As of May 6, more than 22,000 people are dead, more than 44,000 are missing and at least one million are homeless in the wake of Cyclone Nargis, which struck Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on May 3rd. The 10-hour storm packed winds up to 130 miles per hour, pummeling five areas, including its largest city, Yangon (Rangoon), and its rice-growing region, the Irrawaddy Delta. Five states have been declared disaster zones, with a population of 24 million in that region. With much of its agriculture destroyed, the impact of the cyclone is likely to increase Burma’s long-term food insecurity in a time of rising food costs.
There is an urgent need for food, potable water, shelter, medical aid and fuel. International relief agencies are struggling to reach those affected due to governmental barriers, communications difficulties and inaccessibility. Nonetheless, many relief organizations are raising funds and beginning to organize efforts. The Union for Reform Judaism recommends donations to help in the effort be made to the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief as the Union sits on the Executive Committee of the JCDR and is involved in its allocation decisions.
Checks can be made out to: JDC Myanmar Cyclone Relief. Please note on your check this is a JCDF Donation and send it to:
JDC Myamar Cyclone Relief
P.O. Box 530
132 East 43rd St.
New York, NY 10017
Credit card donations can be made online at www.jdc.org or by phone, 212.687.6200.
