Cyclone Aid

Project 9

2008-07-17T19:39:00.001+06:30

Dear Everyone

We apologise the lack of updates. We have initiated Project 9. Due to lack of funds and manpower, we have decided to collaborate with another group. We are working together to start this project, and will keep you updated.

Please note that this will also be our last project. We thank you for your support.

09.Jul.2008 Remittance

2008-07-09T14:23:00.003+06:30

A total of SGD 700.00 was remitted at 1 SGD = 870 Kyats

Main Fund: SGD 400 = Ks 348,000.00
Reserve Fund: SGD 300 = Ks 261,000.00

Myanmar Cyclone Nargis: OCHA Situation Report

2008-07-08T20:16:00.001+06:30

Myanmar Cyclone Sitrep 38 7 July 081 - Upload a Document to Scribd

Source: paraaussies

Project 8: Receipts

2008-07-06T21:32:00.002+06:30

300 Blankets at Ks 1600 ea= Ks 480,000.00
300 Mosquito nets (double) at Ks 2700 ea= Ks 810,000.00
29 Doz pairs of slippers at Ks 9000 per dozen = Ks 225,000.00
600 plates (9-in) at Ks 400 ea = Ks 240,000.00

items without receipt
250 undergarments for women at Ks 320 ea = Ks 80,000.00
15 sacks of rice at Ks 12,000 ea = Ks 180,000.00

04.Jul.2008 Donor List

2008-07-04T19:56:00.002+06:30

Total for 04.Jul.2008: SGD 1100.00

Donation to Main Fund
Anonymous donors from US: SGD 600.00

Donation to Reserve Fund
Anonymous donors from US: SGD 500.00

Updates

2008-06-30T19:14:00.003+06:30

Dear Everyone

Thank you for your support. We apologise for the delay in putting up the receipts and report for Project 8.

As the last expedition was quite a strain on the team, a few volunteers have fallen sick, and are unable to give us the full report for the time being.

After we settle the accounts for Project 8, it is likely that we only have enough funds left for one small project, and we may subsequently have to wrap up our activities. We will update as we start planning for this project.

Meanwhile, all photos for Project 8 have been posted in the album.

Project 8 Photos

2008-06-28T21:48:00.004+06:30

We have uploaded some of the photos from Project 8. The team this time traveled to Pyinsalu township which is situated south of Laputta town in Ayeyarwaddy Division, close to the Andaman Sea.

Link to Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/cyclone.aid/Project8Pyinsalu

We will update with a full report in due course.

A volunteer's account

2008-06-27T19:44:00.001+06:30

Excerpt translated from YMG's post

The 6 year old girl wouldn't let go of her father's hand. They were among the cyclone refugees taking shelter in a camp in Mawlamyaing Kyun. The cyclone had left them bruised from top to toe. The father, a marine worker, told me:

"We heard about an approaching storm on the radio. To us, it's nothing new; we get storms all the time. So that day, I didn't go out into the sea."

"When the house started to shake, we ran to the coconut trees. I heaved my 2-year old son onto my shoulders, and pushed my two older children up the tree and hugged them tight. Somewhere along the way, I lost my wife. Piece by piece, the wind whipped away our house. The water level rose, it came up to my waist.. with me on the coconut tree."

"As time passed, the sky grew darker. We could hear people's cries for help. My arms were giving way.. my toddler was also holding so tight onto my neck that I could hardly breathe. Next thing I knew, he had fallen off but I couldn't save him. Moments later, my 5 year old son fell off the tree. My daughter was very frightened. She thought I let go of them on purpose. Why would I do that?"

"She told me not to let go of her. I promised her I would not, and I told her over and over again that I didn't mean to let her brothers fall. When the tides receded, we climbed down. I saw my two sons among the debris. My wife was crushed by a fallen coconut tree. I don't know how long I held them and cried.. I only remembered that some of the villagers tried to console me and took the bodies away."

I looked at the little girl and saw her tears. I asked her if she was hungry. She shook her head. She told me she was crying because she missed her brothers.

Project 8

2008-06-23T16:40:00.001+06:30

Project 8 has been initiated.

We will update with details once the project is completed.

Thank you for your continued support.

