The Irish Red Cross, today doubled the amount of aid it is sending to Myanmar to Euro 100,000 directly as a result of the generous donations of people in Ireland.

Tents, tarpaulins and other vitally-needed items to provide shelter will be provided to the people of Myanmar directly as a result of this money. Tens of thousands of people in Myanmar face more misery with heavy rains forecast in the next few days.

David Andrews, Chairman of the Irish Red Cross expressed his thanks to those who have responded to the Irish Red Cross Appeal.

"Irish people have responded yet again with deep compassion to the suffering that they have witnessed. This response is having a direct effect, enabling us to provide more help to those who need it."

Donations are needed now online to www.redcross.ie or by calling 1850 50 70 70.

Heavy rain "worst scenario imaginable," says Red Cross Red Crescent

New fears are expressed today for the future of Myanmar\x92s cyclone survivors, with heavy rains that could cause flooding described as the "worst scenario imaginable".

According to the International Research Institute (IRI) for Climate and Society, based at Columbia University in New York, 12 centimetres of rain are forecast to fall on the area worst affected by the 2 May tropical cyclone over the next six days.

Irish Red Cross Relief expert, Joe Lowry who is in Myanmar will give an eye-witness account of what he\x92s seen at a special press conference tomorrow in Bangkok and a renewed appeal for funds internationally is planned for later this week.

Disease fears

Concerns have also been expressed about the very serious impact this forecast new rain and potential flooding could have on the health of affected communities. Diarrhea, dysentery and pneumonia \x96 especially among children \x96 have all been pinpointed as serious risks owning to the existing bad sanitation situation and any additional rainfall.

Aid Deliveries.

Aid deliveries into Myanmar by the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement are continuing in spite of the heavy rain and reports of a new cyclone that is forming in the region.

Yesterday, family kits for 10,000 people left Yangon, with each kit including tarpaulins, pots, mosquito nets, water purification tablets and soap. These will be distributed by Myanmar Red Cross volunteers who have been working around the clock to reach and assist affected people.

Flights from the Red Cross Red Crescent logistical hub in Kuala Lumpur are landing every day in Yangon, carrying additional shelter supplies and other basic but vital relief items.

China Earthquake

The Irish Red Cross is also ready to respond to any requests for aid for victims of the China earthquake where hundreds of Red Cross volunteers are distributing much-needed aid to the people affected by the deadly earthquake on Monday in Sichuan province.

Irish Red Cross Secretary General, John Roycroft said that he\x92s been advised that the Red Cross locally are providing help with rescue and first aid, and distributing relief supplies \x96 tents, quilts, water and food \x96 with more aid coming in from surrounding provinces today. Red Cross relief workers are also providing shelter to thousands of people left homeless.

Local disaster experts who have travelled to the town of Beichuan in Sichuan province have said that thousands of people are homeless after 80% of the buildings were destroyed.

The Red Cross has already set up ten relief sites in the neighbouring county of An, with hundreds of tents in each.

Food and drinking water are the main priorities needed now. Medical staff and supplies are also needed to help the tens of thousands injured.

For more information on the Red Cross Red Crescent operation visit www.redcross.ie

For further information, to set up interviews with our experts, or for photos of the Red Cross Red Crescent operation please contact: Aoife Mac Eoin, National Communications Officer, Tel: 01 \x96 642 4628/087 998 3788.