Myanmar Devastated by Cyclone - At Least 22,000 Dead

[TheMojoPin]

YANGON, Myanmar (CNN) -- A Myanmar government radio station said Tuesday that more than 22,000 people are dead and 41,000 missing after the catastrophic cyclone that battered the country.

A news broadcast on the state-run station said Tuesday that 22,464 people had been confirmed dead after Cyclone Nargis. The broadcast added that 41,000 more were missing.

The U.N. estimated up to a million could be homeless.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency, quoting officials, reported a death toll of 10,000 alone in the township of Bogalay, where bodies were being dumped into the river.

CNN's Dan Rivers, the first Western journalist in Bogalay, said destroyed homes could be seen for 30 kilometer stretches.

In one area only four homes remained from a total of 369.

Rivers said people were now sheltering under canvas covers. They had little food bar a small amount of eggs and rice. The area's rice had been destroyed, leaving Bogalay with a five-day supply. Water pumps were also ruined, and fuel was scarce.

Read more here. (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/06/myanmar.cyclone/index.html)

For anyone wondering, Myanmar was formerly known as Burma, and is located here:

http://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_map/myanmar.gif

As you can see, it's very close to many of the areas pounded by that huge tsunami a few years ago.

I had to go and look up what a cyclone was...I thought it was actually just a type of tornado, but it seems much, much bigger than that. I was reading the Wikipage on them, and being the science pud that I am, I can't tell the difference between a cyclone and a hurricaine...anyone know?

[angrymissy]

I think on the Atlantic they're called hurricanes and everywhere else they are Cyclones. And then in difference hemispheres they are typhoons. They're all basically the same thing as a hurricane, for some reason I am remembering this fact from some class in HS.

[Furtherman]

Hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones are all the same thing, just named differently on different parts of the planet.

What is a hurricane, typhoon, or tropical cyclone? (http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/A1.html)

[badorties]

i believe (and a quick trip to wikipedia) a tropical cyclone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_cyclone) is th all encopassing term ... typhoons, cyclones drepressions and hurricanes are all low pressure systems that vary by location and strength

up to 50,000 might die and the survivors can look forward to a primative society lead by a miltary junta (not so eager to receive western help)

[Knowledged_one]

this is a cyclone

http://www.marvel.com/universe3zx/images/thumb/0/03/Cyclone_Head.jpg/440px-Cyclone_Head.jpg

[RAAMONE]

Bush to myanmar: "let us help!"

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/06/myanmar.relief/index.html

the country doesnt want our relief effort teams into the county

are we really to the point that we are begging other countries (that dont want our help) to give them money and troops

it just seems crazy to me sometimes

i'm listening to anthonys crazy rant about the U.S. run by Cumia and it doesnt seem so crazy sometimes

[BeerBandit]

This is the Wrath of the Monks! Who knew they'd be so vengeful.

[Friday]

Bush to myanmar: "let us help!"

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/06/myanmar.relief/index.html

the country doesnt want our relief effort teams into the county

are we really to the point that we are begging other countries (that dont want our help) to give them money and troops

it just seems crazy to me sometimes

i'm listening to anthonys crazy rant about the U.S. run by Cumia and it doesnt seem so crazy sometimes

I am as much of an advocate for assisting other countries in these kinds of disasters as anyone with a conscience. But I definitely agree with your post here.

Sometimes it seems as if our government is so interested in making itself look good around the world, that it forgets the poverty stricken, sick, and helpless people right here in the United States.

And I love the Cumia government.... except for the fact that it probably wouldn't look favorably on brown people like me. lol. Luckily I already have an in with our leader. :tongue:

[Badinia]

Jesus, 22,000 people. That is mind-boggling.

This is the anniversary of the Hindenberg explosion, which lives on in infamy, but that was only 35 people.

[Earlshog]

Bush to myanmar: "let us help!"

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/06/myanmar.relief/index.html

the country doesnt want our relief effort teams into the county

are we really to the point that we are begging other countries (that dont want our help) to give them money and troops

it just seems crazy to me sometimes

i'm listening to anthonys crazy rant about the U.S. run by Cumia and it doesnt seem so crazy sometimes

Maybe they saw how well Bush did handling Katrina. We didn't want other countries to help us when they offered if you recall.

