9 August 2013 - Christian Aid has sent funds to provide assistance to communities affected by heavy rain and severe flooding which has devastated south east Myanmar since late July, leaving three dead and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.
Ramani Leathard, Christian Aid Country Manager of Myanmar, said '23,500 people have been evacuated and are sheltering in one of the 80 relief camps or staying with relatives in nearby villages.
'However, for those in more remote areas and where local roads have been destroyed by landslides, access to camps is impossible.
'In emergency situations, where the poorest are most affected, it is important to coordinate relief work as funds are limited. We will be assisting communities not reached by camp-based government assistance,' she added.
A Christian Aid and ACT Alliance local partner will be providing affected communities with food, blankets, toothpaste, soap, towels, and mosquito nets.
The floodwater reached up to ten metres in some areas, destroying thousands of homes and ruining farmland, which will lead to food insecurity for next year.
Christian Aid continues to monitor the situation closely and will continue to work with these communities in their longer-term recovery.
If you would like further information, please contact Jo Rogers on 020 7523 2460 and jrogers@christian-aid.org (24 hour press duty phone – 07850 242950)
Notes to editors:
1. Christian Aid works in some of the world's poorest communities in around some 50 countries at any one time. We act where there is great need, regardless of religion, helping people to live a full life, free from poverty. We provide urgent, practical and effective assistance in tackling the root causes of poverty as well as its effects.
2. Christian Aid's core belief is that the world can and must be changed so that poverty is ended: this is what we stand for. Everything we do is about ending poverty and injustice: swiftly, effectively, sustainably. Our strategy document Partnership for Change www.christianaid.org.uk/images/partnership-for-change-summary.pdf explains how we set about this task.
3. Christian Aid is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of 125 churches and church-related organisations that work together in humanitarian assistance, advocacy and development. Further details at http://actalliance.org
4. Follow Christian Aid's newswire on Twitter: http://twitter.com/caid_newswire
5. For more information about the work of Christian Aid visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk
http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/myanmar-floods-displace-thousands-2/
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