The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK - Red Cross plea is answered by donation from the United Way

The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK - Red Cross plea is answered by donation from the United Way: "United Way of Enid and North-west Oklahoma donated $40,000 to the chapter Monday afternoon to help with disaster relief in the Fairview and Burlington areas."

WFP faces 11.2-million-dollar shortfall in Myanmar

WFP faces 11.2-million-dollar shortfall in Myanmar: "Yangon - The UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday welcomed a donation of 1.9 million dollars from the European Union for food relief for Myanmar's Rohingha minority group but noted it was still suffering a 11.2-million-dollar shortfall this year."

Charities Anticipate Major Damages From Hurricane Ike - Philanthropy.com

Charities Anticipate Major Damages From Hurricane Ike - Philanthropy.com: "Charities Anticipate Major Damages From Hurricane Ike

By Caroline Preston

In the wake of Hurricane Ike’s destructive tear through Texas, relief groups continued to feed and shelter thousands of evacuees from Galveston, Houston, and other areas damaged by the storm.

But many charities were concerned about how they would pay for their aid efforts, given that few had raised anywhere near the amount necessary to help victims of Hurricane Gustav alone."

IRS Issues Disaster Relief Updates | Planned Giving Design Center

IRS Issues Disaster Relief Updates | Planned Giving Design Center: "After a disaster or in another emergency hardship situation, people may be interested in using a charitable organization to help victims. In its current Exempt Organization Update, the IRS reviews a number of resources to help them accomplish this goal."

TV stations opt to offer wall-to-wall coverage of Ike | | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

TV stations opt to offer wall-to-wall coverage of Ike | | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Having weathered Hurricane Ike's onslaught alongside their viewers, news crews and technicians at Houston's network affiliates continued operating Sunday as, in the words of one station official, a public utility.

Officials at all four stations said they would evaluate wall-to-wall coverage over the next day or so based on developments, but would maintain stepped-up operations as Houston transitions from the storm to the recovery phase.

At Channel 2, news director Skip Valet was rotating crews on and off duty to cover what he described as the most challenging part of the story of Hurricane Ike."

TACVB Emergency Information System

TACVB Emergency Information System: "Prepare For Hurricane - The Plan
BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON STARTS

* Plan an evacuation route.
Contact the local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter, and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters."

Aid crews to fan out in Texas | The Journal Gazette

Aid crews to fan out in Texas | The Journal Gazette: "Late Wednesday afternoon, Red Cross volunteer Jo Milliken, 59, got a call asking whether she could leave for Texas the next day to help feed people displaced by storms that have affected the region.

By noon Thursday, Milliken was among seven Red Cross volunteers awaiting a flight from Fort Wayne"

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Texas Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Texas Issued by the National Weather Service: "Last update: 09.11.08 - Thu - 01:32:37 PM (EDT)
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Texas
Issued by the National Weather Service
This page contains watches, warnings and advisories that are in effect for Texas. This file is usually updated about every two minutes. This same information is available in other file formats including the XML based RSS and CAP formats. Comments and Feedback are welcome about this product."

Shelters: Texas - Hurricane Info Wiki

Shelters: Texas - Hurricane Info Wiki

NYT: Thousands in Texas Flee Hurric

NYT: Thousands in Texas Flee Hurric: "Hurricane Ike, having spun away from Cuba and roared into the Gulf of Mexico, moved toward Texas with growing strength on Thursday as thousands of people fled coastal areas.

After pummeling Haiti, Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean, the storm refueled in the Gulf and headed toward landfall somewhere from Corpus Christi northeastward to Galveston. It is expected to arrive in Texas late Friday or early Saturday and could strengthen to a Category 3 hurricane over the next day or two."

UNICEF - UNICEF in emergencies - In the wake of three other storms, Hurricane Ike devastates the Caribbean

UNICEF - UNICEF in emergencies - In the wake of three other storms, Hurricane Ike devastates the Caribbean: "NEW YORK, USA, 8 September 2008 – As the fourth major storm in less than a month barrels through the Caribbean, governments and aid groups are struggling to provide support to hundreds of thousands of people affected by high winds and massive flooding."

Three Cantors tuning up to help victims of the Myanmar cyclone

Three Cantors tuning up to help victims of the Myanmar cyclone: "he trio of Anglican priests from Ontario, in town this week for a fundraising benefit, began its concert-making ways in earnest after attracting notice while singing at services at London's St. Paul's Cathedral. Their name, the Three Cantors -- a cantor being a person who leads the singing at church -- is a light-hearted take-off on the Three Tenors that just seemed to fit."

Gustav has local nonprofits feeling pinch | ShreveportTimes | The Times

Gustav has local nonprofits feeling pinch | ShreveportTimes | The Times: "Donations for some nonprofits already were slow to arrive before the storm. But a need to help after the hurricane hit led local organizations to count pennies.

Among the hardest hit is the northwest Louisiana chapter of the American Red Cross. The organization ran a shelter at LSU-Shreveport while manning others and preparing food."

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations: "The IRS is providing relief to victims of Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana. Certain filing and payment deadlines have been postponed until Jan. 5, 2009. See the news release for more details.

With an active hurricane season underway, the IRS recommends that taxpayers in vulnerable areas take steps now to protect their tax and financial records. For further information on hurricane recovery, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency hurricane response page."

EMERGENCY.louisiana.gov

EMERGENCY.louisiana.gov: "PRESS RELEASE

Federal Government Approves Launch of Disaster Food Stamp Program
Department of Social Services News Update
BATON ROUGE , La. (September 5, 2008) - The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services (USDA/FNS) has approved the operation of a Disaster Food Stamp Program in 31 Louisiana parishes. These parishes contain an estimated 380,000 households that will be eligible for disaster food benefits and already serve more than 150,000 households in the regular Food Stamp program. Participants in the regular program do not need to apply; their benefits will automatically be lifted to the maximum amount allowable for September and their August benefits have been increased by 20% in order to replace lost food."

