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> Archbishop of Myanmar Issues Statement

Posted On : May 19, 2008 4:44 PM | Posted By : Admin ACO
Related Categories: Myanmar

ACNS: http://www.aco.org/acns/news.cfm/2008/5/19/ACNS4406

> Sisters and brothers in Christ,

On Saturday 17 May 2008, it was Day 14 after Cyclone Nargis first struck
Myanmar. Its winds, which reached up to a maximum of 190km/h, first hit
the low-lying Delta region (Ayeyawardy Division) of south-western
Myanmar adjoining the Bay of Bengal on Friday 2 May 2008 and then
ploughed through the hinterland during the course of Saturday 3 May 2008
in a north-easterly direction until it reached Yangon (Yangon Division),
and then turned north-north-easterly, dissipating as it reached the
Myanmar-Thailand border.

At the time of writing, the official death toll from Cyclone Nargis
stands at 78,000, with over 56,000 people still missing. Approximately 1
million people are reported by the Myanmar Government to be homeless. In
Yangon, even after 14 days, many parts remain without electricity
supply. 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 also yet to be
fully restored.

In response, the Church of the Province of Myanmar formed a relief
committee on Wednesday 7 April 2008 and immediately sent out 4 teams to
survey the affected areas. 3 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.

The overall situation is still relatively fluid, with government policy
shifting in response to new developments. It continues to be inadvisable
for our overseas friends to travel to the most affected area. We
continue to receive reports and accounts, and these will contribute to
our assessment of the scale of the human tragedy and how best to meet
the immediate needs of survivors made homeless, injured and/or otherwise
affected in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. We are also assessing the
extent of damage to church buildings and property both in the Delta
region and in and around Yangon.

We appreciate the support shown by our sisters and brothers within the
Anglican Communion thus far. A small fact-finding team from the Anglican
Diocese of West Malaysia has spent the last 6 days with us. They have
brought an initial instalment of medicines and medical supplies,
blankets, candles, clothing, food and other sundry items, as well as
some financial assistance. Their advice and encouragement has been
invaluable. Emergency funds have also been received from the Province of
the Anglican Church in South East Asia through the Diocese of Singapore,
from the Australian Anglican Board of Mission, and from the Myanmar
Anglican fellowship in Singapore.

Once more comprehensive reports have been received, the Relief Committee
will identify what specific assistance is needed and the items which may
be provided to 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. We hope you will
work with us on plans and options for medium-term resettlement and
rehabilitation efforts, even as we address the short-term concerns for
survivors.

An inter-denominational memorial service was held at Holy Trinity
Cathedral, Yangon on Wednesday 14 May 2008 for the victims of Cyclone
Nargis. This was organised by the Myanmar Council of Churches. The
Minister for Religious Affairs attended. We covet your prayers and seek
whatever financial support you can give for the suffering people of the
delta region of Myanmar. For practical reasons, we would appreciate it
if you would kindly direct your donations through the Anglican Diocese
of Singapore (http://www.anglican.org.sg/), which will in turn forward
them to our Provincial Office.

May the peace of God be and remain with us always.

The Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo

Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Myanmar

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