(BELLEVUE, WASH. - Nov. 26, 2007) Two volunteers from the Pacific Northwest, including a nurse from Gig Harbor, Wash., depart next week with Medical Teams International to help thousands of cyclone survivors in southern Bangladesh.

Volunteer Ann Johnson, along with a second nurse from Boise, Idaho, will carry $15,000 in emergency medical supplies with them. Johnson is a seasoned volunteer with Medical Teams International, having served on 10 trips—including disasters in Iraq, Afghanistan, Indonesia and Uganda.

Cyclone Sidr, the super storm that hit Bangladesh a week ago, has killed nearly 3,500 people, injured another 3,300 and affected more than 3.1 million people. It is the deadliest disaster in the country since 1991 when a similar windstorm devastated the region and killed nearly 143,000 people.

The medical volunteers will work alongside local relief workers, caring for families camped in government shelters and temporary housing. The volunteers may also travel to more isolated communities that have not received assistance since the deadly cyclone hit nearly a week ago.

The two nurses will bring antibiotics, bandages and medicines to combat diarrhea, malaria and water borne illnesses—a common but deadly threat in shelters where clean water and adequate sanitation are scarce.

"These volunteers will make a lifesaving difference in these devastated communities," says Bas Vanderzalm, president of Medical Teams International. Vanderzalm worked in Khulna and Gopalganj, two of the hardest-hit areas, during a similar disaster in the '90s.

"Our help is critical in the days ahead," adds Vanderzalm. "Families have lost everything...their homes, their livestock, and even their loved ones."

The Bangladesh cyclone comes on the heels of horrific flooding in the country less than three months ago when Medical Teams International responded by sending medical volunteers and medicines to Dhaka. Medical Teams International volunteers have also deployed to Mexico to help after torrential rains sparked flooding that left more than 500,000 homeless.

To donate to the Bangladesh Cyclone Relief Fund, please call (800) 959.4325, give online at our secure Web site www.medicalteams.org or mail gifts to PO Box 10, Portland, OR 97207. Donations can also be made at any U.S. Bank branch.