The number of Myanmar cyclone survivors being helped by Tearfund partners is now more than 100,000.
And that figure will rise over the coming weeks as more aid distributions take place.
Tearfund’s church linked partners, which cannot be named for their own security, have been working since Cyclone Nargis struck on 2 May to bring relief supplies to those affected in the Irrawaddy and Yangon areas.
The bulk of the operation to date has been concentrating on providing food, clean water, medical supplies and shelter.
It’s estimated that 77,000 people died and more than 50,000 are missing after the storm which brought 120mph winds and massive tidal surges. The UN reckons 2.4 million people have been affected by Nargis.
Many survivors were injured by Cyclone Nargis. Tearfund partners are providing medical help. Picture: Tearfund partner.
Although the speed of the aid effort is picking up, Tearfund’s partners insist more is needed.
Both partners have been working in Myanmar for many years, one of them using its network of more than 4,000 churches to mobilise volunteers to provide help to 75,000 people.
Tearfund’s second Christian partner has 200 staff and its relief teams are helping 40,000 survivors.
Alison Fernandes, Tearfund’s Country Representative for Myanmar, has just returned from the country.
`There’s a real buzz of activity at the moment,’ said Alison. `Our partners are working flat out distributing aid to more than 100,000 people.’
Tearfund is also exploring working with new partners in Myanmar to bring help to more people.
Winds of up to 120mph smashed houses and flattened trees. Picture: Tearfund partner.