. And disaster relief groups say that the Chinese earthquake could siphon future donor dollars, as it moves to dominate the news."

Canadians fear for relatives, friends in China

Canadians fear for relatives, friends in China: "n Calgary, Chinese cultural associations were scrambling to decide what they would do to help the people of Sichuan province, the area hardest hit by the quake.

The Chinese Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association of Calgary said they would be working on a fundraising plan."

Burma’s Recovery Can Gain from Recent Lessons in Disaster Relief : Philanthropy Action

From Philanthropy in Action

Burma’s Recovery Can Gain from Recent Lessons in Disaster Relief : Philanthropy Action: "Burma’s Recovery Can Gain from Recent Lessons in Disaster Relief

by Laura Starita

Earlier this week a category three cyclone hit Burma at the low-lying Irrawaddy Delta, the South Asian country’s rice producing region, killing an estimated 100,000 people and displacing many more. Events such as these echo back to other recent devastating disasters, such as the South Asian tsunami of 2004, or Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Given the obvious opportunities for comparison, it is difficult not to think as well about the news stories reported at the time of those events on failed relief efforts: the violence that ravaged New Orleans; the images of bottled water and canned food piled up in ports with no efficient process for their dispatch."

BBC NEWS | UK | England | Cornwall | ShelterBox team in 'good spirits'

BBC NEWS | UK | England | Cornwall | ShelterBox team in 'good spirits': "t has been confirmed that they were the first UK relief team to land in the cyclone-hit country.

Workers at the charity's headquarters in Helston, Cornwall, have prepared another 1,000 survival boxes to be flown to Burma during the week.

The boxes contain enough equipment to house a family of 10 for six months."

globeandmail.com: Canadians open wallets in aftermath of cyclone

globeandmail.com: Canadians open wallets in aftermath of cyclone: "Canadians may be skeptical about donating money for relief efforts in Myanmar, but that's not stopping them from opening their wallets, say Canadian aid agencies with international staff in the devastated region.

Initial dollar amounts pale in comparison with the money Canadians donated in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunamis, but so far, aid agencies have raised more than a combined $1.38-million since cyclone Nargis hit the Irrawaddy delta region a week ago."

France seeks approval for direct aid to Myanmar | Reuters

France seeks approval for direct aid to Myanmar | Reuters: "France would prefer to distribute aid to cyclone victims in Myanmar directly but could work with the authorities if volunteers were allowed to supervise, Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said on Sunday."

Google accepting donations to aid Myanmar relief efforts | Googling Google | ZDNet.com

Google accepting donations to aid Myanmar relief efforts | Googling Google | ZDNet.com: "After the devastating typhoon that struck Myanmar, their government is being extremely difficult by not letting the world help. This nightmare will hopefully end soon — but in the mean time, Google has started accepting donations for Unicef and Direct Relief International on this special page to help the victims.

Google has said they will match any donation made through this webpage — up to $1 million. This is a good start, and hopefully the Myanmar government will fully open up to accept the help from other countries soon"

Asian nations urged to apply pressure on Myanmar | NATIONAL | NEWS | tvnz.co.nz

Asian nations urged to apply pressure on Myanmar | NATIONAL | NEWS | tvnz.co.nz: "Clark urges pressure on Myanmar
May 12, 2008 8:43 AM

Prime Minister Helen Clark says Asian nations need to step up and put pressure on Myanmar to speed up relief.

It is estimated that between 1.2-1.9 million of the nation's 50 million people are struggling to survive in the aftermath of the storm that struck eight days ago."

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.
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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."