RexBlog.com: Rex Hammock’s weblog » Blog Archive » How the Red Cross is using Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, RSS and Wordpress.com in their disaster response efforts

Chris Brogan pointed to this story on RexBlog.com

RexBlog.com: Rex Hammock’s weblog » Blog Archive » How the Red Cross is using Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, RSS and Wordpress.com in their disaster response efforts: "Kudos to whoever at the Red Cross came up with the approach of setting up this website (and the executive who approved it) to support their efforts to meet the massive needs resulting from the tornadoes and floods in the Midwest. Because the Red Cross, like lots of organizations, has been at least experimenting with social media, someone within the organization had the mindset to pull together the tools necessary to quickly launch a website that is rich in new-media features. In doing so, they are providing a simple model to others of how online networking and conversational community building tools can be combined almost instantly* to support large-scale communication efforts."

Iowa Call Center Swiftly Transforms Into Emergency Response Unit

Iowa Call Center Swiftly Transforms Into Emergency Response Unit: "A newspaper based in Iowa devastated city of Cedar Rapids is reporting that a fundraising arm for nonprofit organizations is using its normally placid call center as an emergency response facility to help area residents displaced by yesterday’s floods."

Logistics hamper Myanmar relief - CNN.com

Logistics hamper Myanmar relief - CNN.com: "Workers for the U.N. children's agency UNICEF have had no trouble with Myanmar officials, UNICEF spokesman Mike Bociurkiw said."

Myanmar says US aid can't be trusted (phillyBurbs.com) | Asia

Myanmar says US aid can't be trusted (phillyBurbs.com) | Asia: "ANGON, Myanmar - As individuals and aid agencies around the world dig into their pockets for funds to help Myanmar's cyclone victims, the country's ruling junta said Friday that such assistance from the United States could not be trusted."

Charities Grill FEMA Over Distribution of Hurricane Katrina Relief Supplies - Philanthropy.com

Charities Grill FEMA Over Distribution of Hurricane Katrina Relief Supplies - Philanthropy.com: "Charities Grill FEMA Over Distribution of Hurricane Katrina Relief Supplies

Louisiana nonprofit groups are wondering why they were never offered any of the $85-million in supplies for Hurricane Katrina victims that the Federal Emergency Management Agency stored for two years before giving them to federal and state agencies, reports CNN."

UN says it needs more money for Myanmar relief | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

UN says it needs more money for Myanmar relief | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "YANGON, Myanmar — The United Nations said Thursday it has received less than half the money it needs for cyclone relief in Myanmar, with some nations delaying their donations because of concerns about restrictions imposed by the military government on foreign aid workers.

The U.N. set a goal of $201.6 million for its relief efforts but so far has received only $113.2 million, or 44 percent, from government donors, it said. An additional $51 million in pledges has not yet been delivered, the U.N. said."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Most approve of job charities doing

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Most approve of job charities doing: "An overwhelming majority of San Diego County residents thinks local charities deliver quality services, but nonprofits should do a better job explaining how they work, according to a new study to be released today."

South Florida: Catholics, Muslims amass funds for Myanmar relief -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

South Florida: Catholics, Muslims amass funds for Myanmar relief -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com: "Catholics and Muslims have donated $23,700 thus far in a collection for the relief effort in cyclone-stricken Myanmar, South Florida leaders of the two faiths announced Wednesday."

Researchers use DoD satellites to aid Myanmar relief workers « San Oo Aung’s Weblog

Researchers use DoD satellites to aid Myanmar relief workers « San Oo Aung’s Weblog: "ASU turns images into tools for aid organizations working in devastated areas

By Sharon Gaudin

June 11, 2008 (Computerworld) Scientists at Arizona State University are using satellite images from the U.S. Department of Defense to aid disaster-relief efforts in Myanmar.

And now they’re also setting their sights on aiding relief efforts for earthquake victims in China."

UN official says pregnant Myanmar cyclone victims in urgent need of care - International Herald Tribune

UN official says pregnant Myanmar cyclone victims in urgent need of care - International Herald Tribune: "More than 100 women give birth every day in the area affected by the cyclone, William A. Ryan, a spokesman for the United Nations Population Fund, and 35,000 of the estimated 2.4 million cyclone survivors are pregnant women.