GoErie.com: First-aid shiparrives in Haitian city

GoErie.com: First-aid shiparrives in Haitian city: "GONAIVES, Haiti -- U.N. peacekeeping troops began handing out food and water to famished Haitians on Friday after the first shipload of aid sailed into a crumbling port on the outskirts of this flooded city, where tens of thousands are stranded in the wake of Tropical Storm Hanna."

News : St. Mary evacuation key for hurricane results (New Iberia, LA)

News : St. Mary evacuation key for hurricane results (New Iberia, LA): "Four days after Hurricane Gustav passed through West St. Mary Parish, parish officials say the area is slowly returning back to normal.

Duval Arthur, director of the St. Mary Office of Emergency Preparedness, said as of Thursday, 40 percent of power has been restored to Franklin and Baldwin, and he expects that number to rise significantly today after extra crews were brought in Thursday."

How New Orleans Coped With Gustav | Newsweek News | Newsweek.com

How New Orleans Coped With Gustav | Newsweek News | Newsweek.com: "he sign and its addenda ('Still Here. Woman Left Friday, Cooking a Pot of Dog Gumbo, Still Got Claw Hammer') was so emblematic of the city's post-Katrina troubles as well as the resilience and highly necessary sense of humor of its residents that it is now part of the Louisiana State Museum's permanent collection. So when Gustav reared his ugly head, Rue was forced to paint another: 'Don't Try. Sleeping Inside with a .357, a Pit Bull, and Six Big Snakes.' Except that this time his graffiti served largely to entertain. To date only two episodes of looting have been reported, and all seven perpetrators were apprehended on the scene by cops out in full force."

Hurricane Relief Efforts Create Red Cross Debt, Nonprofit Says - washingtonpost.com

Hurricane Relief Efforts Create Red Cross Debt, Nonprofit Says - washingtonpost.com: "The American Red Cross said this morning it is going deep into debt to fund a $70 million Hurricane Gustav relief effort, an unusual occurrence even as the nation's biggest disaster-aid charity braces for a trio of powerful storms lurking in the Atlantic.

The Red Cross has raised less than $5 million toward its Gustav expenses, officials said. To recoup its Gustav cost -- most of it borrowed money -- the nonprofit organization plans to roll out an aggressive national campaign Monday."

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "Sept. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Gustav, now downgraded to a depression over western Louisiana, spared New Orleans the devastation wrought three years ago by Katrina, as Hurricane Hanna hit the Bahamas on a course for the Carolinas."

Hanna lashes Bahamas, Ike forms over Atlantic - AOL News

Hanna lashes Bahamas, Ike forms over Atlantic - AOL News: "Hanna lashes Bahamas, Ike forms over Atlantic
By VIVIAN TYSON,
AP
Posted: 2008-09-02 09:16:14
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos (AP) - Hurricane Hanna slumped to tropical storm strength while grinding away at the Bahamas and other Atlantic islands on Tuesday, and forecasters said it still poses a hurricane threat to the U.S. East Coast."

Five Navy helicopters from Norfolk respond to hurricane | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com

Five Navy helicopters from Norfolk respond to hurricane | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com: "Five Navy helicopters with a dozen rescue swimmers headed south this morning to help as Hurricane Gustav reached the Gulf Coast.

Meanwhile, plans for a major relief effort there continued to flow through downtown Portsmouth via the Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, where about 40 to 50 people are working in the offices at 431 Crawford St., said Lt. Rob Wyman, a Coast Guard spokesman."

AFP: New Orleans under flood threat as Gustav tears into US coast

AFP: New Orleans under flood threat as Gustav tears into US coast: "New Orleans under flood threat as Gustav tears into US coast

4 hours ago

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) — Ferocious rain and wind gusts unleashed by Hurricane Gustav pushed water cascading over protective works in New Orleans Monday three years after Katrina swamped the fabled jazz city.

Wave surges washed over a levee wall lining a portion of the city's Ninth Ward -- ground zero of the disaster in 2005 -- and water had reached as high as road signs around the Industrial Canal in the ward's north."

Tech Steps Up in Post-Katrina Relief Efforts - TheStreet.com

Tech Steps Up in Post-Katrina Relief Efforts - TheStreet.com: "Editor's note: This is the final part of a series on improving disaster response in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Shortly after Katrina hit Aug. 29, 2005, crews in California were preparing to fly C-130 cargo planes to stricken areas of the Gulf Coast, initially to send search-and-rescue teams and, later, to airlift cargo and displaced residents.

Yet they had to wait two days on the tarmac while authorities compiled vital information on weather, flight routes and the status of airports and runways."

As Gustav Lands, There Are Lessons to Be Learned

As Gustav Lands, There Are Lessons to Be Learned: "Hurricane Gustav, the largest and most dangerous storm to make landfall in recent years, roars ashore today. No doubt, politicians and pundits will be quick to make comparisons to the disaster response three years ago after Hurricane Katrina ravaged millions of square miles over three states and devastated coastal areas, including the city of New Orleans."

Yes, it's largest evac in LA history | Weather Watch

Yes, it's largest evac in LA history | Weather Watch: "f you’re among the many who have been wondering, officials are confirming the evacuation in Louisiana ahead of Hurricane Gustav was the largest in state history.

More than 1.9 million residents were evacuated, emergency management officials said today."

