Episcopal Relief and Development continues to provide emergency assistance to families impacted by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar (Burma).

The official death toll from the cyclone stands at 78,000, with over 56,000 people still missing. Approximately 1 million people are reported by the government to be homeless. In the capital, Yangon, many parts remain without electricity, clean water or telecommunications.

In response to the disaster, Episcopal Relief and Development’s local partners formed a relief committee and immediately sent out four teams to survey the affected areas in the Irrawaddy Delta. The full extent of the damage in the Delta region is still emerging, but the team that was sent to what appears to be the worst affected area has confirmed widespread damage and extensive loss of life.

In some places, entire villages have been devastated, with few if any survivors. In other places, survivors have huddled together in makeshift shelters awaiting aid. Travel in that area is extremely difficult, and villages are often in isolated and remote areas, accessible only by boat. A medical team has been sent to some parts of the most affected area, meeting both medical needs and distributing relief supplies.

Episcopal Relief and Development continues to support our local partners as they provide immediate disaster relief and begin to develop long-term rebuilding plans. Nearly a million people are still in need of food, clean water, medical supplies and shelter.

To help people affected by the cyclone in Myanmar, please make a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development’s “Myanmar & Cyclone Response” fund online at http://www.er-d.org/ , or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development “Myanmar & Cyclone Response” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.