Cyclone Nargis and the Crisis in Myanmar (formerly Burma)

On Friday, May 2nd and into Saturday, May 3rd, a devastating tropical storm, Cyclone Nargis, ravaged the Irrawaddy Delta region of Myanmar (Burma). In the wake of this catastrophic event, the United Nations and senior U.S. officials in the region estimate that potentially 100,000 or more people may have died. In addition, tens of thousands more are still missing and hundreds of thousands have been left homeless.

Myanmar (Burma) is located along the Bay of Bengal, neighboring China, Thailand and India. Some of the regions affected by the tsunami in December of 2006. This Category 4 Cyclone produced winds of almost 150 miles per hour and tidal surges of almost 12 feet along the coast, resulting in wide spread flooding and destruction of the regions critical infrastructure. Nargis is said to be one of the most deadly cyclones of all time. This event has lead to a major humanitarian crisis and tremendous physical and emotional suffering for millions living in the region.

How You Can Help

Numerous non-governmental, faith-based and community-based relief organizations have begun to mobilize efforts to assist the people of Myanmar (Burma). Here are some of the ways you can reach out to help:

• Intl. Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
• World Food Programme
• Save the Children
• World Vision
• UNICEF
• International Rescue Committee
• International Medical Corps
• The Salvation Army

Emotional Support

If you are related to, or know of individuals or families living and working in and around the affected region, such a powerful event can raise fears and anxiety about the safety and health of those people. In general, Myanmar (Burma) is a closed country and even in more peaceful times, it can be difficult for outsiders to know what is happening. Due to damaged communications systems and the overall crisis conditions that exist at present, it may be even more difficult to learn the status of friends and family members. Just waiting for information in a crisis of this type can also increase levels of emotional distress.

For many other people, an event like this can trigger memories and powerful feelings related to other disasters. Whether these reactions are tied to Hurricane Katrina, floods along New Jersey’s Delaware River, or other traumatic events, disasters occurring any where in the world can reawaken the intense emotions experience during other times in ours lives.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress related to the tragedy in Myanmar (Burma), please know that there are qualified, trained crisis counselors available to help. You can reach the New Jersey MentalHealthCares' Disaster Mental Health Helpline at the toll free number, (877) 294-HELP (4357). A TTY line is also available at (877) 294-4356.