The nation of Myanmar is reeling from what appears to have been the world’s deadliest storm of the 21st century.Details are still sketchy, but on Tuesday the toll from Cyclone Nargis was reported to be at least 22,000 dead and 41,000 missing. The United Nations estimates that up to a million people could be homeless after a 12-foot storm surge swept away entire towns and villages in the low-lying Irrawaddy delta region.Many of the survivors live in Myanmar's poorest provinces, where most families live on less than $1 a day. Hundreds of thousands of simple bamboo homes and vast rice-growing areas were wiped out by the 120-mph winds, torrential rains, and massive surge of seawater. After initially declining offers for international help, the military leaders of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) have finally said they will open the country to relief workers.Samaritan’s Purse has a team of water specialists who were in Myanmar when the storm hit. In the days following such a massive disaster, contaminated water can spread cholera and other diseases.Our emergency teams across Southeast Asia are mobilizing to respond immediately. Initial reports indicate that the survivors are desperate for food, water, and emergency shelter. Heavy flooding and rain persist.
In support of our emergency relief efforts worldwide, please pray:
· that God will provide Samaritan's Purse with the wisdom and resources we need to meet critical needs arising from wars, famines, and natural disasters.
· for the people who have lost homes, possessions, livelihoods, and loved ones, as they struggle to recover and rebuild their lives.
· for relief organizations, churches, and other groups that are working to meet the overwhelming needs.
· that God will use our relief efforts to reach hurting people with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
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