Myanmar Cyclone Death Toll Rises
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It is estimated that possibly 100,000 people will have died as a result of the physical disaster and relief is lagging in the area. Smart Bitch Sarah posted a number of links for the relief effort. Ann Aguirre is hosting a contest for anyone who donates to one of the links provided by Sarah.
There is some debate about donating to the relief effort. You might want to read the comments and make a decision from there.
Last I checked, the US hasn’t been allowed in to help.
It looks like charitable organizations that already have a presence in the country are going to be the best bet of getting aid in. I read somewhere that the UN may try to force them to accept help-hate to say it, but if it comes down to it, I hope they do so. Millions of innocent people shouldn’t suffer because of bureaucracy.
Thanks for the linkage.
Shiloh, that’s what I think too. There’s no way to be sure, of course, but I hope the organizations that already have people in country will be positioned to receive and distribute supplies.
It’s a difficult situation in Myanmar. It’s such a political conundrum but hopefully aid organisations can make it happen.
I’m upping the ante on Ann’s contest prize … adding $50 from me on behalf of Coming Together.
peace & passion,
~ Alessia
It’s hard to believe the Myanmar government hasn’t let aid in and what the people are enduring.
Jan:
Hard to believe, yes. But not surprising considering, from what I’ve read, the government’s warning as this killer storm approached basically consisted of “There’s a storm coming. Stay inside.”
Although, to give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe that was the only warning they COULD give, since they had no other options.
Thank you for being conscious global citizens and raising awareness of crises like this. Your posts and responses/initiatives from your readers puts the lie to stereotypes about romance readers being simple fluffy bunnies only interested in shallow escapism.
There are articles out there about what organizations are on the ground – I think the Red Cross was there, UNICEF, World Vision, and JICA. The last three were requested by the military junta.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/05/2236143.htm?section=justin
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0805/S00118.htm
Thanks for the links limecello.