To your point I was in Myanmar in 2002 (they used to be a huge garment exporter until US sanctions in 2003) and the county is as poor and primitive a place as you ever want to see. The people who are suffering will take help from whom ever will provide it.

[FUNKMAN]

alot of these people live in grass shacks and mudhuts, very very poor housing... not too far away somewhere in India some guy is building a 2 billion dollar house for himself...

[Jujubees2]

No what is mind-boggling is Laura Bush calling out Burma's government about not warning people early enough after what HER HUSBAND'S adminsitration did with Katrini in New Orleans. Man, she's got balls.

Laura Bush criticises Burma's cyclone warning (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/06/2236366.htm?section=world)

[A.J.]

No what is mind-boggling is Laura Bush calling out Burma's government about not warning people early enough after what HER HUSBAND'S adminsitration did with Katrini in New Orleans. Man, she's got balls.

Laura Bush criticises Burma's cyclone warning (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/06/2236366.htm?section=world)

True but I think part of her criticism is that Burma/Myanmar should have had these emergency alert systems in place give the damage done there by the 2004 Tsunami.

[dino_electropolis]

a travesty.....a damn shame at the immense loss of life.

[Epschtein]

Jesus, 22,000 people. That is mind-boggling.

seriously.

and the tsunami a few years back killed like ten times that number.

completely incomprehensible.

[Team_Ramrod]

Cheap vacation properties.

Sweet

[Knowledged_one]

No what is mind-boggling is Laura Bush calling out Burma's government about not warning people early enough after what HER HUSBAND'S adminsitration did with Katrini in New Orleans. Man, she's got balls.

Laura Bush criticises Burma's cyclone warning (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/06/2236366.htm?section=world)

Yeah because the people in LA werent warned that a hurricane was comine and Bush also had the Levees blown up as well :dry:

[Kevin]

seriously.

and the tsunami a few years back killed like ten times that number.

completely incomprehensible.

Whats the time table on a crazy religious person saying they must have angered God and deserved it?

[TheMojoPin]

hurricane was comine

Spelling Nazi NOTHING, you should be flogged for that.

[Knowledged_one]

What can i say the dullard air here in the midwest is getting to me

I even saw the mispelling and didnt edit

I suck

[Freitag]

Isn't this the area that Rambo blew up in the last movie?

[Freakshow]

that a hurricane was comine

Conine?
http://theoriolereport.files.wordpress.com/2006/07/conine.jpg

this is a cyclone


or this
http://images.usatoday.com/sports/photos/collegef/h_davis.jpg

[Knowledged_one]

well heres a typhoon

http://www.icollectables.co.uk/acatalog/WRES_TYPHOON.gif

[Chigworthy]

At least they weren't devastated by clones.

[GvacMobile]

It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how powerful we humans like to believe we are and despite all of our technological advancements, we are powerless against the forces of nature. To see this kind of devastation is as humbling as it is horrifying.

On a side note, one of my best buddies is half Burmese, half Irish. Imagine if Apu and Mooch had a love child. We've been friends for over 20 years and I still can't understand a word he says.

[Knowledged_one]

At least they weren't devastated by clones.

yeah that would be a disaster Jim Rome fans running wild in Myanmar

[Freitag]

Yeah because the people in LA werent warned that a hurricane was comine and Bush also had the Levees blown up as well :dry:

I'll give you a Quoted for Half-Truth.

While the failure in New Orleans isn't primarily Bush's fault, another issue was that the evacuation plan needed more time to happen, which is time they didn't have. That responsibility, however, falls on the governor of LA and the mayor of NO.

Basically, there's a TON of blame to go around, but it primarily falls on Bush because he's an easy target.

[Earlshog]

It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how powerful we humans like to believe we are and despite all of our technological advancements, we are powerless against the forces of nature. To see this kind of devastation is as humbling as it is horrifying.

On a side note, one of my best buddies is half Burmese, half Irish. Imagine if Apu and Mooch had a love child. We've been friends for over 20 years and I still can't understand a word he says.

Unfortunately the technological advances of man that could help in situations such as this are only possessed by few in devastatingly poor countries

[RAAMONE]

yeah that would be a disaster Jim Rome fans running wild in Myanmar

:lol:

[Earlshog]

I'll give you a Quoted for Half-Truth.

