Our Work

Myanmar Cyclone

Relief for Myanmar Cyclone Survivors

As international relief slowly trickles into Myanmar, workers from Samaritan's Purse are already on the ground, working to help people affected by one of the most deadly cyclones to hit the Southeast Asian nation in decades.

Samaritan's Purse staff and our local Christian partners have begun distributing food – so far providing 22.5 metric tons of rice and safe water – as well as providing shelter in churches to people who are in desperate need of aid.

“With our local church partners, Samaritan's Purse is caring for about 8,600 people as of Tuesday and are building capacity for up to 20,000,” said one of Samaritan's Purse staff on the ground. “I can say without any doubt that our efforts have saved scores of lives and provided hope and comfort to thousands of those suffering.”

Samaritan's Purse expects to have a plane landing in Yangon on Wednesday that will carry enough PuR household water kits to treat 2 million liters of water, plastic for shelters, 10,000 bed nets for malaria prevention, 3,000 blankets and 6,000 pieces of clothing. There are two additional flights planned that will deliver a large volume of shelter material, additional water purification equipment and two World Health Organization emergency medical kits that can care for 20,000 patients for 90 days.

Based on discussion with other aid organizations as well as government officials, our staff on the ground is estimating the total number of missing and dead people in Myanmar to be between 150,000 and 216,000. They also estimate that there are 1.6 million people who are homeless and slowly migrating to relief camps. It will be many months before people displaced by this tragedy can rebuild and return to their homes – significant assistance will be needed in this interim period.

Another tragic side effect of this catastrophe is the loss of rice crops in Myanmar. There are estimates that the cyclone has wiped out between 25 and 50 per cent of the total crop. This will have an impact on all 64 million residents of Myanmar.

Samaritan’s Purse currently has five staff members on the ground in Yangon and the surrounding area. They have been working alongside our local partners and other international aid agencies to identify the most pressing needs.

“The tireless effort of our Christian brothers and sisters in Myanmar to reach out and help others is amazing to watch,” said a Samaritan's Purse staff member. “God is doing great things here.”

Samaritan’s Purse has been working in Myanmar for nearly a decade – providing safe drinking water, medical training, and children’s ministries. Our work during this time of crisis is an extension of our long-term commitment to helping the vulnerable people of this nation.

Ways You Can Help
Pray Please pray for those affected in South Asia and for our partners as they provide hope and assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ.		Give Your gift will enable us to continue providing food, shelter, and relief supplies to needy families. Donate Here.