Assistance still needed for Giri Cyclone Victims

Assistance still needed for Giri Cyclone Victims

Cyclone Giri, a category 4 storm struck the west coast of Burma’s Arakan State on October 22, causing heavy damages in Kyaukpyu, Minbya, Myebon, Paukta and Man-aung Townships. According to the latest reports the Cyclone completely destroyed 52,000 households, killing more than 160 people and affecting an estimated 260,000 people, and 101,923 people still remain homeless.

Unlike the governments of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, the Burmese government was reluctant to accept the International aid initially just like the case of Cyclone Nargis, which swept away entire Irrawaddy delta in 2008. The authorities also limited the movement of aid groups many times. Many reports said that while the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party had distributed rice to storm victims before the Burma’s general election on November 7, they were nowhere to be seen now.

In the most of the worst-hit townships, the victims are now facing shortages of drinking water and suffering from diarrhoea and eye infections, said an aid worker.

Relief is getting through now, according to the latest update by UN office. US had already donated $100,000 and promised another US $ 3 million.

“An immediate US$200,000 was provided last month through the Australian Red Cross, and the further US$2.8 million will be delivered through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Australian non-governmental organisations, Care Australia, Save the Children Fund, Oxfam Australia, Burnet Institute and the Australian Red Cross,” Ocha said its ninth situation report on the storm.

NGOs and social aid groups were also providing assistance in food, shelter, clothing and health care in the other hard-hit townships.

However, the victims are still facing enormous problems such as drinking water, malnutrition, health care, and no proper shelter etc.

Russa Road Young Buddhist Student Literacy Mission has collected some small donations US $ 1725/= and handed over to the most venerable Alodawpyei Sayadaw, who is organising relief works very effectively. So far the Sayadaw (Venerable) had raised materials and funds worth of US $ 100,000/= and donated to the victims directly. You may kindly visit the website of the Sayadaw: www.alodawpyei.org. But it is mostly in Burmese. However, still you can see the activities photos of the relief works done by the Sayadaw. We appeal to you for this noble cause.

Peace be unto you by the power of the Triple Gem.

With Metta,

Nando Batha