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FROM THE FIELD

WER Burma Relief in Full Swing
04 Jun 2008 22:37:00 GMT
 Source: World Emergency Relief (WER) - USA
Andrea MacLeod

Website: Website: http://www.worldemergencyrelief.org

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MYANMAR (BURMA) - World Emergency Relief (WER) and Rescue Task Force's (RTF) joint relief team has returned to the United States after spending two weeks providing emergency aid to cyclone victims on the Thai/Burmese border.

Much to their dismay upon their arrival, rescue team members could not distribute relief aid within Myanmar as planned. Undaunted, the team quickly overcame this obstacle by arranging the distribution of emergency supplies inside Myanmar through a Burmese organization and a trusted Thai monastery. These local partners were able to assess damage in the field and use WER-provided resources to help the Burmese people to recover from this disaster.

Determined to help desperate Burmese and Thai cyclone victims personally, Benyapa Becks and the team distributed food, clothing, blankets, sandals, towels and hygiene products for survivors in disaster-struck border areas. They also handed out essential medical supplies, including antibiotics, anti-diarrhea medicines, walking canes, crutches, wheelchairs and other first-aid supplies.

Many of the survivors were forced to take refugee in tent cities or make shift shelters amidst the debris, leaving them at risk to exposure and cold-induced illnesses. The rescue team distributed tarps, ropes and hand tools such as hammers and nails to help facilitate rebuilding and ensure survivors' continued safety.

Water was another major concern. With so many contaminated water sources that can spread water-borne diseases like diarrhea, cholera and typhoid, safe, clean water is essential for the survivors' recovery. The rescue team gladly provided survivors enough purification tablets to clean over one million liters of unhealthy water.

"It started out as a very frustrating mission," Benyapa Becks reflected on their trip, "However, we were able to make a difference, provide relief and offer life saving supplies to those that so desperately need us. I am very glad that I was a part of helping so many and happy that we are able now to continue helping."

WER's Burma relief efforts are now in full swing. World Emergency Relief's UK and Holland offices have already air-freighted three shipments of vital medicines and first-aid kits inside Myanmar, which are being distributed by WER's Burmese partner organization. WER's global offices in the US, UK, Hong Kong, Germany and Holland are preparing additional shipments of medical supplies, which include diphtheria and tetanus vaccines used for wound management and immunization protection.

In addition to disaster relief, WER works with local organizations to combat poverty, hunger and abuse worldwide. WER's vision is to give children all over the world a living chance by addressing their practical, emotional, spiritual and economic needs, as well as the needs of their families and communities.


[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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