Myanmar News

Here is a chronological listing of events related to both the Myanmar crisis and this website:

May 14, 2008 - The International Federation of Red Cross estimates the total population affected by the cyclone to be between 1.6 million and 2.5 million. The U.S. military's Joint Typhoon Warning Center has said there is a good chance for a significant tropical cyclone will form within a day and hit approximately the same region. The poor weather conditions are causing serious problems in getting aid to those who need it. In spite of the difficulties most government and humanitarian organizations have been facing, some organizations are managing to get relief workers and assistance into the much needed areas. Doctors Without Borders had 2 additional cargo planes land yesterday.

May 13, 2008 - US pledge for aid has increased to $16.25 million. There continues to be resistance from the Myanmar government about outside support. Leaders are downplaying the severity of the situation while claiming that things are returning to normal. The United Nations along with many humanitarian and relief organizations are citing concerns about the barriers they are encountering in getting both supplies and skilled personnel into the country.

May 12, 2008 - The first U.S. government air shipment of relief supplies arrived without apparent incident. Two more planes from the U.S. are expected to arrive on Tuesday. Oxfam has warned that without proper relief, up to 1.5 million people may be affected. A French ship is on its way with relief supplies. Unofficial sources from the UN are now stating that the death toll may reach 216,000.

May 11, 2008 - It appears that the military junta is allowing aid in but still insisting they will handle distribution. Australia has pledged 25 million USD in relief aid with half going to international relief agencies and NGOs and the other half going to the UN. A Red Cross boat sunk while attempting to deliver relief supplies, contaminating or losing the bulk of the supplies according to reports.

May 10, 2008 - added Doctors Without Borders widget to site with a $10,000 goal. The Red Cross had 3 plans land with supplies. The World Food Programme had 2 flights land. Other shipments were expected to have arrived from other organizations such as Doctors Without Borders. Most organizations are saying they will handle distribution of supplies themselves to ensure it gets to those needing aid as opposed to the government.

May 9, 2008 - More than 2,000 square miles of land still remains underwater. The military junta in Myanmar has seized a major UN food shipment. Later the Myanmar government announced that any foreign aid would be welcome and is working to expedite matters.

May 9, 2008 - MyanmarChallenge.org launches.

May 7, 2008 - Various sources are citing that actual death toll could rise to 100,000 or more. Relief organizations are reporting difficulties reaching those in need.

May 6, 2008 - Initial death toll estimated between 20,000 and 22,000 with tens of thousands officially missing.

May 3, 2008 - Cyclone Nargis touched land.

For information on Myanmar and it's history, we recommend visiting the Wikipedia listing.

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