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."

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

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

By Caroline Preston

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

China promises transparency in quake donation fund use_English_Xinhua

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

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

Canada falls short on aid to Burma

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

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

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

Corporations Lend Helping Hand to Myanmar, China

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

By Aliah D. Wright, May 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

China Journal : Charity Begins at Home

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

Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca

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

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

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

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

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

Marketplace: Relief groups tackle two Asian disasters

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

China earthquake toll update - CNN.com

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

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

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

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

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

ABS-CBN News Online (Beta)

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

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

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

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

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

ASEAN aid meeting on Myanmar seen offering little | Reuters

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

Powerful Quake Ravages China, Killing Thousands - New York Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

The New Straits Times Online......

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

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

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

News1130 - ALL NEWS RADIO.

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

Myanmar Cyclone Fundraising Sluggish -- -- Courant.com

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

Canadians fear for relatives, friends in China

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

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

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

From Philanthropy in Action

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

by Laura Starita

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

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

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

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

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

globeandmail.com: Canadians open wallets in aftermath of cyclone

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

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

France seeks approval for direct aid to Myanmar | Reuters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangkok Post : General news

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

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

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

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

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