Pregnancy and childbirth were already relatively risky in Myanmar, one of Asia's poorest countries, even before the May 2-3 Cyclone Nargis, Ryan said at a news conference Wednesday."

Red Cross fundraisers generate $350K | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Red Cross fundraisers generate $350K | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star: "A day after collecting at least $350,000 in a mass fundraising effort, the American Red Cross today is beginning to saturate hard-hit south-central Indiana neighborhoods to help beleaguered flood victims.

Ann A. Gregson, manager of resource development for American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis, said an all-day phone bank staffed by workers of insurer Conseco in Carmel raised $169,000. Walk-up donation at Emmis Communications' studios at Monument Circle Indianapolis brought in $8,000 and another $27,000 came in via Internet donations."

Foreign Aid for Myanmar Still Struggles to Get In - WSJ.com

Foreign Aid for Myanmar Still Struggles to Get In - WSJ.com: "YANGON, Myanmar -- Two weeks after Myanmar's government promised to open its doors to foreign-aid workers, little has changed for relief staff here, and in some ways the situation has worsened.

Access to the country's devastated Irrawaddy River delta has improved for a few relief organizations, including groups affiliated with the United Nations, since U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon met with Myanmar's top generals in late May and appeared to extract a promise for greater access to victims."

The Associated Press: Myanmar lashes out at cyclone response criticism

The Associated Press: Myanmar lashes out at cyclone response criticism: "Myanmar lashes out at cyclone response criticism

4 hours ago

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Myanmar's ruling generals on Friday accused foreign media of tarnishing the country's image by reporting that cyclone victims have not received any assistance.

The U.S. military, meanwhile, said it has received no response to an offer of 22 helicopters that could ferry relief to most survivors within three days."

Donation frenzy sweeps China - upiasiaonline.com

Donation frenzy sweeps China - upiasiaonline.com: "Taipei, Taiwan — Schoolchildren in China are being asked to join in the national flurry to donate to victims of the earthquake that hit Sichuan province on May 12. In fact, the size of one’s donation – even for a child – has become the latest measure of merit in this highly competitive society."

The Associated Press: US military extends aid offer to Myanmar

The Associated Press: US military extends aid offer to Myanmar: "US military extends aid offer to Myanmar

By JOCELYN GECKER – 1 hour ago

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — The U.S. military has offered Myanmar 22 helicopters that could ferry relief to the majority of hungry and homeless cyclone survivors within three days — but the junta hasn't responded yet, military officials said Friday.

U.S. Navy ships laden with helicopters and emergency supplies sailed away from the coast of Myanmar on Thursday after being ignored by the junta for three weeks,"

Burmese forced from relief camps | csmonitor.com

Burmese forced from relief camps | csmonitor.com: "Bangkok, Thailand - Aid agencies trying to help cyclone survivors in Burma (Myanmar) are increasingly bumping up against what appears to be a coordinated government drive to close temporary relief camps in towns and send villagers back home, sometimes by force, to fend for themselves."

Bloomberg.com: Asia

Bloomberg.com: Asia: "Myanmar Delays Aid Helicopters Flying, UN Relief Official Says

By Paul Tighe

June 5 (Bloomberg) -- Myanmar is preventing helicopters flying to areas of the southern Irrawaddy River Delta inundated when Cyclone Nargis struck a month ago leaving 2.4 million people needing aid, a United Nations relief official said."

Text to Save Lives: Mobile Giving Takes Off - ReadWriteWeb

Text to Save Lives: Mobile Giving Takes Off - ReadWriteWeb: "Last month, both China and Myanmar suffered natural disasters of such huge proportions that they received the attention of the world. The combination of the quake and the cyclone left a death toll that is today approaching 200,000, but has affected millions more. Many of us have read the news but have been so caught up in our day-to-day lives that we haven't been able to find time to give. However, new mobile 'text-to-give' services will help make charitable donations faster and easier to do."

The boom in private giving - International Herald Tribune

The boom in private giving - International Herald Tribune: "n the case of China, donations from American corporations alone totaled $90 million, compared to a modest $3.1 million in U.S. government aid."

Asia Times Online :: Southeast Asia news and business from Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam

Asia Times Online :: Southeast Asia news and business from Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam: "Second wave economic crisis in Myanmar
By Larry Jagan

BANGKOK - While Myanmar counts the cost of the Cyclone Nargis disaster and international aid agencies struggle to get relief supplies to an estimated 2.4 million homeless and desperate victims, time is running out for the country's rice farmers to plant new crops and help the country stave off famine."

