American Red Cross Steps Up Relief For Survivors Of Myanmar Cyclone

Adds contribution of $1 million to support its humanitarian efforts
WASHINGTON, Wednesday, May 2008 — The American Red Cross will receive a contribution of $1 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to assist the people affected by Cyclone Nargis. This brings the American Red Cross commitment to this international disaster response to $1.25 million.

“Our hearts go out to the families who have been impacted by this crisis,” said David Meltzer, senior vice president, International Services of the American Red Cross. “Through this collaboration with USAID, we will be able to strengthen our relief efforts and provide urgently needed supplies to those in the affected area.”

Since the storm struck, volunteers from the Myanmar Red Cross have been distributing relief items such as tarps, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, drinking water and water-purification tablets to survivors. Teams from the Myanmar Red Cross have also been surveying some of hardest-hit communities along the Irrawaddy delta, assessing the damage and funneling aid to those in need.

“USAID is pleased to work with the American Red Cross to provide assistance to the Burmese people,” said USAID Administrator Henrietta H. Fore. “Many have suffered a great deal during and in the aftermath of the storm, and we offer our support and assistance in their time of need.”

The American Red Cross is working with its partners in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to facilitate the shipment of supplies—such as tarps, hygiene kits and insecticide-treated bed nets— from a warehouse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. An initial shipment, including shelter kits, is expected to arrive in country tomorrow.

There has been extensive damage to infrastructure and roads, and access through air and sea ports has been disrupted. As access opens, the American Red Cross will continue to work with its partners to expedite the relief supplies and determine additional means of supporting the ongoing relief efforts.

You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.