Cyclone Nargis may have struck the first blow against Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, on May 3 as it sent 150 mph winds and a storm surge of seawater up to 15 feet high into the nation’s densely populated rice-growing region. But Myanmar’s reclusive military regime has since refused entrance to foreign relief workers, and now, almost two weeks after the cyclone, U.S. diplomats estimate the death toll at over 100,000.
Aid workers around the world remain frustrated with the slow pace and lack of visas issued. The World Food Program said it had only 10 percent of the staff and equipment it needed inside Myanmar, severely hampering its ability to move aid.
Over one million people have been left homeless with virtually no food or fresh water. The destruction of roads, telephone lines and electricity has hampered the few relief efforts that have been allowed. According to British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, “A natural disaster is turning into a humanitarian catastrophe of genuinely epic proportions in significant part because of the malign neglect of the regime.”
APA organizations that are answering the call for help include:
Metta Development Foundation
Based in Myanmar, Metta has been present in the area since the aftermath of the tsunami in 2004 and has mounted a quick response to the cyclone victims. Metta manages to deliver aid and give detailed reports of its activities on its Web site, metta-myanmar.org. Teams are currently running camps and distributing instant noodles, rice, clothing, shoes and toiletries. For more information, metta-myanmar.org or 95-1-651-769.
Charitable Alliance of Burmese Americans (CABA)
All of the members of this Burlingame, Calif.-based nonprofit organization are originally from Myanmar and maintain ties to their native country. They have already started providing much-needed necessities to local monasteries and Myanmar NGOs. Funds raised will initially be directed toward increasing access to clean, safe water, shelter, food and medical supplies. Donations to CABA will be matched by the B.K. Kee Foundation up to $100,000. For more information, gitameit. com/ wp/charitable-alliance -of-burmese-americans-the-bk- kee-foundation/. Or send a check to the Charitable Alliance of Burmese Americans, P.O. Box 1786, Burlingame, CA 94011-1786.
Burmese American Democratic Alliance
This Bay Area-based nonprofit is comprised of Burmese, Burmese American and American activists working toward democracy and human rights in Myanmar. Donations can be made via badasf.org.
Burmese American Women’s Alliance
Founded in 1999, BAWA is a Palo Alto-based nonprofit inspired by the example of pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. At press time, their Paypal site was down, but visitors are encouraged to check their Web site later at bawalliance.org or send a check to BAWA,1952 McNair St., Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Foundation for the People of Burma
The mission of this San Francisco-based organization is to provide humanitarian aid to Burmese people of all ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs. For more information, foundationburma.org.
Give2Asia
Established in 2001 by the Asia Foundation to promote private philanthropy to Asia, Give2Asia works with more than 17 countries. Myanmar was not one of those countries, until now. For more information: give2asia.org. Funds raised will go to organizations on the ground in Myanmar working directly with affected communities.