Our response to the Myanmar cyclone

updated: 18-Nov-2008

Cyclone Nargis

"56,000 missing and 78,000 confirmed dead, with an estimated 2.4 million people needing food, shelter or medical care": those were the casualty statistics after Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar on Saturday, 3rd May, causing a huge tidal surge to sweep inland. Almost all of the deaths occurred in the Irrawaddy river delta region.  Since May, figures have continued to rise alarmingly, and officials have not been able to keep up with the tally.  It is feared that a total of over 1 million people will have lost their lives as a result of this disaster.  

Response – immediate and longer term

Workers already in Myanmar formulated plans to help those most devastated by Cyclone Nargis. Bags of rice were bought and distributed.  In one  week recently, a total of 69 bags were given to 965 needy familes!

Two specific areas are visited regularly, to concentrate what possible practical care and help can be offered in order to make a quantifiable difference to those in need. The team and volunteers therefore visit and revisit several villages in outlying areas, accessible only by boat.  One area, in particular, now takes eight hours to reach by boat.   The team also visits townships regularly.

Initial devastation

The initial devastation was extensive. Everything was destroyed. People lined the streets, waiting; grateful for whatever they were given.  Clean water was the biggest need, with the threat of water-borne diseases like dysentery

Homeless people gathered at monasteries, schools and other more solidly constructed buildings.  In one village of 800 people, only 170 remain.

"We are still homeless, helpless and hopeless"

Many families have now rebuilt their homes along the embankment of the rice fields. When the heavy rains come, leeches sometimes come and bite the heads of the children while they are sleeping in their homes. Some of the women said that the team had come just at the right time, because they had no dinner for that day. Many people are homeless, helpless, and hopeless. The rice brings some joy and hope.  

The villagers' needs

All the villages need pure water and water pots in which to store water; materials and tools to rebuild houses; medical treatment; food; farming resources; kitchen items; and clothing.  These items are all sourced locally, using your financial donations, and brought to the villagers either by truck or boat.

As part of the team's Rice Seed Programme, the team donated tractors,  together with precious seed to sow. 

“The team is giving what is the biggest need for our village. Our village will always remember the team. May our generation see this and acknowledge what the team did for our village,” said the village leader, after the team had completed installing wells for one village and its neighbours. 

“People came to our village and told the villagers that they wanted to help, but they never appeared again.  The villagers were angry with us because they thought we wouldn’t accept their help.  You are meeting us and really helping us.  You’re doing a great job for our village.  Thank you so much.”

A total of eight wells have been completed in the Delta region and construction materials for the provision of twenty new houses.  The plan is for another 140 houses to be built with the team's help; again, with your help.

The people said, “We will never forget you in all our life for helping us when we are in trouble.  We really thank you for your compassion and loving care even when we are not the same religion.” 

In the rebuilding programme, one woman's house was rebuilt with the team's help: She was married and expecting a child, so her husband told her he would go to find work to rebuild the house.  She never heard from him again. Ten days ago, she gave birth to her daughter.  Because of your help, she and her little girl have a home to live in.

The team’s needs

Team members have opportunities to talk as they offer practical and spiritual support, and are tireless in representing your love for the people they serve.   Please keep them in your prayers.

Thank you for your generosity in partnering with us.

Cyclone Appeal

You can give to our appeal either on this website, or to your local OM office. Mark it "Myanmar Cyclone Appeal".

The cyclone hit the most vulnerable, those living in the Delta area of Myanmar, miles from the capital and its facilities. Vital aid is still only trickling through to those most needing help. As the days go by, so the desperation grows, and hope fails.

Our team is able to access families and bring precious rice, clean water, blankets, clothing, basic medical and household necessities.

  • We need your help to purchase supplies.
  • We need your help to meet transport costs to the villages.
  • We need your help to bring in counsellors to train local people in trauma counselling.

For all these things, we need your financial partnership.

No gift is too small, no donation too great: the need is immense. Thank you.

Recent Photos
Myanmar Cyclone 2008

Myanmar Cyclone: Village scene<br>Needy village involved in the Rice Seed Project. Myanmar Cyclone: tractor<br>Tractors are given to needy villages as part of the Rice Seed Project. Myanmar Cyclone: Visiting a family<br>Visiting a needy family. Myanmar Cyclone: Woman, baby and temporary shelter<br>Woman and baby by temporary shelter of sticks overlaid with tarpaulin. Myanmar Cyclone: Young family.<br>Youthful family waiting for visitors. Myanmar Cyclone: Village scene by water<br>Typical scene on the water. Myanmar Cyclone: Visiting a family<br>Visiting a needy family. Myanmar Cyclone: Villagers wave goodbye<br>Villagers wave goodbye to visitors. Myanmar Cyclone: villagers gather inside<br>Those living together gather to receive aid. Myanmar Cyclone: Limited activity<br>Those who have lost their possessions, home and livelihood have little to do, except hang around. Myanmar Cyclone: People gather as aid arrives<br>Villagers gather as the boat arrives with precious help. Myanmar Cyclone: Villagers seeking shelter<br>These villagers sought shelter in the monasteries when their homes were swept away. Myanmar Cyclone: Villager reparing roof<br>This villager is making temporary repairs to his shelter with palm leaves. Myanmar Cyclone: Village needing help<br>A typical village scene after the cyclone, and someone bringing relief. Myanmar Cyclone: Village scene<br>A typical village scene after the cyclone by water. Myanmar Cyclone: Village children<br>As the team arrives at the village, the children gather around. Myanmar Cyclone: View of village by boat<br>As the team arrives at the village, this is their initial view. Myanmar Cyclone: Unloading for a family<br>A family receives help from the team. Myanmar Cyclone: Travelling in by truck<br>The view of a village by road as aid comes in by truck. Myanmar Cyclone: Gathering of survivors<br>Survivors gather after receiving aid.

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