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "- China Youth Development Foundation, the nation's largest charity, said 90 percent of its earthquake relief donations will be used to build schools destroyed by the May 12 temblor in Sichuan province."

Myanmar Rulers Still Impeding Access - NYTimes.com

Myanmar Rulers Still Impeding Access - NYTimes.com: "BANGKOK — One month after a powerful cyclone struck Myanmar and 10 days after the ruling junta’s leader promised full access to the hardest-hit areas, relief agencies said on Monday that they were still having difficulty reaching hundreds of thousands of survivors in urgent need of assistance."

Gates Accuses Myanmar of ‘Criminal Neglect’ - NYTimes.com

Gates Accuses Myanmar of ‘Criminal Neglect’ - NYTimes.com: "By ERIC SCHMITT
Published: June 2, 2008

BANGKOK — In the strongest remarks yet by a high-ranking American official, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said on Sunday that Myanmar was guilty of “criminal neglect” for blocking large-scale international aid to cyclone victims, and that more Burmese civilians would perish unless the military regime reversed its policy."

Keep charity clean

Keep charity clean: "The May 31 circular issued by the State Council on strengthening the management of donations for victims of the Wenchuan earthquake, therefore, is a worthy response to public concerns.

Among the guiding principles the document spelt out, there is a special emphasis on respecting donors' intentions, as well as on transparency and supervision. These, we believe, are particularly important at this point."

TheStar.com | Ideas | Tweet, tweet - there's been an earthquake

TheStar.com | Ideas | Tweet, tweet - there's been an earthquake: "Then, last month, Twitter's coming-out party: the magnitude-7.9 earthquake in Chengdu that buried thousands. Twitter users offered the first on-scene accounts. 'Slight ly dizzy after being shaken around by the Chengdu earthquake for several hours now,' tweeted one user, Casperodj.

Suddenly, Twitter's triviality was no longer its most notable feature. 'I saw three people in Chengdou giving reports on the ground long before traditional media could even get close,' said Fons Tuinstra, a media consultant in Shanghai and a fellow at the U.S. media nonprofit organization the Poynter Institute. 'On that first day, it was a very important tool – a great example of how it could work.'"

Giving even more

Giving even more: "KUNG fu star Jet Li (pic) has answered criticism that his One Foundation’s 1 million yuan (RM466,800) donation to Chinese earthquake relief is not generous enough.

Speaking in Shanghai on May 25, he said the sum was an immediate donation. “It doesn’t mean we will give only so little.”

He said his foundation has raised more than 60 million yuan (RM28mil) for the relief effort."

Charles City Press - News

Charles City Press - News: "Charles City knows all about trying to recover from a devastating tornado, so it should come as no surprise that there has been an outpouring of support from the residents in and around Charles City to the recent storm victims in Parkersburg and its neighboring towns who were also impacted. However, while various fundraising efforts going on will be of great help, volunteer workers from the general public are being asked to wait a bit before showing up in one of the affected towns."

World Bank pledges $1.2 billion to battle food crisis - CNN.com

World Bank pledges $1.2 billion to battle food crisis - CNN.com: "The World Bank is making $1.2 billion available in grants and loans to combat the global food crisis, including $200 million for those most at risk in the world's poorest countries."

Firms helping disaster victims - The Connecticut Post Online

Firms helping disaster victims - The Connecticut Post Online: "With a pledge of $50,000, Fairfield-based Survey Sampling Inc. has joined with other Connecticut companies and nonprofits that are sending aid to victims of natural and manmade disasters around the globe.

SSI, a survey research firm, said Thursday it will donate $10,000 a week for the next five weeks to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to support relief efforts in China and Myanmar."

Myanmar evicts cyclone refugees from tented village | International | Reuters

Myanmar evicts cyclone refugees from tented village | International | Reuters: "KHAW MHU, Myanmar (Reuters) - Myanmar's junta is evicting dozens of destitute families from one of its own cyclone refugee centres, giving each one just four bamboo poles, a tarpaulin and an unlikely promise of a monthly ration of rice"

The Politics of Donations

The Politics of Donations: "s a corporate donation an impulsive act of selflessness, or the result of careful consideration? Is it a burden, or a measure by which to improve competitiveness?

