Another major disaster devastated Asia. Cyclone Nargis left an estimated 15,000 people dead in Myanmar while some worries that the numbers will rise significantly once proper communication and assessment conducted.

Authorities in Myanmar have declared five regions disaster zones; Yangon, Ayeyarwwady, Bago, Mon and Kayin. The total population of the declared disaster areas is estimated at 24 million, over 6 million are living n the capital of Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon) alone.

"We need help, not only from our nationals but also from overseas," Brigadier General Kyaw Hsan, the information minister, said at the same news conference on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008. "We are greatly thankful to friendly countries who are giving assistance to us," he added.

HOPE worldwide, an international relief and development NGO, is mobilizing efforts to support its local partners on the ground to assess the immediate needs to reduce the suffering of the people of Myanmar. A disaster relief team is preparing for arrive from another neighboring country once clearance is obtained. Asia has been hit with natural disasters in recent years where HOPE worldwide has been able to provide help in Indonesia, India, Thailand, Philipines, Pakistan, and many more. Skyrocketting of oil prices and food staples are alarming already as food crisis is also estimated by many to be ahead in a few years to come.

Please join us in bringing hope and changing lives of the needy in Asia.

www.hopeww.org/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx

If you want to donate, you can click the link above or send checks (payable to HOPE worldwide, with a notation of "Disaster Relief" in the check memo) to:

HOPE worldwide
Attention: Myanmar Relief/Rehabilitation
353 West Lancaster Ave.
Wayne, PA 19087
Tel. 610-254-8800