OMS International is providing relief to the victims of the May 2, 2008, cyclone that hit Myanmar. This category 3 cyclone caused vast amounts of damage, death and injury.

According to Myanmar’s government, more than 78,000 people were killed and 56,000 are still missing. Complete villages were wiped out, leaving millions without a home. Even the homes that remain are roofless, without complete walls and have no electricity. The risk of a disease outbreak has increased greatly due to rotting bodies, which are still lying in the water, a lack of food and a lack of clean water. The shortage of drinking water is so serious, fights have broken out among survivors who were desperately trying to attain water.

OMS relief efforts have two partner organizations in Myanmar and are being advised by an organization nearby who has experience in emergency relief efforts. More than $5,000 has already been sent to our contacts in Myanmar to get started. When sufficient funds are available, OMS plans to send more to meet this tremendous need. It costs approximately $55 per family to give them the immediate help they need.

If you would like to help with this relief effort, please send your gift to:

Project # 407190 Myanmar Emergency Relief FundOMS International P.O. Box 1648 Monument, CO 80132-1648

Or your gift can be dropped off at 941 Fry Road, Greenwood, Indiana, 46142.

By Megan House OMS summer communications intern