In the aftermath of the devastating May 12 Sichuan earthquake, companies all over China have claimed they have assumed extra social responsibilities--but not all of their donations have received the same treatment.

Some companies donated significant amounts only to be criticized or else ignored. Indeed, it seems there's another hidden set of principles by which to judge the form and amount of a donati"

US naval forces consider abandoning Myanmar relief efforts - Jane's Naval Forces News

US naval forces consider abandoning Myanmar relief efforts - Jane's Naval Forces News: "Adm Keating stated during a Department of Defense press briefing that if the Myanmar government refuses to give the USN permission to deliver food, shelter and medical treatment to victims of the 2 May cyclone, the four ships currently on standby will have to abandon their relief efforts."

U.S. Businesses Pledge $54M To Aid China - May 28, 2008 - The New York Sun

U.S. Businesses Pledge $54M To Aid China - May 28, 2008 - The New York Sun: "American companies have pledged at least $54 million in cash, goods, and services to victims of the earthquake that devastated the Sichuan province of China two weeks ago, the third-largest international aid package ever assembled by American businesses."

Local groups pledge to rebuild damaged school

Local groups pledge to rebuild damaged school: "When a 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck China's Sichuan Province, many in Greenville's Chinese community were frustrated because they couldn't help with the rescue effort.
But their frustration soon turned to resolve and plans were made to help with the recovery."

U.S. ships may leave Myanmar if aid refused - Yahoo! News

U.S. ships may leave Myanmar if aid refused - Yahoo! News: "U.S. warships will soon leave waters near Myanmar if the junta does not allow the American military to deliver food, water and other aid to cyclone survivors, a U.S. commander said on Wednesday."

The Horse: Animal Relief En Route to Myanmar

The Horse: Animal Relief En Route to Myanmar: "After weeks of resistance from the military regime which governs Myanmar (a country in southeast Asia formerly known as Burma), animal welfare workers from the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) finally have been given permission to enter the country to provide assistance for millions of animals affected by a devastating cyclone that hit the country May 2.

Michelle Cliffe, communications manager for WSPA Canada, reported that an international team of veterinarians and a specialist in disaster recovery planning have assembled in Bangkok. They are expected to head to the hard-hit city of Yangon.

In advance of the team's arrival, WSPA has arranged for the delivery of 31 metric tons (more than 68,000 pounds) of animal feed."

ASEAN, Indonesia and Myanmar | Forcing help on Myanmar | Economist.com

ASEAN, Indonesia and Myanmar | Forcing help on Myanmar | Economist.com: "THREE long weeks after a cataclysmic cyclone struck Myanmar, something approaching an international relief effort is at last under way. The grotesque reluctance of the ruling junta to allow foreigners to help the desperate Burmese has shredded whatever vestige of respect it enjoyed internationally. It had long lost it at home. The decisive push into a more co-operative stance seems to have come in private from China and in public from the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the regional club that admitted Myanmar in 1997 and has been silently ruing the decision ever since."

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide Myanmar Embassy Fire May Delay Visas for Cyclone Relief Workers

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "Myanmar Embassy Fire May Delay Visas for Cyclone Relief Workers

By Michael Heath

May 27 (Bloomberg) -- International aid workers seeking permission to enter Myanmar to help survivors of Tropical Cyclone Nargis may be delayed after a fire at Myanmar's embassy in Bangkok, the United Nations said."

China’s earthquake and the free press : Stabroek News

China’s earthquake and the free press : Stabroek News: "What open coverage of the earthquake has shown is that public interest in China has now reached a level that the government can no longer easily control. Despite their fondness for censorship, China’s eagerness to exploit the global economy, has opened it out to many of globalization’s attendant nuisances such as a free press which can ignore or even criticise the government’s pronouncements."

U.N. Chief Says Myanmar Yields on Aid Workers - NYTimes.com

U.N. Chief Says Myanmar Yields on Aid Workers - NYTimes.com: "y SETH MYDANS
Published: May 24, 2008

BANGKOK — Myanmar’s military junta promised on Friday to allow into the country “all aid workers” of any nationality, after three weeks of blocking most assistance to cyclone victims, the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, announced."

