Cyclone Hits Myanmar...ASAP's Response
By Julia O'Carey
May 19, 2008
As a result of the catastrophic destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis on May 2, tens of thousands in Myanmar have lost homes and family members. Many endure great suffering from starvation and disease. Generating winds upwards of 120 mph, this massive tropical cyclone created the deadliest natural disaster in the recorded history of Myanmar, hitting land at one of the lowest points in the country and setting off a 12-foot storm surge that reached 25 miles inland, sweeping away villages, farmland and animals. Myanmar now faces a looming health crisis. Millions of cyclone victims wait helplessly, vulnerable to the outbreaks of disease that accompany the struggle to survive without clean water, food, shelter or medicine. Tragically, the country’s military government only hindered global relief efforts, earning them scorn and criticism around the world. Meanwhile, a representative from ASAP arrived in Myanmar on Friday, May 16, jump-starting the first stage of involvement in the country after the Board of Directors voted to include it in ASAP’S mission statement during the last board meeting. On behalf of ASAP, this representative’s objectives include assessing the disaster situation among the Seventh-day Adventist church members, establishing trustworthy contacts in order to facilitate involvement both during this emergency as well as in the future, providing initial relief funds for shelter and food, and generating a specific plan for ASAP’s disaster response in cooperation with other efforts already taking place.
See first hand footage of Cyclone Nargis and its horrific aftermath and discover the urgent needs of the people of Myanmar.
If you would like to join ASAP in responding to the people of Myanmar during this time of suffering, please enter Gift #135 from the Gift Catalog on ASAP's Online Giving Form. Please pray that God will use even this terrible calamity to open doors for sharing the gospel.