Humanitarian Coalition Reaches Over 200,000 Survivors

15/05/2008

Toronto, ON (May 15, 2008) The agencies of the Humanitarian Coalition note that conditions are rapidly deteriorating across southern Myanmar (formerly Burma) as government authorities now confirm 62,000 have died and the UN raises its estimates to 127,990 (from 100,000). It is reported that between 1.6 million and 2.5 million people have been "severely affected" by the cyclone.

Save the Children and CARE International continue their relief programs with over 1000 staff now working against time to prevent further deaths from dehydration and disease. As partners in the Humanitarian Coalition, CARE Canada, Save the Children Canada, Oxfam Canada and Oxfam Quebec are urging Canadians to give financial support to their relief efforts on the ground.

Save the Children Activities to date

  • Save the Children has delivered aid to 115,000 people (33,000 children)
  • Rice, dahl, oil, Water purification tablets, oral rehydration tablets, plastic sheeting for shelter and protection, kitchen equipment, medical supplies have been distributed through a network of trucks and boats
  • Save the Children is escalating child protection activities as part of every aid distribution (child tracing, registration, feeding, shelter, safe play spaces)

CARE Activities to Date

  • Rice has been distributed to shelters in Dagon township along with fuel for temple generators and water allocated to 10,000 people in 2 townships
  • Distribution of toothpaste, toothbrushes, cloth, soap, towels and rice have been completed in Thaketa Township
  • Two trucks containing 1,000 family kits and 5,000 mosquito nets delivered

OXFAM Activities to Date

  • Oxfam's local partners have provided food, blankets and medical treatment to more than 68,000 people
  • Relief packages distributed through partners include cooking oil, salt, mosquito nets, candles, flashlights and batteries.
  • Oxfam has large stockpiles of supplies ready to send in - 10,000 family hygiene kits, 20,000 water buckets and 40,000 facemasks.

Save the Children has been working in Myanmar for 13 years, CARE for 14 years. These organizations have agreements with the government that allows receipt of goods and work within communities. Save the Children has 500 local staff and 35 offices around the country. CARE has 500 personnel in 120 villages in Myanmar.

Canadians can support the relief effort by donating to THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION at 1-800-464-9154 or http://www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca.

Media Contact: Sue Rooks, Save the Children Canada, Media Relations, The Humanitarian Coalition, , Cell: 647-273-7134