Myanmar Victims Aided by Humanity First

Silver Spring, MD, June 15, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The deadly category III cyclone Nargis that devastated Myanmar on May 2 has left thousands destitute and unaided weeks after the blow. In an immediate response to the natural disaster, Humanity First volunteers in Bangkok, Thailand, met with UN OCHA teams to collaborate in efforts to deploy large teams of relief workers to devastated sites in Myanmar. There was much work to be done. As one of the worst cyclones to hit Asia in decades, Nargis left nearly 80,000 dead, 56,000 missing, and a monetary estimate of over $10 billion in damages. The 2.4 millions that are believed to be homeless lack shelter, medication, food and clean water.

In the week following Nargis’ strike, a multinational team of physicians and volunteers was pulled together by HF for deployment into the disaster struck region. The MyaungMya and Laputta Districts were visited by Humanity First volunteers on May 10th and 13th, bringing with them medical supplies and clothing valued at three million kyats ($2,300USD).

HF is still working on various medical operations to assist cyclone victims, and a team of doctors is on standby awaiting approval to commence work. Valuable donations have been made to the organization that have been sent to cyclone survivors, including 500 liters of saline fluids, over 1000 IV cannulae, antibiotics, and water filtration boxes. The large donor base that has provided necessary aid materials up until now has been essential to HF’s ability to reach survivors. With many villages and people still unaccounted for, HF is continuing to accept donations for further Myanmar relief efforts.

Humanity First, USA (http://www.humanityfirst.org), a 501(c) 3- registered charity, is the US chapter of Humanity First International (http://www.humanityfirst.org.uk), which was established in the early 1990's to restore disaster-stricken and under-developed and vulnerable communities around the globe. Humanity First USA is a leading non-profit relief organization whose board of directors, management team, and project staff running the day-to-day operations are all unpaid volunteers with diverse professional backgrounds including business, healthcare, and education sectors. All personal expenses are met by the volunteers to maximize the use of funds raised and donated for those in need. As of today Humanity First USA has expanded to 19 countries worldwide.

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