Beth's Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Get Involved in Gustav Online Volunteer Efforts

Beth's Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Get Involved in Gustav Online Volunteer Efforts: "As you know by now, Hurricane Gustav looks even more destructive than Katrina (see this round up from Lisa Stone, BlogHer, of the news reports and links). Three years ago, in the wake of the devastating storm, social media and others started organizing online. This time, online organizing efforts using social media are happening before the storm hits."

Looming hurricane may deal a blow to Gulf oil - Sep. 1, 2008

Looming hurricane may deal a blow to Gulf oil - Sep. 1, 2008: "NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- As officials evacuated New Orleans, the oil industry shut down rigs and pulled back personnel as Hurricane Gustav bore down on the Gulf coast over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

A lot is at stake as the industry faces potentially its worst storm since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated crude and gas facilities in 2005."

Chicago breaking news, local news, Chicago sports, Chicago weather, business, jobs -- chicagotribune.com

Chicago breaking news, local news, Chicago sports, Chicago weather, business, jobs -- chicagotribune.com: "Gustav weakens to Category 2 storm

The hurricane is on track to hit west of New Orleans as the few remaining in the city watch nervously and hope levees only partly reinforced in the three years since Katrina will hold."

Hurricane Gustav's clouds begin to roll in, and a fearful New Orleans becomes a ghost town

Hurricane Gustav's clouds begin to roll in, and a fearful New Orleans becomes a ghost town: "NEW ORLEANS - With Hurricane Gustav just a day away from a possible monster hit on New Orleans, the mayor Sunday pleaded with the last of its residents to get out, imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on those who stay and warned looters they will be sent directly to prison."

American Red Cross - Preparing Communities for an Emergency and Keeping People Safe - Preparedness

American Red Cross - Preparing Communities for an Emergency and Keeping People Safe - Preparedness: "As mandatory evacuations are issued in the Gulf Coast states, the American Red Cross is starting to receive evacuees in shelters throughout the Gulf Coast."

Main Page - Hurricane Gustav Wiki

Main Page - Hurricane Gustav Wiki: "Hurricane Gustav

This is the wiki for information relating to Hurricane Gustav and its approach to the northern Gulf coast. It's intended to be centralized site for links to information everywhere else on the web; please publicize it far and wee. Information will be moved here as time progresses from the similar wiki built during and after Hurricane Katrina's landfall 3 years ago. Please be polite and patient in working with the wiki and the community it attracts, to the extent that you can, and hopefully, everyone will get through this one in one piece.

As usual, the main page of the wiki is protected against general editing. If you have a link you think belongs here, please put it on the Discussion page, and we'll triage it up here as soon as possible. If you want to help out on the wiki or the transcription project, please at least scan over the entire front page; there's lots of good meta here.

Please do not start adding new pages yet. We are still implementing structure and establishing best practices."

PhilanTopic: Gulf Coast Recovery Three Years After Katrina

PhilanTopic: Gulf Coast Recovery Three Years After Katrina: "Gulf Coast Recovery Three Years After Katrina

It's hard to believe three years have passed since Hurricane Katrina delivered widespread devastation to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region -- or that another hurricane, Gustav, now a category 4 storm, has drawn a bead on southeastern Louisiana and could make landfall as early as Monday."

Charities Brace for Hurricane Gustav - Philanthropy.com

Charities Brace for Hurricane Gustav - Philanthropy.com: "Charities Brace for Hurricane Gustav

By Peter Panepento

Charities are preparing for a major disaster recovery effort as Hurricane Gustav bears down on the Gulf Coast for a predicted Monday afternoon landfall.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are dispatching swarms of employees and volunteers to help those who are being evacuated for the storm and to be ready for what could be a relief effort on par with the effort that followed Hurricane Katrina three years ago. (Read The Chronicle’s most recent update on how nonprofit leaders are rebuilding the city and listen to audio excerpts from people who moved to the city to help with the recovery.)"

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms on Yahoo! News

We are posting a variety of informational links Re Hurricane Gustav. Standard Disclaimers apply.


Hurricanes and Tropical Storms on Yahoo! News: "NEW ORLEANS - With Hurricane Gustav just a day away from a possible monster hit on New Orleans, the mayor Sunday pleaded with the last of its residents to get out, imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on those who stay and warned looters they will be sent directly to prison."

Direct outreach to the (non-geek) folks in the disaster zone. - Gustav Information Center

Direct outreach to the (non-geek) folks in the disaster zone. - Gustav Information Center: "For those who want to apply social media skills to provide direct assistance to the storm victims/survivors and volunteers - and we're talking our non-geek citizens at the shelters, churches, agencies, etc - here is a repost from my 2005 Hurricane Disaster Direct Relief blog of how I did it for Katrina. This simple effort was breathtakingly successful, well beyond our expectations as described in this NY Times piece)

What we did and could do again (I can assist in this effort):"

Foundation Center - Focus on Gulf Coast Hurricane Giving

Material from the Foundation Center Focusing on Gulf Coast 3rd Anniversary.

Foundation Center - Focus on Gulf Coast Hurricane Giving: "Special Interactive Feature

We are pleased to launch the first in a special, regularly recurring series designed to give you fast facts, visual snapshots, and related news and research about current news events or timely topical issues. Our first feature relates to the third anniversary of the Gulf Coast hurricanes."

A variety of postings today on Katrina 3rd Anniversary

Elsewhere on this blog you will find some stories about Katrina and the 3rd Anniversary and also about Gustav. Particularly as it relates to fundraising.

Philanthropy Front and Center-San Francisco: Mapping Foundation Response to the Gulf Coast Hurricanes

Philanthropy Front and Center-San Francisco: Mapping Foundation Response to the Gulf Coast Hurricanes: "As the third anniversary of the devastation caused by the Gulf Coast hurricanes is upon us those of us working in the nonprofit sector might find ourselves pausing and reflecting on the great need the hurricanes left in their wake and the subsequent outpouring of philanthropic support."

