WJR launches Emergency Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Appeal
KEY FACTS
An estimated 95% of homes have been destroyed in the villages along the south coast of the Delta region
More than one million people have been affected by the disaster
With estimates of over 15,000 killed and more than one million people affected by the cyclone in Burma on Saturday 3 May, WJR – in its capacity as the charity that channels the UK Jewish community’s response to international disasters – has launched an Emergency Appeal to raise critical funds for the Burmese victims.
With winds as fast as 190km an hour, Cyclone Nargis ripped through Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta over the weekend, tearing off roofs in its wake, uprooting trees and destroying power lines – leaving inhabitants in the area and surrounding regions in a dire situation. WJR understands that there is an urgent need for plastic sheeting, water purification tablets, cooking equipment, mosquito nets, health kits and food.
WJR’s Emergency Appeal will fund projects carefully selected by the charity. Through WJR's partners on the ground, we will be supporting the purchase of emergency shelter supplies including plastic tarpaulins and sheeting, as well as relief packs containing water purification tablets, food and medicines. These will be distributed through aid workers already based in the Irawaddy Delta.
Paul Anticoni, Chief Executive of WJR commented:
“The terrifying cyclone has left a trail of disaster in its wake and the scale of need is overwhelming. WJR is proud to be in a position to call on the Jewish Community to help us to support the survivors of this catastrophe.
Access for aid agencies is currently heavily restricted and will probably remain so, but WJR will endeavour to work as closely as is possible with potential partners on the ground, independent of government, to ensure that the funds we hope to gather will directly benefit those who have been most affected – mainly the elderly, women and children – by providing clean water, sanitation resources and safe shelter.”
To support WJR’s Emergency Burma Appeal, please call 020 8736 1250.