While the failure in New Orleans isn't primarily Bush's fault, another issue was that the evacuation plan needed more time to happen, which is time they didn't have. That responsibility, however, falls on the governor of LA and the mayor of NO.

Basically, there's a TON of blame to go around, but it primarily falls on Bush because he's an easy target.

I agree there is plenty of blame to go around, however the reason a lot of it falls on Bush is not because he is an easy target. It is because he botched the situation. What happened (and what continues to happen in New Orleans) was (and is) an absolute disgrace.


http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/03/02/fema.tapes/

[Knowledged_one]

Yeah the mayor of the city had nothing to do with people getting out in time

http://www.willisms.com/archives/kanyewest.gif

George Bush doesnt care about black people

[RAAMONE]

Yeah the mayor of the city had nothing to do with people getting out in time

http://www.willisms.com/archives/kanyewest.gif

George Bush doesnt care about black people

i wonder who picked those two...i mean, why those two? just wondered the thought process behind that

[foodcourtdruide]

Yeah the mayor of the city had nothing to do with people getting out in time

http://www.willisms.com/archives/kanyewest.gif

George Bush doesnt care about black people

No one ever blames the Mayor or Governor.

[Knowledged_one]

Of course they dont because they are black

Where is Rev. Al talking about how the Mayor of New Orleans failed his city and then advocated teh city becoming all black

[Freakshow]

No one ever blames the Mayor or Governor.

I blame that Mayor McCheese. I don't think he was really trying to stop the Hamburgler...

[Earlshog]

Of course they dont because they are black

Where is Rev. Al talking about how the Mayor of New Orleans failed his city and then advocated teh city becoming all black


:unsure:

[Jujubees2]

Of course they dont because they are black

Where is Rev. Al talking about how the Mayor of New Orleans failed his city and then advocated the city becoming all black

Um, the former governor of Louisiana isn't black.

http://media.businessreport.com/media/img/photos/2007/05/21/Gov_Blanco_t290.jpg

And yes, there's plenty of blame for not being ready for the hurricane but the brunt of the criticism for the response squarely falls on the Bush administration. I mean he had a person who was the head of FEMA who had absolutely no qualifications for the job. And then Bush is quoted as saying "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job." I mean that was downright insulting.

[Knowledged_one]

Fine the governor whatever, but the Mayor who was black got his family out and friends out and let the rest to their own devices.

And you are blaming bush for the after effects of the Hurricane, while the tragedy was people not getting out in time and that falls squarely on the shoulders of the negligent mayor.

Same as that mayor is to blame for one of the most crooked police forces in teh entire country.

[foodcourtdruide]

Of course they dont because they are black

Where is Rev. Al talking about how the Mayor of New Orleans failed his city and then advocated teh city becoming all black

So you won't be satisfied with the criticism of the Mayor of New Orleans until Al Sharpton speaks out against him.

Um.. why?

[Knowledged_one]

No what i am saying is that Rev. Al the race baiter is there for any issue where whites are put at fault. Whereas the fault of this city and the suffering that happened because of his inaction (the mayor of NO) hurt black people and there is not a word from a guy like Rev. Al

[Jujubees2]

Fine the governor whatever, but the Mayor who was black got his family out and friends out and let the rest to their own devices.

And you are blaming bush for the after effects of the Hurricane, while the tragedy was people not getting out in time and that falls squarely on the shoulders of the negligent mayor.

Same as that mayor is to blame for one of the most crooked police forces in teh entire country.

[SIZE="2"]Oh come on, the post-response came from the federal government who screwed it up royally. No city could not mount a response to a disaster of that magnitude without help from the feds. Yes, the mayor is at fault too but the feds really screwed this one up./SIZE]

[Knowledged_one]

Fact: "The federal government pretty much met its standard time lines, but the volume of support provided during the 72-96 hour was unprecedented. The federal response here was faster than Hugo, faster than Andrew, faster than Iniki, faster than Francine and Jeanne."

[Jujubees2]

Fact: "The federal government pretty much met its standard time lines, but the volume of support provided during the 72-96 hour was unprecedented. The federal response here was faster than Hugo, faster than Andrew, faster than Iniki, faster than Francine and Jeanne."

Fact from where?

[keithy_19]

I find it amazing how quickly this turned into something involving politics. (with blame being passed around)

What a terrible tragedy. I'll be keeping all the people of Myanmar in my thoughts and prayers.

