At around 3am on Saturday May 3 2008 Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar (Burma), sending winds of up to 190 km per hour crashing through the country and leaving an estimated 22,000 people dead and more than 40,000 missing.

The death toll is still rising.

Tens of thousands of homes have been flattened, roads destroyed and power lines ripped down, and aid agencies are reporting that as many as 1 million people may be left without access to food, shelter or water in what is being described as the worst storm to hit Asia in 25 years.In the immediate aftermath of the catastrophe the main issues are shelter and clean water, but prices of food, fuel and other basic necessities have also soared and people are being forced to queue for hours in order to access their most basic requirements.

Many areas of the country are completely cut-off and five regions with a combined population of 24 million have been declared disaster zones. Survivors in the worst-hit area of Irrawaddy Delta are facing the risk of widespread disease and hunger. International aid is only now beginning to get through and shipments are currently being prepared by international agencies and national governments.

Islamic Relief Action

An IR emergency response team is being prepared to fly out to Myanmar at the earliest opportunity. Contact is being made with potential partners on the ground and we need £3 million to cover: plastic sheeting, tents, water purification tablets, water filters, hygiene kits, medicines, mosquito nets and food. Help us to help the people of Myanmar.

HELP US TO HELP MYANMAR NOW

Click here to donate online or direct bank-in to
MBB Acc. No: 5621 4270 8704