The water supply is severely contaminated. Rotting bodies are everywhere. Many have diarrheal diseases and are suffering dehydration many children are with mothers, and people appear shell shocked from the situation. Our staff was not able to even get into the city of Bogalay, Labutta and Myaungmya. Communication is still down. Some areas can be only accessible by motor scooter. Disease is starting to spread in epidemic proportions. The real crisis has just begun. It is critical that help is provided immediately before the disaster spreads in exponential proportions.

However, our staff was encouraged by some things that were happening. Churches are open (even though most are without roofs) and preparing food that they can find for survivors. Many churches are involved in going to find survivors and help though many are a little stymied as to how. Our staff was able to give training to some of these eager volunteers to help with the assessment and send much needed help and hope into the area. The human spirit is indeed special.

Thailand, Bangkok, 12th May - GAiN has set up their Disaster Assistance Center in the outskirts of Bangkok near the airport to be able to react to the changing environment in the field. Some teams are still out that went to much harder to access areas and we hope to hear from them soon.

GAiN and their partners are leaping to help the indigenous heroes that are rushing to save their people. GAiN has started procuring supplies to go to these people. The most urgent that have been identified are

• Medicine to deal with diarrhea and upper respiratory congestion.
• high calorie biscuits
• hygiene products for women
• water proof jackets and boots to help the workers
• water purification tablets to provide clean drinking water
• Milk powder, baby food and bottles for the small children. This is critical for children that lost their mothers.

The CEO for GAiN Australia, and GAiN Myanmar Relief director, Daniel Win, is originally from Myanmar and now lives in Australia. He stated "We have already built the local connection, govt connection, supply connection now we need the financial resources to help my people." He continues, "If people do not give, our work stops!"

The goods and resources are being purchased locally and distribution is taking place.

Approximately 20 teams of two people are focusing on primarily on Maubin (pronounced Ma- oh-been) where we have discovered about 10,000 disaster victims living in the rubble. Temporary shelters are desperately needed.

This is a united effort between the GAiN head offices of USA, Canada, Germany, Holland, South Korea and Australia as well as other partners. Global Aid Network agencies are a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ.

We need you to partner with us. Firstly, the GAiN needs assessment shows our minimum need to be $250,000. That is only $25 a victim to supply food, water, temporary shelter, sanitation, hygiene products and hope! Local people can buy immediate assistance to be distributed by them straight away. Secondly, please donate supplies of water, non perishable food, first aid, emergency building and storm materials and blankets and clothing (Call or email GAiN office for drop off points). Thirdly, if you would like to volunteer your help, then call our GAiN office in Sydney and provide your details and skills.

For additional information on helping in the "GAiN Myanmar Relief" contact our GAiN office.
To make a donation for GAiN Myanmar Relief Project:

You can either deposit physically or transfer into our account

Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia
BSB Number: 062 174
Account Number: 1037 1928
Account Name: GAiN Myanmar Relief Project
Swift Code: CTBAAU2S

Please specify Myanmar Appeal on your deposit and email our office at gain@globalaid.net.au
to advise of your donation and contact details so that a Tax Deductable receipt can be sent to you.
If you wish to donate by credit card, please call us at our office.
Alternatively you can post cheque to Global Aid Network, PO Box 318, Granville, NSW 2142.
Global Aid Network is a Humanitarian Aid Agency with a presence in 26 countries.