[TheMojoPin]

I find it amazing how quickly this turned into something involving politics. (with blame being passed around)

What a terrible tragedy. I'll be keeping all the people of Myanmar in my thoughts and prayers.

Add a donation to the International Red Cross on top of that.

[Knowledged_one]

I find it amazing how quickly this turned into something involving politics. (with blame being passed around)

What a terrible tragedy. I'll be keeping all the people of Myanmar in my thoughts and prayers.

This is what happens in every thread like this, people find a way to blame George Bush for everything

[Earlshog]

This is what happens in every thread like this, people find a way to blame George Bush for everything


No one blamed George Bush for the situation in Myanmar (although the economic sanctions placed on the country by his administration have devastated any progress made regarding the countries economy ). What was mentioned was his (meaning him personally) and his administrations incompetence handling the Katrina situation.

[Furtherman]

What a terrible tragedy. I'll be keeping all the people of Myanmar in my thoughts and prayers.

They're mostly Buddhists... unless you have a buddha, donations will help.

[keithy_19]

They're mostly Buddhists... unless you have a buddha, donations will help.

I suscribe to Taoism, granted it's not Buddhism.

And yes, thoughts and prayers don't put their homes back together.

[scottinnj]

And yes, thoughts and prayers don't put their homes back together.


Yes they do, Hagee and Robertson told me so! :lol:

[Knowledged_one]

No one blamed George Bush for the situation in Myanmar (although the economic sanctions placed on the country by his administration have devastated any progress made regarding the countries economy ). What was mentioned was his (meaning him personally) and his administrations incompetence handling the Katrina situation.

yeah lets not put any blame on the Democrat who ran NO or the Democrat who was governor for their shortcomings god forbid you badmouth a democrat or hold them accountable for what they did. And the economic sanctions why dont you enlighten us on these sanctions and their reasoning

[Knowledged_one]

Never mind i checked about the sanctions myself and here are the reasons

In his speech to the General Assembly, US President George W. Bush announced plans to tighten economic sanctions against the Government of Myanmar. Mr. Bush said his administration will also impose an expanded visa ban on human rights violators, while continuing to support humanitarian groups working to alleviate suffering in the country.
Myanmar, formerly Burma, has been ruled by a military junta since 1988. Over the past month, protests there have mounted following a rise in fuel prices. Mr. Bush says his "series of steps" will help to bring about "peaceful change" in the country.

"Americans are outraged by the situation in Burma. Basic freedoms of speech, assembly and worship, are severely restricted. The ruling junta remains unyielding, yet the people's desire for freedom is unmistakable."

Mr. Bush urged the UN to help the people of Myanmar to reclaim their freedom, and called on all civilized nations to stand up for people living under dictatorships.


What a dick that george bush is to try and help people who are suffering from human rights violations, that GWB what a son of a bitch he is, and these sanctions were imposed on September 10 2007 less then what 8 months ago

and lets dig a little deeper

http://www.burmalibrary.org/reg.burma/archives/199802/msg00125.html

It appears that these sanctions were started under Bill Clinton so tell me again how GWB has kept these people down

[TheMojoPin]

George Bush doesn't care about human rights violations.

No jokeo.

[scottinnj]

Katrina aside, I feel we did a spectacular job assisting the countries who got hit by the tsunami. Plus the world wind tour Clinton and Bush 41 did to raise tons of money and food for the victims, I just don't see why they would turn us down this time.

[TheMojoPin]

Katrina aside, I feel we did a spectacular job assisting the countries who got hit by the tsunami. Plus the world wind tour Clinton and Bush 41 did to raise tons of money and food for the victims, I just don't see why they would turn us down this time.

Because Myanmar is run by totalitarian dickbags.

[SatCam]

Myanmar Devastated by Cyclone - At Least 22,000 Dead

That is amazing....................... The number I read in a news article monday was 400+...............

[scottinnj]

it's over 50 grand now, and there are so many dead, they're chucking the bodies into rivers to get them out of the villages. horrifying.

[Yerdaddy]

Bush's policies towards Burma have been good, in moral and practical terms, for a long time, as they are response to this cyclone. Economic development that benefits the people and entices reform from the government is not possible with the regime in Burma, like it has been - to a degree - in China. Bush has consistently supported them and led the Security Council efforts to strengthen the sanctions. He has consistently condemed that awful regime and urged regional bodies like Asean to take strong measures to force the regime to change. There's not much I would ask the administration to do on Burma that they haven't done.

