Nearly 22,500 people have died in the cyclone that struck Burma this weekend. In response, OBI has teamed up with German-based medical nonprofit organization, Humedica, in a medical outreach to help cyclone victims in Myanmar.

MYANMAR (formerly Burma) - Government officials report the death toll from Saturday’s cyclone Nargis has climbed from 4,000 as of yesterday to nearly 22,500 today.

Still, 41,000 people remain missing and between 2 and 3 million people are now homeless.

Cyclone Nargis dumped 20 inches of rain and battered the delta region with 150 mph winds leaving uprooted trees, downed power lines and extensive flooding in its wake.

In response, Operation Blessing has teamed up with German-based medical nonprofit organization, Humedica, in a medical outreach to help cyclone victims in Myanmar.

A team of Humedica doctors arrived in Bangkok last night and are awaiting approval of visas from the Myanmar embassy. Once visas are approved the team will fly into Myanmar to assist cyclone victims in the YMCA clinic in Yangon.

OBI is contributing funding for the Humedica operation, which is also supported by the German Foreign Ministry.

Kumar Periasamy, OBI's International Director of Disaster Relief is in Singapore also waiting for his Myanmar visa. Kumar will join the Humedica team and assess the situation to look for ways to expand relief efforts.

"We are anxious to send water purification systems and more doctors and medical support, possibly from existing OB medical teams in China, India, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia,"said Bill Horan, president of OBI.

"OBI partners DHL, Water Missions International and Mission Aviation Fellowship are standing ready to assist OBI efforts as soon as we get a green light to enter the country and permission to clear customs with water purification systems, medicine and relief supplies,"Horan added.

The Chinese Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA), a humanitarian arm of the Chinese government, has contacted OB China in Beijing offering food and relief supplies.

"We are studying the logistic issues in anticipation of permission from Myanmar government to proceed," Horan said.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

 

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