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VOICES FROM THE FIELDTHE IRC BLOG
New Photos, Aid Worker Impressions from Myanmar
June 11, 2008
By The IRC
Photos: The IRC |
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The International Rescue Committee’s Ye Thu recently returned from a four day mission to Ngapudaw Township, one of the most cyclone-thrashed districts of Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta. He shares some of his impressions. “It seems almost every village here in Ngapudaw was severely affected by the cyclone one month ago. It was not easy reaching the people here in small villages along flooded rivers, but together with the Myanmar Red Cross Society, we were able to bring more than 10,000 people in 16 villages emergency relief supplies, including hygiene kits and tarps. 
“Our joint relief team traveled to villages where very few aid agencies if any had gone before, so for some survivors, like this lady, it was the first help they received.”
“One village we assisted is called Oaktwin. It was hit very hard by the cyclone. On the other side of the river is Bonetawpyae village which was completely wiped out. All the survivors took refuge at the monastery in Oaktwin. When we arrived, we found the monks leading a prayer for the dead for a group of 40 men. Each man had lost his wife in the cyclone and most of them lost children too. It was such a sad and tragic scene. I can tell you that here and everywhere we bring aid, the people are struggling for their lives. They have lost their family, their fish farms and rice paddies and their homes. They have no way to resume their work and earn money. The people still need help badly.”
To learn more: Read a special report on the IRC's emergency response To help: Make an urgent gift or speak up for cyclone victims |
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