In this case neither the US or anyone else is asking to send in troops. They're trying to get assessment and logistics teams into the country to begin the complicated task of getting aid where it needs to be. The regime is taking a stab at witholding visas to those teams in the hopes that they can get aid money without workers so they can keep the money for themselves. It won't work and eventually they will relent and aid will get in - but every hour they hold out people will die.

This is a poor subject for domestic political debate, (although the irony of Laura's comment is pretty funny). Instead it's an opportunity to donate money that will help people now who need it probably more than anyone else on the planet right now.

[Bulldogcakes]

Bush's policies towards Burma have been good, in moral and practical terms, for a long time, as they are response to this cyclone. Economic development that benefits the people and entices reform from the government is not possible with the regime in Burma, like it has been - to a degree - in China. Bush has consistently supported them and led the Security Council efforts to strengthen the sanctions. He has consistently condemed that awful regime and urged regional bodies like Asean to take strong measures to force the regime to change. There's not much I would ask the administration to do on Burma that they haven't done.

In this case neither the US or anyone else is asking to send in troops. They're trying to get assessment and logistics teams into the country to begin the complicated task of getting aid where it needs to be. The regime is taking a stab at witholding visas to those teams in the hopes that they can get aid money without workers so they can keep the money for themselves. It won't work and eventually they will relent and aid will get in - but every hour they hold out people will die.

This is a poor subject for domestic political debate, (although the irony of Laura's comment is pretty funny). Instead it's an opportunity to donate money that will help people now who need it probably more than anyone else on the planet right now.

Links, anyone?

[PapaBear]

I miss my Burmese bike mechanic buddy. Hiya Suhn!!!!:bye:

[Earlshog]

yeah lets not put any blame on the Democrat who ran NO or the Democrat who was governor for their shortcomings god forbid you badmouth a democrat or hold them accountable for what they did. And the economic sanctions why dont you enlighten us on these sanctions and their reasoning



Bush and his administration did a kick ass job preparing for Katrina, with the rescue efforts, and with the rebuilding... better


This isn't an attach on republicans, nor am I saying democrats don't deserve some of the responsibility, especially in the post era of Katrina. What I was critqing was the atrocious job Bush did handling the Katrina situation. I hope that clarifies my point.

[Earlshog]

Never mind i checked about the sanctions myself and here are the reasons

In his speech to the General Assembly, US President George W. Bush announced plans to tighten economic sanctions against the Government of Myanmar. Mr. Bush said his administration will also impose an expanded visa ban on human rights violators, while continuing to support humanitarian groups working to alleviate suffering in the country.
Myanmar, formerly Burma, has been ruled by a military junta since 1988. Over the past month, protests there have mounted following a rise in fuel prices. Mr. Bush says his "series of steps" will help to bring about "peaceful change" in the country.

"Americans are outraged by the situation in Burma. Basic freedoms of speech, assembly and worship, are severely restricted. The ruling junta remains unyielding, yet the people's desire for freedom is unmistakable."

Mr. Bush urged the UN to help the people of Myanmar to reclaim their freedom, and called on all civilized nations to stand up for people living under dictatorships.


What a dick that george bush is to try and help people who are suffering from human rights violations, that GWB what a son of a bitch he is, and these sanctions were imposed on September 10 2007 less then what 8 months ago

and lets dig a little deeper

http://www.burmalibrary.org/reg.burma/archives/199802/msg00125.html

It appears that these sanctions were started under Bill Clinton so tell me again how GWB has kept these people down

What I am speaking on is from is personal experience.

And to me pulling away those 300,000 garment related jobs from poor people is really not sticking it to the brutal government.

[Jujubees2]

Bush's policies towards Burma have been good, in moral and practical terms, for a long time, as they are response to this cyclone. Economic development that benefits the people and entices reform from the government is not possible with the regime in Burma, like it has been - to a degree - in China. Bush has consistently supported them and led the Security Council efforts to strengthen the sanctions. He has consistently condemed that awful regime and urged regional bodies like Asean to take strong measures to force the regime to change. There's not much I would ask the administration to do on Burma that they haven't done.

