Appeal launched to avert Myanmar catastrophe
An international emergency appeal has been launched for SFr50 million ($47 million) to help victims of the devastating cyclone in Myanmar.
The Swiss-based International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) announced the appeal on Friday, saying the country faced a “humanitarian catastrophe of staggering proportions”.
Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar on May 2, killing at least 78,000 people according to Myanmar government officials. The Red Cross estimates that up to two million have been left homeless and without access to clean water, food or health care.
The fund would be used to help 500,000 people over the next three years by providing emergency and long-term relief, and setting up more local Red Cross centres.
The appeal replaces the IFRC’s earlier appeal for about SFr6 million.
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