Assessing Cyclone Nargis damage

People walk past a van that has been crushed by an advertising board blown over by the winds of Cyclone Nargis in Yangon May 3, 2008 [REUTERS/Ana Maria Agullo Zurita, courtesy www.alertnet.org]

Following the devastating Cyclone Nargis that hit many heavily populated areas of Burma on May 3, CAFOD is working closely with the international Caritas network to assess how best to respond

State media reports that more than 22,000 people have died, and around 41,000 are missing after Cyclone Nargis hit the country, causing a huge tidal surge to sweep inland.

Shelter and food

In the aftermath of such a severe cyclone, immediate needs include lack of shelter, lack of food, and damage to water and sanitation systems that could result in the spread of waterborne diseases.

It is likely that in the longer term food supplies for the country will be affected as large areas of agricultural land have been affected.

The limited access in Burma makes it very difficult for aid agencies and civil society groups to operate.

CAFOD hopes that the political environment will not hinder much needed relief supplies reaching those people most affected by the cyclone.

For further information please contact Fiona Callister on 020 7095 5558 or 07867 908720

A man distributes blankets in Mansehra, Pakistan. [Jim Stipe]

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CAFOD is also a member of the DEC (Disasters and Emergencies Committee) - a network of aid agencies which supports relief efforts around the world

Currently, the DEC is running an Myanmar Cyclone Appeal
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Published on 06/05/2008, last updated on 10/09/2008

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