Newsroom Press Releases

AmeriCares Statement on Cyclone Nargis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2008

Peggy Atherlay
patherlay@americares.org
203-524-2158

Kate Homan
khoman@webershandwick.com
202-585-2502

“The situation on the ground in Myanmar grows increasingly urgent as we learn more about the death and destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis. Recent news accounts have estimated that more than 22,000 are dead and more than 41,000 are missing.  Both numbers are likely to go substantially higher, making this one of the most significant natural disasters since the tsunami of December 2004.  AmeriCares has assembled life-saving medical and other humanitarian supplies at our Stamford, CT and Amsterdam warehouses to be shipped immediately to our partners on the ground in Myanmar. AmeriCares staff are also en route to the region.  While there are serious challenges facing the delivery of aid to Myanmar, we are deeply concerned about the health and well-being of the families affected by this cyclone and are committed to ensuring they receive the help they need,” said Curt Welling, president and chief executive officer of AmeriCares.

About AmeriCares

AmeriCares is a nonprofit international disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization, which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs and supports long-term humanitarian assistance programs around the world.  Since it was established in 1982, AmeriCares has distributed more than $7.5 billion in humanitarian aid to 137 countries. For more information, log onto www.americares.org.

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