Greencastle Banner-Graphic: Story: Red Cross concludes fundraising

Greencastle Banner-Graphic: Story: Red Cross concludes fundraising: "Red Cross concludes fundraising
Friday, August 29, 2008
By MARIBETH WARD, Staff Writer

The American Red Cross recently announced they have received sufficient funds and pledges to cover the costs of their response to the recent flood disaster in the Wabash Valley.

The massive Red Cross relief operation, the largest in Indiana in 70 years, is expected to cost between $4.5 and $5 million. The Wabash Valley's piece of that cost is expected to be in excess of $480,000."

Coast hooks up with Jerry's telethon - Health & Fitness - SunHerald.com

Coast hooks up with Jerry's telethon - Health & Fitness - SunHerald.com: "For 15 years WLOX-13 has broadcast the international MDA Labor Day Telethon, adding a local touch with its own on-air personalities and interviews with regional families affected by muscular dystrophy. One other TV station in Mississippi, Fox affiliate WUFX in Jackson, broadcasts the telethon, but the coastal region brings in the most donations.

The first year after Hurricane Katrina the fundraising was put on hold because it was to be a week after the storm, and in 2007 a lower gaol was set by the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Mississippi and WLOX. They were surprised at the response and last year's record-breaking contributions."

Lakelanders return from cyclone relief effort (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Lakelanders return from cyclone relief effort (From The Westmorland Gazette): "WO Lakeland men returned from a relief operation in the cyclone-devastated region of Burma this week.

Hamish Wilson and Rupert Miller travelled to Burma immediately after Cyclone Nargis struck the west coast of Myanmar on May 2 effecting over 2.5 million people."

Editorial - Not Ready for Gustav - Editorial - NYTimes.com

Editorial - Not Ready for Gustav - Editorial - NYTimes.com: "Three years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, residents there are nervously watching the progress of Tropical Storm-threatening-to-be-Hurricane Gustav. No less nerve-wracking is the knowledge that federal emergency planners have failed to come up with a new strategy for providing housing to disaster victims."

FEMA official: Gustav 'potentially the largest' storm since Katrina - On Deadline - USATODAY.com

FEMA official: Gustav 'potentially the largest' storm since Katrina - On Deadline - USATODAY.com: "A top FEMA official described Tropical Storm Gustav as 'potentially the largest' hurricane to make landfall since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005, according to USA TODAY's Donna Leinwand."

Gustav Online Newsroom

Gustav Online Newsroom: "Be Red Cross Ready. This checklist can help you prepare:"

Hands-on care, from the ER to Myanmar's borders - MLive.com

Hands-on care, from the ER to Myanmar's borders - MLive.com: "The catastrophic cyclone that struck Myanmar in early May, killing at least 130,000 people, was a tragedy that captured world attention.

In the months since, Susan Klimist has been stuffing a backyard shed with medical, cleaning and relief supplies for the cyclone's victims."

Charities Started After Katrina Contemplate a New Role - Philanthropy.com

Charities Started After Katrina Contemplate a New Role - Philanthropy.com: "Charities Started After Katrina Contemplate a New Role

Some of the charities created in the Gulf Coast to provide recovery aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina will cease operations or merge with others in coming months and years because competition for money has grown more intense, reports New Orleans City Business."

Warm Welcome Gulf Coast

Warm Welcome Gulf Coast: "Warm Welcome Gulf Coast, an initiative of Back Bay Mission, is an outreach campaign to position affordable housing as critical to rebuilding the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Warm Welcome seeks to build upon the Coast’s rich tradition ofdiversity by promoting high-quality and well-maintained affordable housing. The development ofdiverse housing opportunities benefits local economies,improves neighborhoods, and supports working and senior homeowners and renters. Warm Welcomeand its supporters believe that the Mississippi Coast must foster a welcoming environment for affordable housing, because hospitality is more than just a slogan."

Navy Compass - San Diego Official Navy Newspaper - Boxer Sailors Help Communicate Maritime Strategy to Business Leaders

Navy Compass - San Diego Official Navy Newspaper - Boxer Sailors Help Communicate Maritime Strategy to Business Leaders: "The event provided Boxer Sailors a venue to communicate the strategy by educating more than 5,000 executives on the ship’s recent role in the humanitarian civic assistance mission Continuing Promise 2008, where Boxer spent two months in Central and South America providing medical and engineering assistance to Guatemala, El Salvador and Peru.

The ASAE event was designed to recognize the five key areas of San Diego’s economy including the Navy."

Delegation sees uneven recovery in New Orleans | Catholic Sentinel

Delegation sees uneven recovery in New Orleans | Catholic Sentinel: "This is the first year a group from St. Charles has gone to the damaged city. They joined a delegation from St. Andrew Parish, which has made the trek for three years. This was the second year that the Oregon Catholics focused efforts on St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish in the Upper Ninth Ward, a largely African American faith community which defied a planned closure and has helped more than 200 parishioners get back into their homes even before fixing damaged parish buildings.

ReliefWeb » Document » Humanitarian Relief Funds for Myanmar and China receive donation of $100,000

ReliefWeb » Document » Humanitarian Relief Funds for Myanmar and China receive donation of $100,000: "The Humanitarian Relief Fund for cyclone victims in Myanmar and the earthquake in China has received a donation of one hundred thousand dollars from the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation. The donation brings the total amount collected to $264,955.87. It was presented Monday by the Minister of Communications,"

AFP: UN envoy sees 'good signs' from Myanmar at end of mission

AFP: UN envoy sees 'good signs' from Myanmar at end of mission: "YANGON (AFP) — The new UN human rights envoy for Myanmar said Thursday he had received 'good signs' that the ruling junta accepted the need for his mandate to investigate widespread claims of abuses in the country."