In this case neither the US or anyone else is asking to send in troops. They're trying to get assessment and logistics teams into the country to begin the complicated task of getting aid where it needs to be. The regime is taking a stab at witholding visas to those teams in the hopes that they can get aid money without workers so they can keep the money for themselves. It won't work and eventually they will relent and aid will get in - but every hour they hold out people will die.

This is a poor subject for domestic political debate, (although the irony of Laura's comment is pretty funny). Instead it's an opportunity to donate money that will help people now who need it probably more than anyone else on the planet right now.

Thanks Yerdaddy, always the voice of reason.

My initial post was just to point out the irony of Laura Bush's comment. Not to blame everything on W.

Do you now which would be the best organizations to donate to so that the money gets to where it's needed and not line the pockets of the corrupt government?

[Earlshog]

Bush's policies towards Burma have been good, in moral and practical terms, for a long time, as they are response to this cyclone. Economic development that benefits the people and entices reform from the government is not possible with the regime in Burma, like it has been - to a degree - in China. Bush has consistently supported them and led the Security Council efforts to strengthen the sanctions. He has consistently condemed that awful regime and urged regional bodies like Asean to take strong measures to force the regime to change. There's not much I would ask the administration to do on Burma that they haven't done.

In this case neither the US or anyone else is asking to send in troops. They're trying to get assessment and logistics teams into the country to begin the complicated task of getting aid where it needs to be. The regime is taking a stab at witholding visas to those teams in the hopes that they can get aid money without workers so they can keep the money for themselves. It won't work and eventually they will relent and aid will get in - but every hour they hold out people will die.

This is a poor subject for domestic political debate, (although the irony of Laura's comment is pretty funny). Instead it's an opportunity to donate money that will help people now who need it probably more than anyone else on the planet right now.

I agree with you 100% on the brutality of the regime. We could sit here and debate the sanctions, or Bush but that should be done under a different forum. What is most important is the every day people, who are just like you and me, receive the help they so desperately need.

[Yerdaddy]

Thanks Yerdaddy, always the voice of reason.

My initial post was just to point out the irony of Laura Bush's comment. Not to blame everything on W.

Do you now which would be the best organizations to donate to so that the money gets to where it's needed and not line the pockets of the corrupt government?

I don't think there's much chance of donations getting to the government, as most agencies know what they're dealing with with these clowns, but the trick is that - and I'm reading this - the paranoid fucks are playing politics and favoring certain groups over others, and are slow to let in non-UN agencies right now. So giving to key UN agencies is a sound bet - UNICEF (http://www.unicef.org/emerg/index.html), UNOCHA (http://ochaonline.un.org/FundingFinance/Donations/tabid/1215/Default.aspx)(is running the show), International Red Cross (http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/iwpList2/Help_the_ICRC?OpenDocument)shouldn't have a problem getting in.

Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) (http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/)is already on the ground and they're a bas-ass bunch who are usually the first in and last out of the worst places on the planet. It's one of the best NGOs on the planet, so they're a good bet to donate to. This is where I'm giving. And nothing to do with me shagging one of their doctors.

[Jujubees2]

I don't think there's much chance of donations getting to the government, as most agencies know what they're dealing with with these clowns, but the trick is that - and I'm reading this - the paranoid fucks are playing politics and favoring certain groups over others, and are slow to let in non-UN agencies right now. So giving to key UN agencies is a sound bet - UNICEF (http://www.unicef.org/emerg/index.html), UNOCHA (http://ochaonline.un.org/FundingFinance/Donations/tabid/1215/Default.aspx)(is running the show), International Red Cross (http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/iwpList2/Help_the_ICRC?OpenDocument)shouldn't have a problem getting in.

Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) (http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/)is already on the ground and they're a bas-ass bunch who are usually the first in and last out of the worst places on the planet. It's one of the best NGOs on the planet, so they're a good bet to donate to. This is where I'm giving. And nothing to do with me shagging one of their doctors.

Thanks Yerdaddy. The orthopedic surgeon at the school I work at has worked with Doctors Without Borders so I think I'll go that way too.

[Yerdaddy]

Save the Children (https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=060726487) is already there working. So is World Food Programme (http://www.wfp.org/donate/index.asp).

