Homeless families take shelter in a monastery in Kaw Hmu village following the cyclone. AP Photo

MYANMAR (formerly Burma) - The country's military officials report the recent cyclone has claimed the lives of more than 22,500 people; however, other officials say the number of dead could top 100,000.

With limited international aid being allowed into the country, relief groups fear the death toll could increase significantly due to a lack of food, water and medical care.

"It has been a long and frustrating wait since I first received the news about the devastating cyclone that hit Myanmar," said Kumar Periasamy, OBI's international director of disaster relief who is on-the-ground in Singapore awaiting a visa to get into Myanmar. "Hopefully we will be able to get in soon."

Operation Blessing has teamed up with German-based medical nonprofit organization, Humedica, in a medical outreach to help cyclone victims in Myanmar. Teams are still waiting to gain access into the country.

Operation Blessing has teamed up with German-based medical nonprofit organization, Humedica, in a medical outreach to help cyclone victims in Myanmar. However, visa restrictions are preventing aid workers from gaining access to the country.

In the meantime, OBI has hired two local doctors and three nurses who have already treated more than 600 patients. Conditions and flooding on the ground is so severe, many patients cannot get to the clinic without the help of small boats.

OBI partners DHL, Water Missions International, Mission Aviation Fellowship are standing by to help bring in water purification systems as well as more doctors and medical supplies. Teams in Thailand, China, Indonesia and the Philippines are also on standby to aid in relief efforts.

"I've been involved in a number of disaster relief situations, but I cannot even begin to imagine the plight that is going on there," Periasamy said. "All we could do now is pray."

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

 

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