50 Nations To Organize Myanmar Relief

50 Nations To Organize Myanmar Relief: "The Associated Press

Published: May 25, 2008

YANGON, Myanmar - The U.N. secretary-general flew to Myanmar today to steer a 50-nation conference that will pledge funding for survivors of Cyclone Nargis after the country's military junta promised to open its doors to critically needed foreign help.

Three weeks after the cyclone struck, frustrated foreign aid workers were ratcheting up preparations to finally go into the Irrawaddy delta with food, drinking water, medicine and other relief."

ASEAN-UN summit opens in Myanmar for more cyclone relief aid_English_Xinhua

ASEAN-UN summit opens in Myanmar for more cyclone relief aid_English_Xinhua: "YANGON, May 25 (Xinhua) -- An international pledging conference, co-organized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)and the United Nations (UN), opened at the Sedona Hotel here Sunday to seek further international financial aid commitment for Myanmar's cyclone aid relief and rehabilitation efforts."

In U.S., a Multitude of Forces Drains the Spirit of Giving - washingtonpost.com

In U.S., a Multitude of Forces Drains the Spirit of Giving - washingtonpost.com: "U.S. disaster relief charities have issued pleas for money to fund short- and long-term efforts.
'These people are going to be suffering for a long time,' said Elizabeth Griffin, a spokeswoman for Catholic Relief Services."

MYANMAR (BURMA) CYCLONE NEWS, AID & RELIEF LINKS

A variety of material via a Squidoo lens.

MYANMAR (BURMA) CYCLONE NEWS, AID & RELIEF LINKS: "UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS ABOUT THE MYANMAR (BURMA) CYCLONE RELIEF EFFORTS

This lens is meant to get the word out about ways to help the victims of this terrible tragedy."

The Associated Press: UN chief tours still-flooded Myanmar delta

The Associated Press: UN chief tours still-flooded Myanmar delta: "UN chief tours still-flooded Myanmar delta
By JOHN HEILPRIN – 7 hours ago
NAYPYITAW Myanmar (AP) — U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon flew over Myanmar's flooded Irrawaddy delta Thursday, where the ravages of a cyclone stretched as far as the eye could see: Villages were empty of life, flattened huts dissolved into vast areas of water and people perched on rooftops."

Myanmar agrees to "all" cyclone aid workers - Yahoo! News

Myanmar agrees to "all" cyclone aid workers - Yahoo! News: "NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar (Reuters) - Myanmar's junta agreed on Friday to admit cyclone aid workers 'regardless of nationalities' to the hardest-hit Irrawaddy Delta, a breakthrough for delivering help to survivors, U.N. officials said."

Additions to the Right Sidebar

We have added additional functionality to the Right Sidebar.
We have a new feed from our Recent News of Note Blog and we also now show the labels/tags and frequency as well. Clicking on a Label will give you all the stories under that topic.
We look forward to your feedback.

Ban sees Myanmar flexibility on relief

Ban sees Myanmar flexibility on relief: "Ban sees Myanmar flexibility on relief
Thursday, May 22, 2008 22:57 [IST]

Yangon: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said today that Myanmar 's junta had shown some flexibility over calls for a scaled-up international relief effort after Cyclone Nargis.

'They have shown some signs of flexibility recently,' Ban told reporters on his first day in Myanmar, where he made a three-hour helicopter tour of the Irrawaddy Delta region that was hardest hit by the May 2-3 storm."

UNHCR - Fourth airlift brings UNHCR relief goods into Myanmar

UNHCR - Fourth airlift brings UNHCR relief goods into Myanmar: "Fourth airlift brings UNHCR relief goods into Myanmar

YANGON, Myanmar, May 22 (UNHCR) – A fourth plane carrying vital UNHCR shelter and household supplies for cyclone victims landed Thursday in Myanmar's main city, Yangon, after a pause in the UN refugee agency's airlift for a few days while a new round of shipments was being organized."

World record holder becomes top donor - Howrah News Service - Latest news and headlines on Howrah and West Bengal

World record holder becomes top donor - Howrah News Service - Latest news and headlines on Howrah and West Bengal: "Beijing: China’s Olympic hurdles champion Liu Xiang donated three million yuan ($430,000) on Tuesday to quake victims, becoming the nation’s top sporting donor, state media said."

