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CYCLONE NARGIS
theBridge has been closely partnered with Myanmar for several years. Therefore, we're focusing this page to the recent tragedy of Cyclone Nargis. Read below for information about the storm, eyewitness reports from our friends there, and how to give.
About Cyclone Nargis
On May 2, 2008, deadly cyclone Nargis moved over the Indian Ocean and onto the Irrawaddy Peninsula in Myanmar, causing an estimated $10 billion dollars damage. Winds as high as 135mph battered through the countryside and villages, destroying homes and separating families as people fled for refuge.
When the rains finally cleared, least 65 percent of the nation’s crops were damaged or destroyed by floods. Up to three million survivors are homeless. Clean water is very scarce. Some of the deceased are now too badly decomposed to be identified, and it is reported that bodies are now being abandoned in the streets. Fear of disease is mounting.
Before and After the Cyclone |
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Despite UN regulations, the junta controlling Myanmar refused to allow outside relief agencies to directly help the survivors. All aid was to be delivered to the government rather than to the survivors—a government with very little emergency-relief infrastructure and resources, and one accused of hoarding food, money, and other supplies meant for the victims.
An estimated 1.50 million people have been “severely affected” by the storm. The junta in power took total control of relief distribution for these people, yet the nation owns only a few aging helicopters and a couple of dozen small planes. Relief agencies were detained or restricted for months following the cyclone.
On June 30th, the government announced it would lift most of the remaining restrictions. As relief groups finally moved in with their supplies, what they saw was devastating. Today, the government’s official report stands at 84,537 dead, with 53,836 missing, but foreign experts put the estimate at a much higher minimum of 138,000 dead or missing. Survivors continue to struggle daily for food, shelter, and clean water.
Children left orphaned are at risk of being exploited for labor, but the Myanmar government recently banned all adoptions by individuals and organizations, saying the children will be cared for by the state, UN, and non-governmental organizations. theBridge has supported orphanages in Myanmar for several years,
and thankfully, due to that past involvement we have so far avoided the restrictions still in place.
More about Cyclone Nargis
More about Relief Efforts
View Photos
Eyewitness Reports from our Friends in Myanmar
theBridge has been closely partnered with Myanmar churches, schools, and orphanages for years. Each year, we send a team to Myanmar to work with these institutions, and over time, we have built personal relationships with the people we have met. These amazing men and women fight daily to take the Gospel to their own nation and others. We have faith that despite this tragedy, God will open doors for His Word to spread.
After the cyclone, we received several eyewitness reports from our friends; they’re posted below. Take a few moments to read these letters, and please pray for them as they rebuild their lives and reach out to those around them.
Read a Letter From Dr. Aung
Read a Letter From No Pum
Read a Letter From Pastor Maw
Read about FMI Relief Efforts
See Photos of our Friends in Myanmar
How to Give
We’re collecting funds to send to Myanmar. If you would like to give, please email us or call the church office at 304.724.7171
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