International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Appeals via the Canadian Red Cross Society (CRCS)

Published purpose

On 2 May 2008, the Category 3 Cyclone Nargis made landfall in southern Burma before moving northeast to hit Rangoon leaving widescale devastation in its wake. Humanitarian needs remain high following Cyclone Nargis. The number of people affected by the cyclone is estimated at approximately 2.4 million with close to 140,000 dead or missing. Critical needs of the affected population are shelter, water and sanitation, emergency health, and food. Canada's first response to the Burma crisis was a contribution of $500,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help support monitoring and coordination efforts. Our contribution has now been increased to a total of $2,500,000. The project supports the IFRC and the efforts of the National Society to provide emergency health care, psychosocial support, safe water and sanitation, essential non-food items and emergency shelter to 500,000 victims affected by Cyclone Nargis. The project also continues ongoing community needs assessments, beneficiary registration, monitoring and coordination efforts.