Burma victims lose aid battle as cash flows into China on a flood of sympathy - Times Online

Burma victims lose aid battle as cash flows into China on a flood of sympathy - Times Online: "But it appears that media coverage may be of great consequence. While millions of dollars have been flooding into China – much of it from the corporate world – appeals for aid to Burma have been less successful.

Mark Astarita, head of fundraising at the British Red Cross, said the reporting of China’s disaster was “immensely powerful”, but it also made the situation in Burma look even more impossible."

President Hu praises earthquake charity concert _English_Xinhua

President Hu praises earthquake charity concert _English_Xinhua: "BEIJING, May 22 -- The earthquake charity concert aired on China Central Television on Sunday received an overwhelming response from China and abroad. The concert provided encouragement for the nation to fight against natural disasters and rebuild their homeland.

President Hu Jintao praised the event and expressed his thanks for all those who worked for the concert. He called for people to unite to overcome difficulties."

Myanmar appears to nix US Navy help, saying "strings attached" - International Herald Tribune

Myanmar appears to nix US Navy help, saying "strings attached" - International Herald Tribune: "nstead, Myanmar gave a go-ahead for a far smaller operation of 10 helicopters from the U.N.'s World Food Program — which must be chartered, flown in on cargo planes and reassembled in Bangkok.

'The strings attached to the relief supplies carried by warships and military helicopters are not acceptable to the Myanmar people,' said the New Light of Myanmar newspaper, a mouthpiece for the ruling junta."

BURMA DIGEST » Article » U.N. chief trying to persuade Burma junta to allow aid in posted

BURMA DIGEST » Article » U.N. chief trying to persuade Burma junta to allow aid in posted: "RANGOON, Burma (AP) — U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sought to persuade Burma’s ruling generals Thursday to let in a torrent of foreign assistance for cyclone victims rather than the current trickle.
“The United Nations and all the international community stand ready to help to overcome the tragedy,” Ban said after arriving in the country Thursday. “The main purpose of my being here is to demonstrate my solidarity.”"

West takes back seat, Asian countries lead in aiding Myanmar- Politics/Nation-News-The Economic Times

West takes back seat, Asian countries lead in aiding Myanmar- Politics/Nation-News-The Economic Times: "In the wake of the global stand-off between western governments and Burma's military regime over the issue of allowing foreign aid workers into the cyclone hit country, Asian countries led by India, China and Asean neighbours have emerged as the conduit for channelling massive volumes of humanitarian and medical aid to the estimated 128,000 victims of the disaster."

Try using our tagging

If you are particularly looking for coverage of the recent China Earthquake use the tag NPChinaEarthquake in the stories below or this link.
http://afprc21.blogspot.com/search/label/NPChinaEarthquake

Elderly Chinese Cling to Ruins - washingtonpost.com

Elderly Chinese Cling to Ruins - washingtonpost.com: "Despite his efforts, Chen's 73-year-old mother-in-law still did not want to leave. 'I'm too old! I'm afraid I won't make it,' she pleaded, standing near a wooden crate covered with a strip of cardboard where she had collected whatever she could salvage from her ravaged home: a few articles of clothing, some tissue paper, an umbrella, a scythe.

'She wants us to leave enough food and drink and then come back every two months to check on her,' said her son, Ye Ning Gui, 40. 'She hasn't left these mountains in 10 years.'"

Wave of unity and patriotism sweeps China - CNN.com

Wave of unity and patriotism sweeps China - CNN.com: "As of Sunday, Chinese nationals had donated more than 4.9 billion yuan ($700 million) in cash and goods for earthquake relief, according to China's Ministry of Civil Affairs."

China faces toughest after-quake reconstruction since 1976

english.eastday.com: "By all standards, it will be the toughest reconstruction task since 1976 when the northeastern coastal Chinese city of Tangshan was leveled by a 7.8-magnitude quake, which claimed over 240,000 lives.

But in comparison with the reconstruction in the wake of the Tangshan earthquake, the mission this time is blessed with a strong economy, which has been growing annually at nearly 10 percent on average since 1978 when China began its reform-and-opening-up drive."

ABITSU - All Burma I.T Students' Union

ABITSU - All Burma I.T Students' Union: "Xinhua : A caravan of Thai army trucks carrying relief supplies left Bangkok Tuesday for the former Myanmar capital of Yangon to provide assistance for cyclone victims in Myanmar.

