Church Responds to Myanmar Disaster

With death toll estimates reaching 100,000 in Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta region, the Church responded quickly to the disaster caused by Cyclone Nargis on May 2 and 3, 2008.

Partnering with Atlanta-based CARE International, a nongovernmental organization, the Church’s initial response included a large donation for purchasing clean drinking water, tarps, blankets, basic food items, and medical equipment. The items were purchased by CARE International in Myanmar or in nearby countries for distribution to victims.

A week later, the Church sent 142,000 pounds of emergency relief supplies by plane. Some 13,000 first-aid kits, along with hygiene kits, tarps, blankets, food, and medical equipment were sent to Bangkok, Thailand, where CARE made arrangements to deliver the supplies to Myanmar hospitals and clinics.

LDS Philanthropies will continue to accept donations at www.LDSPhilanthropies.org. Donations not sent to Myanmar will be held for quick distribution in the event of a new catastrophe elsewhere around the world.