An appeal has been launched to assist those affected by the destruction of large areas of Burma by the recent cyclone. Although Plan has no presence in the country, staff from neighbouring countries are working with local organisations to provide emergency aid.

The UN now estimates that 1.5 million people have been affected by the devastation wreaked by cyclone Nargis, with the death toll thought to be over 100,000.

Mobile phone lines and communications towers are down, which has hampered reporting from the traumatised country. Throughout the city, water supplies are contaminated and transportation is virtually impossible.

Plan has no presence in Burma, so any operations will be through partner organisations, and Plan already has knowledge of NGOs who work in the area.

The scale of the disaster response is now being talked about in "tsunami" proportions and is likely to require longer term investment.

Funds will be used for immediate emergency response, paying for emergency non-food items, mosquito nets, shelters, saws, axes, sarongs, and hygiene kits, especially for young girls.

Medical supplies including anti diarrhoea, anti-bacterial, and anti-malarial drugs, as well as saline drips and basic bandaging and dressings will also be distributed.

Plan will then look at the possibility of establishing a Burma Recovery Unit which will be grant funded over three years, and will focus specifically on health and education activities.