The Saratogian - Giving back what the floods washed away

The Saratogian - Giving back what the floods washed away: "SARATOGA SPRINGS - Local people who want to help families recently flooded out of their homes in Iowa are encouraged to drop off school supplies at the Saratoga Springs Public Library."

FEMA won't help nonprofits as much with deductibles in future storms - New Orleans Local & Small Business News - NOLA.com

FEMA won't help nonprofits as much with deductibles in future storms - New Orleans Local & Small Business News - NOLA.com: "The Federal Emergency Management Agency says that local governments, schools and hospitals in Louisiana won't get as much help from the government in paying for pricey deductibles on insurance policies in future storms as they did during Hurricane Katrina.

In a May 29 memo to disaster assistance directors around the country, FEMA says that it will reduce payment of a future insurance deductible in a storm by whatever amount of money it paid toward an insurance deductible after Katrina or Rita."

Scoop: Aid Delivery In Myanmar Still A Challenge, UN Says

Scoop: Aid Delivery In Myanmar Still A Challenge, UN Says: "Aid Delivery In Burma/Myanmar Still A Challenge, United Nations Says

5 August 2008 - Three months after Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar, delivery of sufficient relief and early recovery assistance remains a challenge, particularly in hard-to-reach areas of the affected Ayeyarwady Delta, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

'We have seen significant progress being made in the affected areas as a result of the coordinated efforts of local and international humanitarian actors. However, much more urgently needs to be done in remote areas where affected communities are still living in dire conditions,' the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, Daniel Baker, said today."

IRIN Asia | Asia | Myanmar | MYANMAR: Food shortages "significant" | Food Security Natural Disasters | News Item

IRIN Asia | Asia | Myanmar | MYANMAR: Food shortages "significant" | Food Security Natural Disasters | News Item: "- Three months after Cyclone Nargis hit southern Myanmar, hundreds of thousands of people are still not back on their feet."

Months after Myanmar cyclone, one million yet to receive help, aid worker says | ajc.com

Months after Myanmar cyclone, one million yet to receive help, aid worker says | ajc.com: "But one thing that did strike me was that there are some areas of the [Irrawaddy River] delta that have not received aid after three months,' he said.

The flow of help has been hindered because the river delta is huge and most travel is by water.

Of the 2.5 million people affected, an estimated 1 million have yet to receive help, he said."

Reuters AlertNet - Stories of hope and hardship from Myanmar

Reuters AlertNet - Stories of hope and hardship from Myanmar: "PORTLAND, ORE. - July 31, 2008) An Oregon doctor says Myanmar families still struggle to survive weeks after a deadly cyclone displaced more than 1 million people.

Dr. Wendy Dyment, a senior relief expert with Medical Teams International who recently returned from the region, saw critical shortages of medicines, food and clothing. 'Communities are far from returning to normal. Cooking utensils, soap, mosquito nets and fishing materials—all essential items to help them recover—are in short supply.'"

Cyclone-hit Myanmar struggling to find its feet | International | Reuters

Cyclone-hit Myanmar struggling to find its feet | International | Reuters: "BANGKOK (Reuters) - Three months after Cyclone Nargis slammed into army-run Myanmar, people in the worst-hit Irrawaddy delta are still in dire need of food and clean water, hampering efforts to rebuild their lives, aid agencies say."

Milpitas-based foundation aids Iowa, Myanmar disaster victims - The Milpitas Post Online

Milpitas-based foundation aids Iowa, Myanmar disaster victims - The Milpitas Post Online: "The Tzu Chi Foundation, a Milpitas-based charity and relief organization, recently provided assistance to residents impacted by the flooding in the Midwest. Month-long major rainstorms and the cresting of the Mississippi River caused severe flooding in several states. Thousands of homes were submerged in the record flooding with residents displaced.

Relief efforts by Tzu Chi for flood victims started in May. Earlier this month, 309 families in Palo, Iowa received Tzu Chi disaster financial assistance in the form of debit cards, totaling more than $155,000."

The Journal Register (Medina, NY) - RED CROSS: Disaster fund depleted

The Journal Register (Medina, NY) - RED CROSS: Disaster fund depleted: "he American Red Cross in Orleans County is facing a desperate need since their disaster fund hit rock bottom this week, said interim executive director Diana Fulcomer.

The agency has responded to three house fires since its fiscal budget year began July 1, and Fulcomer is worried that when the next fire strikes, finding the funds will be difficult.

“We need the support of our community,” she said. “Every bit will help.”"

Epoch Times - Burma Relief Still Needed

Epoch Times - Burma Relief Still Needed: "Two months after the worst storm in its history obliterated Myanmar’s (Burma) coastal regions leaving over two million Burmese homeless, the Australian Burmese community is calling on fellow Australians to support ongoing reconstruction efforts."

News: Businesses and nonprofits help Hurricane Dolly victims | businesses, dolly, hurricane : TheMonitor.com

News: Businesses and nonprofits help Hurricane Dolly victims | businesses, dolly, hurricane : TheMonitor.com: "All across the Rio Grande Valley, businesses and relief agencies spent Friday providing food, ice, water and other necessities to victims of Hurricane Dolly and to those helping them.

