Millions of cyclone survivors do not have access to clean water.
Myanmar (MNN) ― Global Aid Network (GAiN) is taking a long-term, holistic approach
to rebuilding lives and communities devastated by cyclone Nargis. It has agreed to assume leadership of the
relief work in six Myanmar
villages that continue to face desperate conditions.
GAiN is already making plans to rebuild homes and schools in each village over the next few months. At its Christian Center in Yangon, GAiN is training 40 local people to build large-tank water filtration systems. The systems are natural and chemical-free, using simple materials like pebbles, sand, and gravel. Ten of these systems will be installed in the next month, including one in each of the six villages.
GAiN USA’s water filtration expert and trainer commented, “The locals were so excited and so willing to work. It has been so good to work with them.”
A twelve-foot wave of saltwater struck the Irrawaddy Delta region during the cyclone, damaging the rice fields and contaminating the water supply. The bodies of the dead make the problem even worse, as many of them lie buried in mud or rotting along dams and riverbanks. 44,000 people are still missing.
850 residents of the village of Ponkamar, Dedaye district, died in the cyclone. In addition, 1200 youth were attending a youth convention at the local church when the cyclone struck. The entire group of young people, full of incredible potential and excitement for the kingdom of God, were killed.
GAiN is training staff and local partners to provide basic emotional relief and eventually more in-depth counseling support and emotional relief. They have fed over 7,000 starving people in two Myanmar jails and distributed 18,000 women and children’s kits. They've also targeted aid to community institutions like orphanages and hospitals. Click here if you would like to contribute to relief efforts in Myanmar.
