USAID Provides Additional $3 Million in Assistance to the Burmese People in Cyclone Aftermath
Washington, D.C. - The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are providing an additional $3
million dollars in initial assistance to help meet the most urgent needs of the Burmese people in the aftermath of
Cyclone Nargis. The White House announced this additional funding at a press briefing today. This brings the total USAID
assistance to $3.25 million to date, which will be allocated by the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) that
is currently pre-positioned in Bangkok awaiting permission to enter Burma.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA), the most urgent needs of populations
in affected areas include plastic sheeting, water purification tablets, cooking sets, mosquito nets, emergency health
kits, food, and possibly fuel supplies.
Citizens who wish to assist the people of Burma are encouraged to make a cash donation to a reputable humanitarian
organization working in the disaster region.
ENDS