Here are some of the efforts that were under way Friday:"

The Canadian Press: UN says 25 per cent of cyclone aid lost to Myanmar currency controls

The Canadian Press: UN says 25 per cent of cyclone aid lost to Myanmar currency controls: "UN says 25 per cent of cyclone aid lost to Myanmar currency controls

37 minutes ago

BANGKOK, Thailand — A UN official says as much as 25 per cent of cyclone relief aid in Myanmar is being lost because of the military government's foreign exchange system.

Dan Baker, the UN humanitarian co-ordinator for Myanmar, says he is concerned that the losses could upset donors who have already shown a reluctance to fund the relief effort."

Regional exercise to prepare for disasters

Regional exercise to prepare for disasters: "ASIA'S top security forum yesterday agreed to hold its first disaster relief exercise, aimed at better preparing the region for emergencies such as this year's Myanmar cyclone and China earthquake.

Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo told reporters that the Philippines-based exercise, initiated by Washington and Manila, could begin next year."

IRIN Asia | Asia | Myanmar | MYANMAR: Access is there, donors should respond generously, says Holmes | Early Warning Food Security Health & Nutrition Natural Disasters Refugees/IDPs

IRIN Asia | Asia | Myanmar | MYANMAR: Access is there, donors should respond generously, says Holmes | Early Warning Food Security Health & Nutrition Natural Disasters Refugees/IDPs: "YANGON, 25 July 2008 (IRIN) - Following a three-day mission to Myanmar, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes says he hopes for stronger donor response in the wake of the Post Nargis Joint Assessment Report (PONJA) report released in Singapore on 22 July."

Asia-Pacific eyes coordinated disaster relief work | Newsweek News | Newsweek.com

Asia-Pacific eyes coordinated disaster relief work | Newsweek News | Newsweek.com: "(SINGAPORE) Asia-Pacific powers on Thursday announced an ambitious plan to pool their military and civilian resources for disaster responses in a region beset by cyclones, earthquakes and floods.

The region has been devastated by major natural disasters over the past several years, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and the deadly Myanmar cyclone and the large earthquake in China in May."

Railway Museum Fundraising Derailed By Flood Damage - Madison News Story - WISC Madison

Railway Museum Fundraising Derailed By Flood Damage - Madison News Story - WISC Madison: "In total, flood damages at Mid-Continent are estimated at about $3 million.

'This was something we'd never seen before, not even close,' said Meyer.

When asked if they plan to reopen, Meyer said, 'Our guys have been here at this site since 1963. They've built what you see around you and gone through a lot of sweat equity. It was mostly volunteers who established this place, so to just give up would be unthinkable.'"

County residents help save local Red Cross - NJ.com

County residents help save local Red Cross - NJ.com: "We surpassed our goal,' chapter Executive Director Laura Steinmetz announced Tuesday at the organization's 90th annual meeting at Bogey's Club and Cafe at the Pitman Golf Course.

The chapter had experienced financial difficulty for local programs following a string of hurricanes - Katrina, Rita and Wilma - and the 2004 tsunami where donations it would normally keep at home went around the world.

The campaign, Steinmetz observed, aided the local organization in ways other than financially."

Pace of Myanmar's recovery surprises US | starbulletin.com | News | /2008/07/22/

Pace of Myanmar's recovery surprises US | starbulletin.com | News | /2008/07/22/: "The leader of the only U.S. medical team to enter Myanmar since a cyclone struck two months ago said yesterday he saw a surprising number of replanted rice paddies and more reconstruction than he expected."

wfn.org | Thrivent Financial to Fund Lutheran Efforts for Midwest Flood Relief

wfn.org | Thrivent Financial to Fund Lutheran Efforts for Midwest Flood Relief: "CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Minneapolis, a faith-based membership financial organization, has announced a plan to generate $1.5 million to aid flood-affected areas in Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin."

Over 4,000 survivors in Myanmar cyclone-hit area provided with healthcare_English_Xinhua

Over 4,000 survivors in Myanmar cyclone-hit area provided with healthcare_English_Xinhua: "YANGON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A total of 4,249 survivors in Mawlamyinegyun, one of the cyclone-hard-hit areas in Ayeyawaddy delta, have been provided with healthcare by the government's mobile medical team serving on board a vessel, the official newspaper New Light of Myanmar reported Monday."

Myanmar cyclone recovery cost tops $1 bln: U.N./ASEAN | International | Reuters

Myanmar cyclone recovery cost tops $1 bln: U.N./ASEAN | International | Reuters: "SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Recovery from a cyclone that tore into Myanmar's Irrawaddy delta in May, leaving at least 138,000 dead or missing, will cost more than $1 billion, a report by the United Nations and Southeast Asian nations concluded."

Humanitarian groups concerned that UN aid flights in Myanmar to end next month - International Herald Tribune

Humanitarian groups concerned that UN aid flights in Myanmar to end next month - International Herald Tribune: "A United Nations decision to end aid flights to Myanmar next month could hurt relief efforts already struggling to reach millions of survivors with adequate food and water, humanitarian groups said Friday."

The Hawk Eye-Volunteers come from all over country to lend a hand

The Hawk Eye: "OAKVILLE -- Mike Husbands of Texas celebrated his 76th birthday Tuesday over cake and ice cream at the Solid Rock Baptist Church with a few of his colleagues from the Texas Baptist Men along with a lot of strangers.

Some are from Georgia, others from Pennsylvania, Mississippi and Iowa, and they all sat and shared sweet treats after a day of hard work tearing up sheet rock, wood and other debris from Oakville homes destroyed by last month's devastating flood."

Panda Research in China Hampered by Earthquake - Philanthropy.com

Panda Research in China Hampered by Earthquake - Philanthropy.com: "Panda Research in China Hampered by Earthquake

The earthquake that struck China two months ago has had a crippling effect on a research facility that studies panda bears, according to National Public Radio’s All Things Considered."

