The Bishop of Lichfield's Emergency Appeal for Burma is making a difference
| Published: 31st May 2008 15:31 |
The Bishops of Lichfield, Shrewsbury, Stafford and Wolverhampton launched the appeal on 8th May and money is still coming in from individuals and parishes. The director of world mission for the diocese of Lichfield, the Revd Preb Michael Sheard, explained that money will be sent on a rolling basis: "Normally when we launch an appeal within the diocese we would wait until the appeal was closed, finalise the books and then send the funds on. But this is a different situation to normal and funds are needed urgently - the people of Burma can't wait for two or three months to pass.
"So we have adopted a rolling programme of releasing the funds as soon as we can after they are received. This is especially important now while so much aid is stockpiled outside the country waiting to get in; because through the local Church, which is already active on the ground, we have a route to get money and aid into the country."
The Archbishop of Myanmar, the Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo, has welcomed the support shown by the global Anglican Communion, and described the situation in the affected areas.
He said: "In Yangon, even after 14 days, many parts remain without electricity. Those who are able have resorted to generators; those who cannot have to rely on candlelight in the night. While most major roads have been cleared, debris and detritus have yet to be completely removed. The work is tedious and labour-intensive. Without electricity supply, piped water supply has been disrupted. Telecommunications have yet to be fully restored.
"The Church of the Province of Myanmar formed a relief committee and immediately sent out four teams to survey the affected areas. Three of these teams returned, reporting general damage but little loss of life. The full extent of the damage in the Delta region, however, is still emerging. The team that was sent to what appears to be the worst affected area has confirmed widespread damage and extensive loss of life.
"In some places, entire villages have been devastated, with few if any survivors. In other places, survivors have huddled together in makeshift shelters awaiting aid. Travel in that area is very difficult, and villages are often in very isolated and remote areas, accessible only by boat. We have already sent a medical team to some parts of the most affected area, meeting both medical needs and distributing relief supplies. We plan to send a second one in the next few days."
He added: "Once more comprehensive reports have been received; the Relief Committee will identify what specific assistance is needed and the items which may be provided by the Church of the Province of Myanmar. Immediately, we have already identified the need to cleanse whatever water supply is available. As it is now the rainy season, canvas sheets are important. Also, there is a need for trauma counsellors to work with the survivors of this tragedy.
Bishop Ng Moon Hing of Lichfield's partner diocese of West Malaysia sent his Chaplain and Chancellor to Myanmar to review the situation and report back on what was needed. In their graphic report which paints a devastating picture of the destruction wrought by Cyclone Nargis, they state: "Kyun Chaung appeared to be the hardest hit. Even before the team that went to Kyun Chaung returned, several people had come from the Kyun Chaung area and reported extreme devastation. There were stories of entire villages having been swept away, with a very high death rate. In one area which had a cluster of four villages, three villages were totally destroyed. In the fourth village, only three houses stood standing. Many villages have disappeared, so much so that they cannot be found, so it is difficult to know how many have died.
"In Dani Boke, further down the Delta area (two hours by boat) from Kyun Chaung, a church worker was apparently one of three survivors overall in a cluster of villages with about 600 people. He said that the storm started at 9.00pm. As it accelerated, all the villagers gathered in a big house. He however realised the situation and left on his own. As the tide rose he hung on to a palm tree. He spoke of a series of waves, up to 20ft in height, lashing the entire village. Eventually he fainted and floated away. When he awoke he found himself in a big tree full of thorns. When the water subsided, he saw that only the church foundation remained. He walked and swam for three days without food until he found a small rescue team. The Archbishop himself said that there was news that of 70 members living in another village near Dani Boke, only 19 had survived. Many were his relatives from his father's side.
"In the village of Kyait Lar, near (east of) Kyun Chaung, only four houses were left out of 45. It was not clear how many people had died.
"In the township of Bogalae, further away (east) from Kyun Chaung, where the government had stated that approximately 20,000 people had perished, Archbishop Stephen indicated that the figure they were hearing was closer to 50,000. This is not inconsistent with reports from the ICRC stating that they were estimating up to 128,000 deaths at a time when the government was only quoting a figure of 78,000 plus. 56,000 plus people are now still listed as missing. The government has indicated that one million people are homeless. United Nations' estimates are much higher. They say that up to two million people may need aid.
"Since the government had sent aid to Bogalae, it was decided that a medical team be sent to investigate further the areas around Kyun Chaung. The team was subsequently sent on Tuesday 13 May 2008 to Kyun Chaung and other nearby villages. They tried to make their way by boat to Dani Boke but had to turn back because looters had entered the village and were pillaging the remains. In any event Dani Boke was deserted. Survivors were gathering in Kyun Chaung. They were found huddled together in what makeshift shelter they could construct. This was also true of two other very small villages which the team came across in their boat journey to the area."
The Myanmar Council of Churches held an inter-denominational memorial service for the victims of Cyclone Nargis at Rangoon's Holy Trinity Cathedral on 14th May, attended by the Minister for Religious Affairs.
The Archbishop of Myanmar added: "We covet your prayers and seek whatever financial support you can give for the suffering people of the delta region of Myanmar."
People can support the appeal by sending a cheque, payable to "Bishop of Lichfield's Emergency Appeal" to Saint Mary's House, The Close, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 7LD or through internet banking (Sort Code: 30-95-04; Account number: 01559211; Account name: Bishop of Lichfield's Emergency Appeal).
More details, including a Gift Aid pledge form is available online at www.lichfield.anglican.org/emergency
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