The Zakat Foundation of America

Myanmar

Myanmar (Burma), a resource-rich country, suffers from pervasive government controls, inefficient economic policies, and rural poverty. Despite Myanmar’s increasing oil and gas revenue, socio-economic conditions have deteriorated due to the regime's mismanagement of the economy. On May 2, 2008, the country was rocked by Cyclone Nargis, which killed more than 146,000 people, destroyed thousands of homes and structures and caused over $10 billion (USD) in damage.

It is estimated that 2-3 million people are homeless following Cyclone Nargis. Relief efforts were hindered as Myanmar’s military rulers largely resisted international aid into the country for the first 10 days after the cyclone. Myanmar is one of the area’s leading producers of rice, and the damage to the agricultural sector of the country makes long-term aid a necessary consideration.

Cyclone Nargis Relief in Myanmar

The Cyclone Nargis that hit the shores of Myanmar has devastated vast populated areas across the south of the country. The scale of destruction and loss is massive. There are alarming reports of entire villages destroyed, their populations missing. Those who survived are still at risk of contracting malaria and water-borne diseases. Zakat Foundation is working with the Red Cross… continue reading »