:: TheSouthern.com - Southern Illinois' Homepage ::

:: TheSouthern.com - Southern Illinois' Homepage ::: "Victims of last March's flood could soon have some much-needed relief.

Southern Illinois Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, a coalition of social service agencies and churches, recently formed to organize relief after disaster strikes.

The group is putting its immediate efforts toward helping people still recovering after the March floods, said Ed Hoke of Herrin, the coalition's leader."

Int'l relief supplies for Myanmar cyclone victims reach over 8,000 tons_English_Xinhua

Int'l relief supplies for Myanmar cyclone victims reach over 8,000 tons_English_Xinhua: "YANGON, July 14 (Xinhua) -- International relief supplies, sent by 31 countries and one region as well as 19 organizations for Myanmar cyclone victims, amounted to 8,408 tons as of the end of June after the country was hit by storm Nargis in early May, official media said in a compiled statistics Monday."

Myanmar urges donations for cyclone rebuilding

Myanmar urges donations for cyclone rebuilding: "YANGON - MYANMAR'S military government on Monday urged the world to donate building supplies rather than food to help victims of the cyclone that devastated the country two months ago."

Fond du Lac Reporter

Fond du Lac Reporter: "Salvation came to Fond du Lac wearing athletes shoes Tuesday night.

Members of the Green Bay Packers brought their tailgate tour to the city to benefit the Salvation Army's flood-depleted coffers.

Unfortunately, ticket sales fell short of the goal.

'We had hoped to sell about 650 tickets, but the actual number was around 200,' said Denise Shaffer, community development coordinator for Fond du Lac's Salvation Army.

Despite lackluster fundraising, Shafer said the non-profit took advantage of a good thing and decided to turn it into a community event. For $25, ticket holders were treated to an evening with Packer running back Brandon Jackson, wide receiver James Jones and guard/center Jason Spitz. Autographs, a question-and-answer session, food and prizes were meted out."

Alliant to offer grants for nonprofits hit by floods | GazetteOnline.com - Cedar Rapids, Iowa City

Alliant to offer grants for nonprofits hit by floods | GazetteOnline.com - Cedar Rapids, Iowa City: "Alliant to offer grants for nonprofits hit by floods
The Gazette
A new grant program set up by Alliant Energy Foundation will offer non-profit groups and programs up to $20,000 to help recover from the recent floods.

The charitable foundation of Madison, Wis.-based Alliant Energy allocated $1 million for the new Rebuilding Our Communities Grant Program."

Group gives cleaning supplies to flood victims | Ocala.com | Star-Banner | Ocala, FL

Group gives cleaning supplies to flood victims | Ocala.com | Star-Banner | Ocala, FL: "The organizers of the Disaster Buckets project have seen how hard it is to rebuild life after a flood, and are collecting buckets full of cleaning supplies to offer help and hope to people affected by last month's flooding.

Volunteers for Compassionate Alliance will drive the Disaster Buckets to Burlington, Iowa, and Clarksville, Mo., in semi-trucks. The first truck will depart on July 26, and the volunteers hope it will contain around 1,500 buckets."

Myanmar: UN appeals for $482 million for cyclone recovery

Myanmar: UN appeals for $482 million for cyclone recovery: "0 July 2008 – The United Nations has appealed for a total of $482 million to assist victims of Cyclone Nargis which devastated large areas of Myanmar in early May, leaving around 140,000 dead or missing and severely affecting an estimated 2.4 million people."

AmeriCares Meets Long-Term Health Needs of Disaster Victims in China and Myanmar - MarketWatch

AmeriCares Meets Long-Term Health Needs of Disaster Victims in China and Myanmar - MarketWatch: "STAMFORD, Conn., July 10 -- AmeriCares is continuing its efforts to provide long-term relief for people living in China's earthquake-stricken Sichuan Province and in areas most affected by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. The nonprofit international aid organization today announced it has delivered a second field hospital to Sichuan Province and provided a second shipment of life-saving medicines and medical supplies to support primary health clinics serving displaced people in Myanmar's Irrawaddy Delta."

Faced with destruction, Art Museum ponders move - Metro

Faced with destruction, Art Museum ponders move - Metro: "Maggie Anderson stepped through the doorway of the UI Art Museum Wednesday for what might be the last time.

The devastating floods have made a permanent relocation a very real possibility for the museum.

'I don't know where it will be or when it will happen,' said Anderson, the marketing manager for the museum and a former DI arts reporter. 'We're just in the evaluation stage.'"

The ignored nonrecovery of New Orleans | Geek Gestalt - by Daniel Terdiman - CNET News.com

The ignored nonrecovery of New Orleans | Geek Gestalt - by Daniel Terdiman - CNET News.com: "NEW ORLEANS--Don't let anyone ever tell you that New Orleans is doing just fine three years after Hurricane Katrina.

Sure, it's true that some areas of the city, like the French Quarter or the Garden District, seem back to normal, with swarms of tourists, drinks flowing, and the leisurely pace and laid-back attitude the city is famous for on full display. And it's also true that there are parts of town where you'd never know anything bad happened."

Red Cross plans faux flood - Milton, PA - The Standard-Journal

Red Cross plans faux flood - Milton, PA - The Standard-Journal: "MILTON — Watsontown, batten down the hatches, a faux flood will be sweeping through the borough.
The American Red Cross of Upper Northumberland County will be holding a simulated disaster drill 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 16."

South Bend Tribune: Lilly Endowment aids in flood relief

South Bend Tribune: Lilly Endowment aids in flood relief: "INDIANAPOLIS -- In the wake of massive flooding from storms across Indiana, the Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded grants totaling $50 million for disaster relief and recovery."

