ERD continues to assist recovery efforts in Myanmar, responds to Typhoon Fengshen in the Philippines

July 03, 2008 [ERD] Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) continues to provide emergency assistance to communities devastated by Cyclone Nargis, which struck Myanmar (Burma) on May 2. The entire Irrawaddy Delta Region, which is home to 21.5 million of Myanmar's 53 million residents, has been declared a disaster zone. Official figures state that 77,738 people have been killed, 55,917 are missing and 19,359 are injured. An additional one million people are homeless.

Working in partnership with the Anglican Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM), ERD is supporting relief and recovery efforts. Prior to the cyclone, the agency was working with CPM on economic development, water and sanitation, education, agriculture and livestock programs. The cyclone has not impacted the continuation of these programs.

CPM's relief activities are centered in multiple remote villages in the township of Latputta in the delta region. From this base, staff members are able to reach out to people in the most affected zone. CPM is the only resident agency operating in this area and is supporting medical care and other emergency services. "God has given us the strength to extend a smile amidst our tears," says Myanmar Archbishop Stephen Than Myint Oo.

Earlier this week, ERD staff members returned from Myanmar and confirmed that CPM is receiving and disbursing the agency's support. "Given the enormity of the disaster, the difficult work CPM continues to do with more than 1,500 survivors of multiple faiths really demonstrates compassion and effective service. With Episcopal Relief and Development's support, they have been able to provide food, shelter, livestock replacement, reconstruction and health services," says Abagail Nelson, ERD's senior vice president for programs.

ERD is responding to Typhoon Fengshen which battered the Philippines this past weekend. The typhoon left at least 229 people dead with 700 still missing after a passenger ferry capsized during the storm.

Many villages have been flooded. Fields containing the recently planted rice crop have been washed away, intensifying concern about a looming food crisis in the nation.

Together with Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, ERD is assisting in meeting the immediate needs of families impacted by the disaster. People are in need of emergency food, clothing and shelter.

To help people affected by the cyclone in Myanmar or Typhoon Fengshen in the Philippines, make a donation to ERD's "Myanmar & Cyclone Response" or "Emergency Relief Fund (Philippines)" online here, or by calling 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development "Myanmar & Cyclone Response" or "Emergency Relief Fund (Philippines)" P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.

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