Residents of Kalay, Sagaing Region, paddle through the floodwaters. This area has been particularly badly affected by days of heavy rain. Photo/ Sai Zaw / AFP
In the wake of flooding that has devastated vast swathes of the country – at least 46 people are confirmed dead and the government has declared disaster zones in several states – tens of thousands of people need food, shelter, clean water and sanitation, as well as medical care. Your donations can help. But with so many organizations and citizen-led efforts to choose from, it can be difficult to make a decision. Here are 5 options.
Myanmar Red Cross Society
When we asked the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs which organization to donate to, their spokesman recommended MRCS. It has more than 1,000 volunteers on the ground helping find and rescue victims, administer first aid and run evacuation centers. The organization has distributed hygiene kits, family kits, kitchen sets and mosquito nets to those in the worst-affected areas. They are appealing on Facebook for more funds to help give out food.
How? Make a cash donation at the Red Cross Office in Yangon (No. 42, Strand Road, Botahtaung Township). Otherwise, you can transfer Myanmar kyats or US dollars into the following accounts:
Account no. 0270 121 0000 8463 (for US Dollar), United Amara Bank, Thein Phyu Branch)
Account no. 0270 101 0000 2771 (for Myanmar Kyat), United Amara Bank, Thein Phyu Branch)
Daw Khin Kyi Foundation
The charitable foundation named after Aung San Suu Kyi’s mother and overseen by the opposition leader herself. They are delivering food aid, drinking water and kitchen utensils to people affected. Suu Kyi paid a personal visit to victims in Bago on Monday.
How? A group of philanthropists has set up a crowdfunding effort in collaboration with three organizations via indiegogo.com. They have made a no-overheads promise. Daw Khin Kyi Foundation is one of the groups included. Or you can donate at their Yangon office: Room 004-006, Inya Lake Hotel, 37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Road.
Free Funeral Service Society
A philanthropic organization founded by the late film director U Thukha in the late 1990s, FFSS has provided free funerals for more than 12,000 people and also runs a free health clinic. Their staff is both assisting with emergency aid efforts and sending dry food, rice and medicine to several of the worst-hit areas.
How? They are involved with the same indiegogo.com crowdfunding campaign.
Online Volunteers of Disaster Recovery for Myanmar
An online network of Myanmar-based volunteers spanning the whole country. They are carrying out repair work including fixing blocked water wells as well as handing out food, drinking water and mosquito nets.
How? They are also part of the indiegogo.com campaign and picking up donations from various locations in Myanmar. Check out their Facebook page (Burmese language) for more details.
Brighter Future Foundation
This UK-registered NGO that works to improve healthcare in Myanmar is a good option for those overseas, especially British citizens. They can claim gift aid on donations given by UK taxpayers, meaning that victims will receive up to £1.25 on every £1 donated. Their Yangon-based trustee is working with Magwe University Hospital to lead a team caring for food victims in Magwe Division. They are handing out rice and water there and in Sagaing Division, especially the particularly hard-hit Kale Township.
How? Make an online donation via their website, or contact them by email or Facebook.
Photos / Facebook
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