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."

USPS - National Mail Service Updates

USPS - National Mail Service Updates: "Iowa Flooding
Service updates for Waterloo, IA, and Cedar Rapids, IA

Waterloo, IA, 50701"

IAEM - Europa - News > Exercise For Rapid Disaster Relief With Space-Based Technologies

IAEM - Europa - News > Exercise For Rapid Disaster Relief With Space-Based Technologies: "In Cyprus, disaster management experts of the European Union tested a satellite based system for monitoring disaster areas. On behalf of the European Commission, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has developed a system that enables disaster relief workers to access up to date satellite images while being in the field and exchange data among themselves.

The exercise took place in the framework of the EU-project LIMES (Land and Sea Integrated Monitoring for European Security), which develops and applies satellite-based technologies in the field of security for Europe."

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "More than 75 percent of people needing shelter after Myanmar's cyclone are without tarpaulins for emergency protection six weeks after the storm devastated the southern Irrawaddy River Delta, aid workers said."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "June 15, 2008

Fundraising Fizzles For Myanmar And China
Donors don't think their money will get there

By Mark Hrywna
Donors have opened their wallets to help the devastated regions of China and Myanmar in recent weeks, but giving hasn't reached the levels seen after the 2004 Asian tsunami or the Gulf Coast hurricanes in 2005.

At press time, roughly $70 million was raised, compared to the more than $1 billion for Katrina, Rita, and the tsunami."

Tornado brings out remarkable giving spirit | coloradoan.com | The Coloradoan,

Tornado brings out remarkable giving spirit | coloradoan.com | The Coloradoan,: "nstead of celebration, however, hundreds of people affected by the tornado spent the holiday looking for shelter, wondering how they might recover their salvageable belongings."

New Myanmar guidelines will not hamper relief efforts: Asean

New Myanmar guidelines will not hamper relief efforts: Asean: "Following a meeting with Myanmar Minister of Social Welfare Brigadier General Maung Maung Swe in Yangon, Myanmar on Saturday, Asean Secretary-General Dr Surin Pitsuwan said he was given assurance by the minister that the guiding principles on foreign assistance recently, issued by the Government of Myanmar, would not hamper the relief efforts of the Asean-led coordination mechanism."

Web Host Industry News | Go Daddy Donates to Flood Victims

Web Host Industry News | Go Daddy Donates to Flood Victims: "Go Daddy Donates to Flood Victims

By Justin Lee, theWHIR.com

June 16, 2008 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- Go Daddy Domain registrar and web hosting provider Go Daddy (godaddy.com) announced on Friday it is helping to support victims of the Iowa flooding with a $100,000 donation to the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Salvation Army."

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

Chris Brogan pointed to this story on RexBlog.com

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

Iowa Call Center Swiftly Transforms Into Emergency Response Unit

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

Logistics hamper Myanmar relief - CNN.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Sharon Gaudin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Associated Press: Myanmar lashes out at cyclone response criticism

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

4 hours ago

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

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

Donation frenzy sweeps China - upiasiaonline.com

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

The Associated Press: US military extends aid offer to Myanmar

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

By JOCELYN GECKER – 1 hour ago

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

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

Burmese forced from relief camps | csmonitor.com

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

Bloomberg.com: Asia

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

By Paul Tighe

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

Text to Save Lives: Mobile Giving Takes Off - ReadWriteWeb

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

The boom in private giving - International Herald Tribune

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

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

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

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

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide

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

Myanmar Rulers Still Impeding Access - NYTimes.com

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

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

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

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

Keep charity clean

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

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

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

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

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

Giving even more

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

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

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

Charles City Press - News

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

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

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

Firms helping disaster victims - The Connecticut Post Online

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

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

Myanmar evicts cyclone refugees from tented village | International | Reuters

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

The Politics of Donations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local groups pledge to rebuild damaged school

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

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

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

The Horse: Animal Relief En Route to Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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