Thai Supreme Commander Gen. Boonsang Niempradit on Tuesday sendoff the ten trucks carrying 120 metric tons of relief supplies to Myanmar."

Local Nonprofit Seeks to Aid Burmese; Junta Intervenes - Daily Nexus

Local Nonprofit Seeks to Aid Burmese; Junta Intervenes - Daily Nexus: "DRI is not alone in the problems it has had with the Myanmar government - according to reports from the Associated Press and other news agencies, the junta has refused to let the vast majority of foreign aid enter the country since the cyclone. Relief officials told the New York Times that the country had received only 20 percent of the supplies needed."

Ban: Nargis causing more economic damage than Indonesia's tsunami - Asia-Pacific

Ban: Nargis causing more economic damage than Indonesia's tsunami - Asia-Pacific: "New York - Cyclone Nargis may have inflicted more severe and longer-lasting economic losses to Myanmar than the tsunami that devastated part of Indonesia's Aceh province in 2004, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday before flying to Southeast Asia."

American aid to China flowing but not for Myanmar - May. 20, 2008

American aid to China flowing but not for Myanmar - May. 20, 2008: "Humanitarian relief charities, confronted with back-to-back natural disasters, are scrambling to raise money from Americans and corporations."

AIT pledges $45 K to assist Myanmar cyclone victims

AIT pledges $45 K to assist Myanmar cyclone victims: "The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has launched a multi-phased international funding initiative to aid victims in Myanmar of Cyclone Nargis, which includes an initial cash pledge of US$ 45,000.

The launch of the �AIT-Myanmar Fund� was announced today (15 May) by AIT President Said Irandoust, who stressed the institute�s financial contribution would fund immediate relief efforts in areas most devastated by the recent disaster."

The FINANCIAL, News That Makes Money, Business News & Multimedia - Swiss Re donates CHF 300 000 to disaster relief in Myanmar and China

The FINANCIAL, News That Makes Money, Business News & Multimedia - Swiss Re donates CHF 300 000 to disaster relief in Myanmar and China: "Swiss Re donates CHF 300 000 to disaster relief in Myanmar and China Print E-mail
20/05/2008 13:41 (04:34 minutes ago)

The FINANCIAL -- Swiss Re has announced a donation of CHF 300 000 to support UNICEF and the Red Cross in providing instant humanitarian relief to regions in Myanmar and China which were hit by devastating natural catastrophes earlier this month."

Myanmar reiterates need to go through procedures for foreign relief donation_English_Xinhua

Myanmar reiterates need to go through procedures for foreign relief donation_English_Xinhua: "YANGON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar has reiterated the need to go through designated procedures for relief donations by resident United Nations agencies and international non-governmental organizations (INGO) continuously pouring in the country after cyclone disaster."

NPR: Chengdu Diary

NPR: Chengdu Diary: "(EDITOR'S NOTE: Since this story was filed, Chengdu officials have retracted the earthquake prediction that led to the panic.

There's a run on tents here and an improvised tent city has sprung up around the Chengdu sports arena. We're not talking about homeless evacuees from the disaster area, although there some who have joined their families in the city."

News; Contributions: China: Earthquake - May 2008, Donations to China quake zone hit 10.834 bln yuan

News; Contributions: China: Earthquake - May 2008, Donations to China quake zone hit 10.834 bln yuan: "BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has received 10.834 billion yuan (1. 55 billion U.S. dollars) in cash and goods for earthquake relief from donors at home and abroad as of 1 p.m. Monday, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA)."

First China, now Burma declares three days of mourning for 78,000 cyclone dead | Mail Online

First China, now Burma declares three days of mourning for 78,000 cyclone dead | Mail Online: "Burma's military junta has declared three days of official mourning, two weeks after a cyclone killed 78,000 people in the country.

Today's decision came just hours after China announced three days of mourning for its own earthquake victims.

Meanwhile, a British minister who travelled to Burma yesterday says too little aid is getting to the cyclone victims."

Saddened Broch mercy man back from China - Press & Journal

Saddened Broch mercy man back from China - Press & Journal: "A north-east rescue worker, who jetted across the world to join the desperate search for survivors in earthquake-hit China, was back home yesterday after government officials quashed his mission.

John Anderson was one of 10 members of the International Rescue Corps who flew to Hong Kong last week to help sift through the rubble in devastated areas of Sichuan province."

