Cyclone Narjis Hits Myanmar

If you or your company wish to help with the relief effort in Myanmar, the US-ASEAN Business Council suggests that you work through the recommended organizations listed below. These recommended groups have been working in Myanmar for a number of years and therefore already have teams on the ground:

• CARE
• PACT
• PSI
• Save the Children
• UN World Food Programme
• UNHCR
• UNICEF
• World Vision

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On Saturday, May 3, a deadly cyclone slammed into Myanmar. State radio has reported that the cyclone has killed over 22,500 people, and there are still 41,000 unaccounted for. The cyclone, the deadliest natural disaster to hit the ASEAN region since the tsunami of December 2004, is estimated to have left over one million homeless and has prompted aid organizations to mobilize for a major relief operation.

The cyclone triggered a 12-foot storm surge that swept inland, destroying entire villages. "More deaths were caused by the tidal wave than the storm itself," Minister for Relief and Resettlement Maung Maung Swe told a news conference in Yangon.

The US Government has pledged over $3 million USD to the relief effort as well as four US Navy ships stocked with emergency relief equipment. The money will be given to the World Food Program and other NGOs to meet the immediate needs of those affected by the storm. “The United States has made an initial aid contribution, but we want to do a lot more. We're prepared to move U.S. Navy assets to help find those who've lost their lives, to help find the missing, to help stabilize the situation. But in order to do so, the military junta must allow our disaster assessment teams into the country,” said President Bush.

Until Tuesday May 6, US financial sanctions prevented US aid organizations as well as individuals from donating money directly to organizations within Myanmar without an OFAC license. But, yesterday the US Treasury Department posted a ruling that has relaxed the financial sanctions. Direct monetary donations to international relief organizations are now permitted without a license. Aid to the government of Myanmar is not allowed without an exemption. To read the complete US Treasury Department Notice, please click here.

At this time, the Myanmar rulers have not accepted US offers of assistance but on May 6, the United Nations was granted permission to conduct relief operations and provide emergency supplies. Most UN workers, as well as employees and volunteers from International NGOs, are still awaiting visas to enter the country, according to both press reports as well as to humanitarian organizations attempting to secure visas.

Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, the Secretary-General of ASEAN has called on senior officials of countries participating in the ASEAN Regional Forum to look into ways and means of mobilizing necessary resources and equipment to support the emergency relief in Myanmar. Singapore and the Philippines have already sent their experts to join the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team assembled in Bangkok over the weekend. “I am sure Myanmar’s neighbors in ASEAN are standing by ready to join the international community to extend help in whatever form the Government of Myanmar would like them to do,” Dr. Surin added.

The government of Myanmar has reported that its constitutional referendum will be delayed for areas affected by the disaster until May 24.

Statement by and contact information for the US Mission to Myanmar

For a list of additional humanitarian organizations assisting with the relief effort in Myanmar, please click here.

These organizations are asking for monetary assistance. In-kind donations are also welcome but transporting goods into the country right now is a slow process and monetary help will be of the most use at this time. Of course, if your company wishes to make an in-kind contribution, you are most welcome but please be sure to contact one of the humanitarian organizations in order to ensure that your donation can be best put to use.

While immediate assistance is desperately needed, repairing the disaster in Myanmar and aiding its victims looks to be a long-term process. If you and/or your company wish to contribute please keep in mind that assistance will be needed down the road as well.