Myanmar Cyclone Relief

Cyclone Mocha hit the coastlines of western Myanmar on 14 May. 150 lives were lost as it rampaged through the country. Rakhine state was devastated. More than 5.1 million people were struck by the disaster, many of whom are vulnerable groups, including internally displaced and undocumented persons. Homes, communication towers and road infrastructure were turned into wreckage. The water source was polluted because of the destruction of hundreds of wells and toilets. Many families were deprived of access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation facilities. The residents of Rakhine are tormented by diarrhoea and infectious diseases.

In recent years, the Burmese have been afflicted by the civil war. They have been living under threatened food supply and insecurity. Now the cyclone is adding fuel to the fire. This situation reminds us of what Paul mentioned in his letter to the Corinthians: ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.’ (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

May those who are suffering remain hopeful. We are grateful to God that we managed to get the relief supplies through to the disaster areas. CEDAR has granted US$18,000 (about HK$141,300) for this relief and is in close cooperation with the Fullmoon Family Foundation (FMFF), our partner in Myanmar. Emergency relief supplies have already reached the villages of Rakhine State. FMFF has gained permission from the local government to cooperate with a local church to ensure the safe arrival of food, medicine, hygiene products and portable water filters to local people in need. Please donate now. The residents of Rakhine are in dire need. Your donation would save them from entrapment, disappointment, abandonment and death.