CARE International UK has launched an emergency appeal in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis that devastated Myanmar on Saturday. Recent reports suggest that more than 15,000 people have died and 100,000 families have been left homeless.

The full toll and extent of the devastation may not be known for days as phone and communication lines are still down.

CARE staff are already responding in the most affected areas of Myanmar and assessing the immediate needs.

While the CARE office was severely damaged, all 500+ staff are safe, accounted for and beginning work to bring immediate assistance to those people who have been hit hardest.

'It is difficult to know at this point what the full extent of the damage will be. CARE is coordinating with the local government authorities and the United Nations to determine how we can provide help where it is most needed,' says Geoffrey Dennis, chief executive of CARE International UK.

'What we do know is that in a disaster of this magnitude and nature, the immediate needs will be water, food and sanitation, which we are ready to provide.'

CARE will be concentrating relief efforts on the provision of water, food and sanitation in areas severely affected by Cyclone Nargis, and is conducting assessments of outlying areas around the city of Yangon today.

There are significant concerns of disease in Yangon and surrounding areas as the water system is not functional. Without immediate action diarrhea and dysentery could become killers, especially for small children, the elderly and those who are already ill.

Significant funds will be needed to ensure CARE can rapidly deliver immediate assistance to the thousands of people affected by the Cyclone.

CARE is calling on the British public to give generously. In an emergency, as little as £5 can provide plastic sheeting for shelter for a family, or enough food for a mother and her children for a week.

To donate to CARE's Myanmar/Burma Cyclone Appeal phone 0845 600 5800 or donate online at www.careinternational.org.uk

About CARE International in Myanmar: CARE has been working in Myanmar/Burma for 14 years, mostly on food security, health, HIV/AIDS prevention and water and sanitation. CARE has 500 staff members working in 120 villages and towns across the country.

For more information, or interviews please contact: In UK: Deborah Underdown Underdown@careinternational.org tel: +44 207 9349417

In Australia: Roslyn Boatman, roslyn.boatman@careaustralia.org.au tel: +61 3 9421 5572 mobile: + 61 419 567 777

Notes to editors: Myanmar is the name recognised by the United Nations and the country in question. Burma is the name recognised by the UK Government.