Critical Needs Remain in Myanmar

Hundreds of thousands of survivors from the May 2 Myanmar cyclone remain homeless and in need as monsoon season begins. The United Nations estimates that only one quarter of those in need of shelter had received assistance as of last week, and the remaining needs for food and medical care are dramatic.

The single greatest challenge remaining for agencies attempting to assist in the recovery process is interference from Myanmar’s ruling military junta, which has yet to honor its pledge to the UN that it would allow significant foreign aid into the country. This governmental interference has resulted in the United States military and dozens of international relief agencies being denied opportunities to provide critical, time-sensitive relief. Most agencies have been unable to enter the country or have been forced to enter the country through back channels that can be risky to the relief operation and to the safety of workers.

World Hope International has been participating in the relief effort since Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar. WHI has been able to distribute basic food and provide temporary shelter to those made homeless by the storm in the Irrawaddy Delta thanks to connections with locals able to distribute aid on WHI’s behalf. Millions remain in need of relief, but even small successes are critical in this long recovery process.

WHI will continue to work in Myanmar as it has since the storm struck. Click here to make a gift that will help the victims of Cyclone Nargis recover from this disaster.