Area Youth Raise Funds for Victims of Natural Disasters in Asia - Lyme Times

Area Youth Raise Funds for Victims of Natural Disasters in Asia - Lyme Times: "Area Youth Raise Funds for Victims of Natural Disasters in Asia
Posted by Suzanne Thompson on Jun 27 2008, 10:36 AM
Filed under: Volunteer, Youth

Most of us have been saddened, but not directly touched, by the natural disasters in Asia in recent weeks, the earth quake relief efforts in China and the thwarted international aid attempts after tropical cyclone Nargis hit the coast of Myanmar, devastating large parts of the low-lying Irrawaddy delta, in the closely-controlled country,"

An appeal to Iowans: Donate to flood recovery | DesMoinesRegister.com | The Des Moines Register

An appeal to Iowans: Donate to flood recovery | DesMoinesRegister.com | The Des Moines Register: "Gov. Chet Culver tapped Barry Griswell, chairman of Principal Financial Group, and Fred Hubbell, former head of the Equitable of Iowa Cos., to lead the effort, which will target businesses and other potential major donors.

The Register is partnering with the collaborative by launching a special edition of Embrace Iowa, its 23-year-old holiday giving program, to encourage individual donations and publicize the project.

The collaborative's leaders emphasize they do not wish to discourage local giving in hard-hit areas."

Chief's wife seeks flood aid for Iowa | Ocala.com | Star-Banner | Ocala, FL

Chief's wife seeks flood aid for Iowa | Ocala.com | Star-Banner | Ocala, FL: "As the Iowa city and other parts of the Midwest dealt with floodwaters that destroyed homes and businesses, the basement at the police department was also under water.

Though still in Ocala, Graham's wife, Amy, wanted to help the people in her new home"

Culver taps more leaders to help with fundraising effort - AOL News

Culver taps more leaders to help with fundraising effort - AOL News: "Culver taps more leaders to help with fundraising effort
AP
Posted: 2008-06-21 15:38:31
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Gov. Chet Culver is asking a handful of Iowa's top business and civic leaders to help raise money for flood relief efforts."

The American Red Cross Urges Safety in States Affected by Flooding - AOL Money & Finance

The American Red Cross Urges Safety in States Affected by Flooding - AOL Money & Finance: "The American Red Cross Urges Safety in States Affected by Flooding
PR NEWSWIRE
Posted: 2008-06-21 12:00:58
WASHINGTON, June 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross forges on with relief efforts as hundreds of thousands of residents in states across the Midwest continue to feel the effects of recent flooding, as some are allowed to return to damaged homes and many others remain in shelters. Along the Mississippi River, residents in Missouri and Illinois brace themselves as the river surpasses record flood levels and continues to break or compromise levees."

Depleted Red Cross fights to avoid loan | DesMoinesRegister.com | The Des Moines Register

Depleted Red Cross fights to avoid loan | DesMoinesRegister.com | The Des Moines Register: "The American Red Cross, too, is in need of help. The national agency's disaster relief fund has been depleted and it is trying to raise $15 million so it can avoid taking a loan, spokeswoman Laura Howe said. More money may be needed depending on how much damage the swollen Mississippi River does as floodwaters move south.

About $5 million has been raised in the past week, Howe said."

Red Cross working hard to stay ahead of flooding

Red Cross working hard to stay ahead of flooding: "Despite some of the flood waters receding, people in the county are still finding themselves in need.

'Sometimes it takes a disaster to raise awareness,' said Betsy Hanson, executive director of the American Red Cross West Bend Chapter. 'At this time we’re actively fundraising in the area.'"

FdL United Way seeks match dollars for flood victims | fdlreporter.com | Fond du Lac Reporter

FdL United Way seeks match dollars for flood victims | fdlreporter.com | Fond du Lac Reporter: "he Fond du Lac Area United Way announced that they have pledged the first $10,000 in a special coordinated fund-raising campaign to aid local flood relief victims in Fond du Lac County.

“We are looking to the community to match this money and the Sophia Foundation has already pledged $1,000,” noted Dr. Greg Maass, board president."

The Royal Gazette

The Royal Gazette: "The Bermuda Red Cross managed to raise $13,602 through a fundraiser held on June 1, with all proceeds going toward relief for the Myanmar (also known as Burma) cyclone."

Myanmar's junta announces small reshuffle of Cabinet and military posts - International Herald Tribune

Myanmar's junta announces small reshuffle of Cabinet and military posts - International Herald Tribune: "YANGON, Myanmar: Myanmar's junta reshuffled three of its top-ranked officials Friday, giving one of the key ministers in charge of cyclone relief work more time to focus on his job."

Australia pledges long-term help for Indonesia's Aceh | Reuters

Australia pledges long-term help for Indonesia's Aceh | Reuters: "Australia pledges long-term help for Indonesia's Aceh
Sat Jun 14, 2008 8:15am BST


BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, June 14 (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd praised on Saturday the rebuilding of Indonesia's tsunami-devastated Aceh province and pledged that Canberra would remain a long-term partner.

Australia was the first nation to offer aid to Indonesia after the disaster, sending transport aircraft and military personnel, as well as millions of dollars in government cash."

Red Cross Needs $15-$40 Million To Provide Relief, Assistance To Midwest Flood Victims | AHN | June 17, 2008

Red Cross Needs $15-$40 Million To Provide Relief, Assistance To Midwest Flood Victims | AHN | June 17, 2008: "Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The American Red Cross has used up its national disaster relief fund and is borrowing money to be able to provide relief and assistance to Midwest flood victims.

Red Cross officials estimated it would need between $15 million to $40 million for the relief efforts, with the figure gravitating toward the higher end if St. Louis would be flooded by Mississippi River waters."