08363
May 8, 2008

PDA earmarks $100,000 to aid Myanmar relief

Appeal is also issued to support long-term recovery

by Evan Silverstein
and Jerry L. Van Marter
Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE — Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has committed $100,000 in emergency assistance to aid survivors of last week’s devastating cyclone in Myanmar, the worst disaster the country has suffered in years.

The money, which is being taken from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and designated relief funds, will go to provide food and shelter for survivors in the isolated Southeast Asian country, according to a May 8 situation report issued by PDA, the disaster-response and relief agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). 

In addition, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is issuing a special appeal through PDA in an effort to support long-term recovery efforts as a result of the catastrophe. An appeal card is being sent to every congregation in the next few days and is available for download at the PDA Web site. 

And a bulletin insert and other liturgical resources will soon be available online for congregations to use in worship. Linda Valentine, executive director of the General Assembly Council said, “The PC(USA) through its disaster relief agency seeks to accompany the people of Myanmar through this catastrophe.  Our mission is to heal broken lives, as well as broken homes.”

PDA is responding in Myanmar as a member of and in partnership with Action by Churches Together (ACT) International and Church World Service. Both entities have local partners in Myanmar and will have representatives to help in the provision of relief items to cyclone survivors.  “We have trust in our partners to help us be the hands and feet of Christ during this difficult time,” Valentine said.
Because the Myanmar government has not allowed relief workers or media into the country, casualty estimates vary widely. The official death toll has been set at 22,000 with another 41,000 still missing. On May 8, National Public Radio reported the toll could eventually climb to more than 100,000 as more information becomes available. The U.N. estimates that more than 1 million could be left homeless by the catastrophe in what used to be called Burma.

Power and water supplies have been disrupted, communications compromised as many roads remain impassible, hampering recovery efforts as officials work to determine the full extent of damage.

The low-lying Irrawaddy Delta region, Myanmar’s primary agricultural area, suffered the most severe damage in the storm and resulting tidal surge, threatening long-term food shortages for survivors. PDA’s response includes $40,000 to $50,000 in food aid, the situation report said.

In addition to food, priority needs range from water purification tablets and plastic sheeting to basic medical kits and bed nets.

PDA is responding to the disaster through ecumenical partnerships with Action by Churches Together (ACT) International and Church World Service, which have partners in Myanmar that will send representatives to assist in the provision of relief items to survivors.

Financial contributions for Myanmar may be sent through normal mission-giving channels by designating gifts for the following account:

 DR000145. Gifts by credit card can be made by calling PresbyTel at (800)872-3283, or by visiting PDA’s Web site. Checks payable to the PC(USA) can be mailed to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) , Individual Remittance Processing, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700 or to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Central Receiving Services, 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202.