On May 3, a powerful cyclone hit the South Asian nation of Myanmar, also known as Burma. The storm created a nearly 5,000-square-mile flood in the Irrawaddy delta region, making it difficult to reach victims badly in need of supplies.
The country's insular government, run by a military junta, has compounded the problem, according to media reports. In the week following the crisis, the junta rejected aid offered by the U.S. government. Myanmar officials have also been slow to grant visas for international aid workers, even as its citizens face hunger, disease and flooding.
The country's military said it was delivering food, medicine and generators using helicopters. The U.N. World Food Program has also delivered supplies, but said the government has kept in place a restriction on the movement of commodities and international staff.
Aid supplies should continue to trickle in, as international leaders put pressure on the Myanmar's generals. First Lady Laura Bush conducted a press conference with blunt criticism of the South Asian country's response. For the latest news from the region, turn to HeadlineSpot.com or Yahoo! News' Full Coverage: Myanmar page.
What you can do
Aid in the form of food and medicine will be needed, as the government opens its borders to foreign assistance. Google is offering this page to easily click and give. The following established charities, which were listed on the GiveSpot 100, have operations in Myanmar and are expected to assist in the relief efforts:
Action Against Hunger
Care
American Red Cross
Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres
International Rescue Committee
Save the Children
U.S. Fund for UNICEF
World Vision
Before donating to any organization, check out the ePhilanthropy Foundation's Tips for Online Giving, which above all recommend donors give to legitimate charities they know well. Charity Navigator ranks charities according to their financial health. Guidestar
and the American Institute of Philanthropy also provide free information about charities and give you an idea of how well groups will spend your money.
--- A. Crawford
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