It has been two years since the worst natural disaster in Myanmar history, Cyclone Nargis, killed 140,000 people and left millions in need of assistance in Myanmar. On this day two years ago, on 2 May 2008, the lives of many families in Myanmar delta region changed forever. Many lost their loved ones and livelihoods. Heart breaking stories of how parents losing children and how children losing parents were told by the survivors and the first responders. Images of horror caused by the deadly wind and quick-rising water, of the rescue efforts, of the people with blank expression on their faces were widely circulated on the Internet. Songs were sang. Stories were written. Pledges were made.
The world has moved on, in a way. We have since seen other natural and man-made disasters with huge magnitude of damages in other parts of the world. We should help them. All of them. However, on this 2nd anniversary, we would like to make a special appeal not to forget the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.
Sadly, the United Nations reported that two years after the disaster, funding gap hinders recovery in Myanmar:
"the United Nations aid coordinator in Myanmar said today that just a quarter of the pledged funds have come in and the gap threatens the long-term revival of the area hit by the disaster."
"According to recent assessments, 100,000 vulnerable families still need to rebuild their homes."
"Some 180,000 people still face acute water shortage, and there is a great need for agricultural support and the creation of income – generating opportunities at the community level."
Read the full story here:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34543&Cr=nargis&Cr1=
Please find here the 3 year Post-Nargis Recovery and Preparedness Plan - PONREPP, launched by the UN, Myanmar Government and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). (PDF, 4.14 MB): http://www.aseansec.org/CN-PONREPP.pdf
The task seems daunting but every bit of assistance counts. What can one do to help?
(a) Donate your time or money to any organization helping to rebuild the societies in the areas affected by the cyclone;
(b) Visit the areas yourself, if you can, and see and assess the situation for yourself;
(c) Form a group wherever you are and raise funds and awareness in the local community about the disaster and the need for assistance.
Thank you.
Together, we can make a difference!
The Moegyo Team
