The situation in Myanmar continues to worsen for
survivors of the Category 3 cyclone that struck
on May 3. According to the latest reports from the
United Nations, the cyclone may have killed between
62,000 and 100,000 people. Nearly two weeks after
the disaster, more than one million survivors are
still in desperate need of help. The extreme lack
of clean water, food, shelter and medical supplies
has raised concerns about the spread of disease
and threatens to increase the already astonishing
death toll.
As clean water is the most urgent need in Myanmar,
Water Missions International is currently preparing
water purification systems to aid cyclone survivors.
On Monday, May 12, the first 12 water systems (requested
by Samaritan's Purse) were deployed from WMI's International
Headquarters in Charleston, SC. The water systems
will be airlifted first to Bangkok, Thailand and
are expected to reach Myanmar later this week.
Two WMI employees, Pat Haughney (International Program
Director) and Andre Mergenthaler (International
Project Director) left Charleston early Wednesday
morning, May 14, for Bangkok where they will meet
Jan Daniel, WMI's Indonesia Country Director. Together,
Pat and Andre will accompany the water systems into
Myanmar to assist with installation and operation
of the systems. Jan Daniel will remain in Bangkok
to coordinate relief efforts.
Additional water treatment systems are being prepared
for deployment to Myanmar as plans are developed
in partnership with other disaster relief ministries.
Each water system is assembled by volunteer labor,
treats up to ten gallons of water per minute, approximately
10,000 gallons per day, and supports communities
of up to 3,000 people.
You Can Make a Difference:
Pray:
Please pray for survivors of the deadly cyclone. Please also pray for the health and safety of representatives from WMI and other relief agencies who are traveling to Myanmar to help in this disaster relief effort. Prayers are also needed for WMI and other relief organizations to quickly acquire the resources and funding needed to continue sending aid to these hurting people.
Volunteer:
Volunteers are always needed in times of emergency. For more information about current volunteer needs, please contact Kelly Lewis, Volunteer Coordinator, at (843) 769-7395 or Volunteers@watermissions.org.
Donate:
Show your support and help save lives today by donating to the WMI Disaster Relief Fund. Donations may be made:
Online
Give a one-time gift or sign up for monthly giving. Click the DONATE NOW button to the left of your screen.
By Phone
Call (843) 769-7395 or toll free (866) 280-7107 to give your gift
By Mail
Mail your gift (check or money order) to P.O. Box 31258 Charleston, SC 29417
In Person
Deliver your gift to our International Headquarters at
2049 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, SC 29407