Charity worker’s Burma mission - icWales

Charity worker’s Burma mission - icWales: "A CHARITY campaigner is today poised for emergency deployment to disaster-struck Burma.

Jessica Camburn, left, who works for Save the Children, is heading to Burma to support the team of international emergency workers who are trying to ease the devastating impact of Cyclone Nargis."

Marketplace: China donations may stir public interest

FRP NPR Marketplace

Marketplace: China donations may stir public interest: "Donations of up to $1.3 billion have been pouring in for survivors of China's earthquakes. Many of those giving are from the country's urban class and students. Lisa Chow reports"

China Faces Economic Aftershocks - washingtonpost.com

China Faces Economic Aftershocks - washingtonpost.com: "As the initial chaos of the disaster zones is being replaced by an eerily orderly rescue and cleanup effort by the military, China's leaders are turning their attention to the survivors and the economic consequences of fear.

Many thousands in and around the quake's epicenter in Sichuan province are living in tent cities or on their lawns -- even though their houses are perfectly fine."

The Standard - Hong Kong's First FREE English Newspaper

The Standard - Hong Kong's First FREE English Newspaper: "Monday, May 19, 2008


Hong Kong people have opened their hearts and purse strings by raising nearly HK$1 billion for Sichuan earthquake victims.

The more than HK$900 million is set to break all fund-raising records in the city."

Donations to China quake zone hit 6.023b yuan

Donations to China quake zone hit 6.023b yuan: "Donations to China quake zone hit 6.023b yuan
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-17 23:09

BEIJING -- China has received 6.023 billion yuan (US$860 million) in cash and goods for earthquake relief from donors at home and abroad as of 1 pm Saturday, according to the Information Office of the State Council."

Meeting in S.F. on getting aid into Burma

Meeting in S.F. on getting aid into Burma: "More than 50 philanthropists and financial advisers joined an emergency briefing Friday at the San Francisco Foundation, looking for effective ways to get cyclone relief into Burma in the face of formidable resistance by the Burmese government."

Just a quick chronological note

Because of the volume of coverage and also because of the weekend Postings of stories are not in the normal chronological order.
Thanks,

Six Months Since Cyclone Sidr - Nicholas D. Kristof - Opinion - New York Times Blog

Six Months Since Cyclone Sidr - Nicholas D. Kristof - Opinion - New York Times Blog: "Even though I’ve now left Bangladesh, my mind is still on cyclones. While I wish I could say that the six-month anniversary of Cyclone Sidr (which took place on Thursday, May 15th) is the only reason for this, anyone who has seen the news over the past week can probably guess that this time I’m referring to Cyclone Nargis."

Caritas pledges $64,000 to Myanmar | NZ Catholic Newspaper

Caritas pledges $64,000 to Myanmar | NZ Catholic Newspaper: "- Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has pledged $64,000 to help fund relief work in Myanmar after the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis and is hoping Kiwis will join the effort after it set up a donation line."

Asian, apolitical NGOs get better access in Burma (Myanmar) | csmonitor.com

Asian, apolitical NGOs get better access in Burma (Myanmar) | csmonitor.com: "Taipei, Taiwan - As the United Nations and Western aid agencies grapple with Burma's refusal to allow unfettered access to as many as 2.5 million cyclone victims, help is quietly arriving from Taiwan. Its lack of political stakes in Burma (Myanmar) and the vibrancy of its civil society have smoothed a path into Burma for its Buddhist charities."

Deadly aftershock jolts Sichuan as mourning begins | World news | The Guardian

Deadly aftershock jolts Sichuan as mourning begins | World news | The Guardian: "Beijing Olympic organisers said in a statement that the torch relay - due to reach Sichuan next month - would also be suspended for three days 'to express our deep mourning to the victims of the earthquake'.

The State Council announcement came as it emerged that three more people died and 1,000 were injured when a powerful aftershock hit Jiangyou city, Sichuan province, in the early hours of yesterday.

Xinhua, the state news agency, reported that the aftershock destroyed houses and damaged 230 miles of roads and six bridges."

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "May 19 (Bloomberg) -- Myanmar will allow its Asian neighbors to coordinate aid to regions hardest hit by Cyclone Nargis, almost three weeks after the storm lashed the country, killing more than 70,000 people."

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."