US Campaign for Burma (http://uscampaignforburma.org/cyclone-relief-donations) is a small, Washington-based Burma NGO that I'm personally familiar with and can enthusiastically vouch for. They've set up a fund that will be donated to small, local NGOs inside the country during the aftermath of this thing. I know they've got good contacts on the ground, so it's a good bet for your donation money if you want to go that route. And they know Will Farrell.

[Freakshow]

Ooh. I like the idea of donating to a group that still calls it Burma. In fact, I think i'm going to donate to these guys:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f9/D915163rhvi.jpg

[Furtherman]

An aid official in Burma says the death toll from Cyclone Nargis may be 80,000 or more. (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/07/2238323.htm?section=world)

[Zorro]

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n67/Chas4604/burma.jpg

[Freakshow]

An aid official in Burma says the death toll from Cyclone Nargis may be 80,000 or more. (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/07/2238323.htm?section=world)

US diplomat says death toll could exceed 100,000 (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/NEWS07/80507078/1009)

This is almost biblical. It's approaching the numbers of the Tsunami, but in all one country. I can't image what's going to happen in Burma/Myanmar.

[Midkiff]

Maybe they'll stop being third world dummies, and stop having 80 trillion people living in beach shanties. That way next time a little wind blows they won't all die.

I bet the leaders of the country aren't poor and living in a box at the beach.

[Bulldogcakes]

Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) (http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/)is already on the ground and they're a bas-ass bunch who are usually the first in and last out of the worst places on the planet. It's one of the best NGOs on the planet, so they're a good bet to donate to. This is where I'm giving. And nothing to do with me shagging one of their doctors.

Thank you Daddy-O. DWB it is, I've been familiar with their work for a long time. Great organization.

[scottinnj]

Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) (http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/)


Doctors without Borders rules. We deal with them all the time when we get leftover medical supplies back from patients.
Dressing Change Kits,
IV Start Kits
Saline and Heparin syringes

IV tubing.

DWB takes it all. And they use it, like Yerdaddy said, in places where a month's salary couldn't pay for the sterile packaging our stuff is stored in.

[Yerdaddy]

UN: Myanmar blocks UN emergency airlift for cyclone victims (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080508/ap_on_re_as/myanmar_cyclone)

4 minutes ago

YANGON, Myanmar - Myanmar's isolationist regime blocked United Nations efforts Thursday to airlift food aid to cyclone survivors, U.N. officials said, as the hungry fought for what little food was available and drank coconut milk for lack of clean water.

Paul Risley, a spokesman of the U.N's World Food Program in Bangkok, said three flights were waiting to take off from Dubai, Dhaka and Thailand with 50 tons of high-energy biscuits. A fourth shipment aboard a scheduled Thai Airways cargo flight was likely to bring some biscuits later Thursday.

The top U.S. diplomat in the country, Shari Villarosa, has said the number of dead could eventually exceed 100,000 because of the scarcity of safe food and water. Myanmar's state media said Cyclone Nargis has killed at least 22,980 people and left 42,119 missing so far.

He told The Associated Press that the WFP was in "constant touch" with the military junta to obtain the flight clearance for the first major airlift of international aid, but there has been no word from officials.

Earlier, a statement from WFP in Washington indicated that a green-light for the airlift had been given, saying the planes were scheduled to land in Yangon early Thursday.

Myanmar's generals, traditionally paranoid about foreign influence, issued an appeal for international assistance after the deadly storm struck Saturday. But they have since dragged their feet on issuing visas to relief workers even as survivors face hunger, disease and flooding in the hardest hit Irrawaddy delta.

A handful of smaller shipments from neighboring countries arrived earlier in the week.

"We are in constant discussion with them in Yangon, and we expect to receive clearance," Risley said.

"It is enough of a challenge that visas are being held up for bringing in experienced international relief workers, but it is specially frustrating that critically needed food aid is being held up," he said.

The London-based human rights group, Amnesty International, said some donors were delaying aid for fear it would be siphoned off to the army.

WFP's regional director Anthony Banbury echoed those concerns.

"We will not just bring our supplies to an airport, dump it and take off," he told AP Television News. "This is one reason why there is a hold up now, because we are going to bring in not just supplies but a lot of capacity to go with them to make sure the supplies get to the people."

Myanmar's state television Thursday showed Prime Minister Lt. Gen. Thein Sein distributing food packages to the sick and injured in the delta and soldiers dropping food over villages. The date of the distributions was not given.

