“The situation here is dramatic,” Birke Herzbruch, project coordinator of Malteser International in Rangoon, says. “We have already received water purification tablets for the treatment of drinking water for the people in the district of Dawbon in Rangoon and the nearby poor rural settlement of Tantabin and their distribution starts tomorrow. This is what is needed immediately – no-one was prepared for such a catastrophe and so nobody had stocks,” Herzbruch explains. “As well, the city is in total darkness.” Malteser International is also preparing further aid measures, including distribution of plastic covers and mosquito nets. The Federal Foreign Office of Germany has given its verbal agreement to financially support the relief measures of Malteser International.

“Fortunately, none of our staff members was injured,” Herzbruch is relieved. “But of course they are all affected by the consequences of the cyclone, and as well as their work, they also have to care for their families.”

Current reports estimate that the number of deaths in the region is over 15,000. The cyclone is now heading northwards and there is fear of a catastrophe in Thailand.

This morning, Malteser International has initially provided 50,000 Euros for emergency relief activities.

Malteser International has been working in Burma since 2001. In addition to the country and programme office in Rangoon, there are programme offices in Wa special region II and Northern Rakhine State. Malteser International is improving access to basic health care and fighting malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, as well as securing the supply of safe drinking water and basic sanitation in schools and health facilities.

During the weekend, a devastating cyclone hit the coastal region of Burma. The capital, Rangoon, was in the centre of the devastation. Burma has declared a state of emergency in five regions.

To support Malteser International’s work in Burma, please send donations to:

Donation Account 120 120 120

Bank für Sozialwirtschaft, Wörthstr. 15 – 17, D-50668 Köln

Sort Code : 370 205 00

IBAN : DE49 3702 0500 0001 0258 01

BIC: BFSWDE33XXX

Reference : “Myanmar”