[whataretheysaying] Mary Madigan: The Burma Cyclone

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Posted by Mary Madigan:
The Burma Cyclone
http://whataretheysaying.powerblogs.com/posts/1210870309.shtml


   A message from [1]Doctors without Borders:

     In many locations throughout the delta we are the only aid group
     present. As Juli Niebuhr, Deputy Country Manager for Myanmar told
     us today, "At the moment our main concern is to get the essentials
     to people through the most effective means possible."

     Led by highly experienced local field staff, the teams started our
     emergency response with the supplies we had in stock, including
     rice, canned fish, shelter material, and medicines. The infusion of
     relief supplies flown in by Doctors Without Borders over the past
     two days will help the 22 medical teams now doing consultations,
     distributing food, and shelter materials. The teams now have 8
     boats to facilitate distribution of supplies to those most in need.

     But we are frustrated by the limitations Myanmar's government has
     placed on international staff. International aid workers already in
     the country are so far being prevented from reaching some of the
     most affected areas. International staff, particularly those with
     expertise in water and sanitation, are desperately needed but visa
     approvals have been exceedingly slow.

     While the challenges are great, we are determined to do more to
     help the people affected by the cyclone. We have a fourth and fifth
     cargo plane on the way to Myanmar and will continue to press for
     permission to send in the dozens of international staff on stand
     by.

     The longstanding support of donors like you has been critical to
     our quick response to disasters such as the Myanmar cyclone, the
     South Asian Tsunami, and the Pakistani earthquake. Please consider
     helping us provide medical assistance in Myanmar and in nearly 60
     other countries around the world.

References

   1. https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donorcustom.asp?c=foIJKQMFF&b=89844&kntaw3112=FD5F716482E948E0B23D85F9A7BF4FA9?msource=ADL080501D01