It's especially important to get funds to the groups on the ground already as who knows how long these cocksuckers will hold up the rest.

[A.J.]

Yerdaddy, was Phnom Penh affected at all? Just want to be sure you're OK over there!

[scottinnj]

UN: Myanmar blocks UN emergency airlift for cyclone victims (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080508/ap_on_re_as/myanmar_cyclone)



It's especially important to get funds to the groups on the ground already as who knows how long these cocksuckers will hold up the rest.

I heard on the news today the US is going in with airlifts whether the Burmese Government like it or not.

I wanted to drive to MacGuire AFB, find a cargo chief, kiss him square in the mouth and buy him a 12 pack and 3 hookers. When all is said and done, Air Force cargo planes will be flying over "hostile" territory to bring aid to people who aren't going to get it from their own government. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

[Yerdaddy]

Yerdaddy, was Phnom Penh affected at all? Just want to be sure you're OK over there!

There's still Thailand (and my white skin and first world resources) inbetween them and me. I'll manage. If anything the monsoon rains we've been getting the last few weeks managed to keep the pack of monkeys off my roof at 6am. They don't get up til 8 now.

[Yerdaddy]

I wanted to drive to MacGuire AFB, find a cargo chief, kiss him square in the mouth

That was BEFORE you read the story!

[RAAMONE]

Myanmar authorities seize aid for cyclone victims


"Myanmar authorities have seized U.N. food sufficient to feed 95,000 victims of last week's cyclone, a move that shuts down future U.N. flights, a U.N. aid official says"

i cant read the whole story because it wouldnt come up but...

does this mean the U.N. gave them enough food to feed all those people and the gov't just took it and refused to pass it out?

[Earlshog]

There's still Thailand (and my white skin and first world resources) inbetween them and me. I'll manage. If anything the monsoon rains we've been getting the last few weeks managed to keep the pack of monkeys off my roof at 6am. They don't get up til 8 now.


http://blog.oregonlive.com/qpdx/2008/04/ani-difranco.jpg

[Knowledged_one]

Thats exactly what it is

THats why the US is looking into doing air drops over the areas effected and circumventing the govt

[IMSlacker]

From Yahoo! (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080509/ap_on_re_as/myanmar_cyclone)

Myanmar's junta seized U.N. aid shipments Friday meant for a multitude of hungry and homeless survivors of last week's devastating cyclone, forcing the world body to suspend further help.

The aid included 38 tons of high-energy biscuits and arrived in Myanmar on Friday on two flights from Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates.

"All of the food aid and equipment that we managed to get in has been confiscated," U.N. World Food Program spokesman Risley said.

"For the time being, we have no choice but to end further efforts to bring critical needed food aid into Myanmar at this time," he said.

It's not clear what the junta is doing with the stuff they confiscated. They could be planning to distribute it, but the U.N. has no way of knowing.

[Epschtein]

i would like to think that they are supervising distribution so it gets to the people that need it most, but from all accounts the exact opposite is happening.

truly sickening.

[Freakshow]

Some light reading for context of the junta... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Myanmar_anti-government_protests)

[scottinnj]

That was BEFORE you read the story!

No, before the story, I was still in a trance about your gambling and rock-hard abs.....

But I'm fickle that way. Anything in a uniform catches my eye.

[Earlshog]

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1739053,00.html?cnn=yes

Is it Time to Invade Burma?

[scottinnj]

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1739053,00.html?cnn=yes

Is it Time to Invade Burma?

How much oil do they have? I also hear they grow a mean poppy plant.

I say green light!

[Kevin]

How much oil do they have? I also hear they grow a mean poppy plant.

I say green light!

They have to be Muslim, or no dice.

[Epschtein]

does anyone know what the bandages are for that you see on the cheeks of many children?

3 times this week CNN has had pictures of young girls wearing what look like band-aids on both cheeks, they are large and cover most of the cheek.

i cant recall ever seeing them before.

[TheMojoPin]

It's for all their homies locked up doin' time.

http://www.hippie.nu/~caniche/Death_Eater/nelly.jpg

[Freakshow]

They have to be Muslim, or no dice.

There might be a muslim minority. Myanmar/Burma is sandwiched between Malaysia and Bangladesh, two muslim countries. I'd have to look it up.