Irish Red Cross calls on individuals and businesses to donate to Myanmar Appeal

"Up to 95 per cent of people in some areas of the country are now homeless and tens of thousands of people are dead or missing," David Andrews said.

"This is the worst cyclone to hit Asia since 1991, when 143,000 people died in Bangladesh. We estimate that as many as 1 million people might be homeless and we are concerned that rains forecast in the next few days will worsen an already horrific humanitarian catastrophe.

We need several millions to fund our work in the region and I hope that Irish people will help to meet this target and donate to us as generously as they have in the past", he said.

Irish Red Cross Delegate Joe Lowry is currently in the region providing vital communications and planning expertise to ensure that essential services and provisions get to the people in need as soon as possible.

The first shipment of shelter kits from Kuala Lumpur (tarpaulins, rope, hammers, etc.) is arriving on 8 May. An additional flight containing 1000 tarpaulins and 3,650 jerry cans is arriving on 9 May.

Donations are urgently needed now so that we can supply emergency shelter and clean water.

• Please make an online donation
• or call 1850 50 70 70.
• Send Cheque and postal orders made payable to:
  Irish Red Cross Myanmar Cyclone Appeal,
  16 Merrion Square,
  Dublin 2.