Three months after the devastating cyclone that struck Myanmar (Burma), different faiths are uniting to bring aid to those worst affected by the disaster. Working with the Adventist Christian Organisation (ADRA) and Muslim Aid, Islamic Relief is providing assistance to Buddhist and Hindu communities.
Key to the success of this operation has been the support of local Buddhist monasteries. These are the hubs of most communities and the monks are trusted by the local population, so Islamic Relief has been distributing aid through them. Islamic Relief's Head of Mission in Myanmar, Arif Khan said, 'Disasters, while tragic, also present an opportunity for different people from various backgrounds to come together for a common humanitarian cause.
'Initially, the head monk of one of the first villages we visited was confused, because of our name, and the fact that his village was made up mostly of Buddhists. He became overjoyed when I told him that we help all people that are in need -regardless of faith. He just had this great big smile, and kept saying that he was so happy that people from a different faith were helping him and his people.'
The effective delivery of aid to far-flung villages has been hampered by the difficult terrain and the monsoon season, that has made travel dangerous and has slowed reconstruction efforts.
To address these problems and to travel to the various islands, Islamic Relief has procured a boat which will serve as a floating warehouse, office, and residence for staff. Working with ADRA and Muslim Aid the boat will also be used to deliver food and other emergency items, as well as assisting in the operation to clean local water sources.
So far Islamic Relief has distributed food parcels to 2,840 families in Kyauktan Township and has carried out assessments to determine the future needs of the local population. In addition, household kits have been distributed to 530 families in Kyauktan and a further 1,000 will be distributed in Labutta Township next week.
In order to ensure that children in affected areas can continue their education, Islamic Relief is rehabilitating two schools that were badly damaged by the cyclone. These will be competed by early September. A further ten schools will be repaired by mid October.
Many people in Myanmar rely on ponds or rivers for their water. However, many of these were contaminated by the flood water. In order to provide people with access to clean water, Islamic Relief is cleaning ponds in Labutta which are people's main water source during the dry season. We have also distributed 10,000 jerry cans and 2,500 hygiene kits which will help to keep people safe from disease.
Despite improvements in the delivery of aid, needs remain great. Arif said, 'Working in this area is very difficult. For the past few days we have been unable to travel because of the poor weather conditions. But things are progressing. With our partners, we are repairing schools, providing clean water, rehabilitating agricultural land and distributing food and household supplies.'
For more information on Islamic Relief's work in Myanmar please call: 0044 121 622 0663 or 0044 121 622 0719, or visit www.islamic-relief.com
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
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