Myanmar: Without More Money, U.N. Says It May End Aid Delivery

2008-06-21T17:39:00.001+06:30

Source: Associated Press via New York Times

The United Nations said it would be forced to ground helicopters that had been ferrying aid to Myanmar’s cyclone survivors unless donors quickly provided more financing. The United Nations’ World Food Program said it was facing a critical shortage of money for its operations in the country, including the delivery of food and other supplies to the devastated Irrawaddy Delta via 10 helicopters. The use of helicopters, trucks and boats will “grind to a halt by the end of this month unless we get additional funding now,” said Chris Kaye, the food program’s director in Myanmar.

How to help Cyclone survivors

2008-06-20T19:42:00.002+06:30

Source: SanFrancisco Chronicle

For information about Myanmar and Cyclone Nargis or to donate to relief efforts, contact one of these organizations:

CARE: care.org

Doctors Without Borders: doctorswithoutborders.org

Foundation for the People of Burma: foundationburma.org

Give2Asia: give2asia.org.

Mercy Corps: mercycorps.org

Moegyo Humanitarian Foundation: moegyo.org

Red Cross: redcross.org

Save the Children: savethechildren.org

UNICEF: unicef.org

World Vision: worldvision.org

Project 7: Report & Album

2008-06-19T19:34:00.001+06:30

Report- Project 7 - Upload a Document to Scribd

18.Jun.2008 Remittance

2008-06-18T19:27:00.003+06:30

A remittance was done today at 1 SGD = 855 Kyats

Main Fund: SGD 1400.00 = Ks 1,197,000.00
Reserve Fund: SGD 100.00 = Ks 855,00.00

Project 7: Photos

2008-06-17T12:23:00.001+06:30

We have uploaded 14 photos onto the Project 7 Album.

Project 7: Receipts

2008-06-17T01:01:00.003+06:30

Here are the receipts for the purchase of aid items for Project 7.

1. 145 pcs of cooking pots - Ks 159,500.00
2. 11 dozens of sandals - Ks 99,000.00
[Note: we bought another 18 pcs of sandals the next day upon request.]
3. 300 pcs of 9-inch plates - Ks 120,000.00
4. 150 pcs of blankets - Ks 232,500.00
5. 145 pcs of mosquito nets - Ks 391,500.00 (combination of 2 receipts)
6. 150 pkts of MSG - Ks 48,950.00
7. 100 kg of yellow lentils - Ks 71,000.00
8. 150 pkts of seasoning powder - Ks 10,000 (no receipt)

Please click on the images below to view the receipts at higher magnification.

Project 6: Report & Album

2008-06-16T19:31:00.000+06:30

Report for Project 6 is complete. We have also updated the photo album with receipts for the project. We will try to upload more pictures if we can.

Report- Project 6 - Upload a Document to Scribd

Volunteers act to give the cyclone victims a decent burial

2008-06-15T20:35:00.006+06:30

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to a group of volunteers who have been doing a great service to men, women and children who perished during the cyclone. These volunteers have purchased one acre of land, and they are dedicated to giving a decent burial for all the cyclone victims who lost their lives.

Please click here to see a pictorial of their activities.
Warning: Link contains disturbing images.

Activity Updates

2008-06-15T20:15:00.004+06:30

Project 7

The team has successfully completed another project today. They delivered aid today to an offshore village at the southern tip of Pyapon Township. We will update with photos when we manage to upload them.

Project 6
We have uploaded:
1. 13 photos - more to come depending on the connection
2. Project report (minus the names of volunteers)
3. Project costing for both main and reserve funds

Outstanding:
1. Project receipts

We apologise for the delay as we are rather short of manpower, and our priority is to get aid to the victims. Recently, there have been reports that many private donor groups are unable to continue due to lack of funds, and we're one of the few groups remaining. This makes it all the more important for us to reach the remote villages before rebuilding is complete.

Also, internet connection is hampering uploads for the time being.

Project 7: Planning

2008-06-14T07:00:00.001+06:30

Planning for Project 7 is under way. The team has contacted a local from the targeted area, and will purchase items for distribution today.

We are budgeting about 14-15 Lakh for aid items.

Project 6: Donation Details

2008-06-13T05:40:00.005+06:30

For Project 6, the team visited 3 villages in the eastern part of Laputta Township. They distributed items to 117 families in Yedagar and MyawChaung Villages, and to another 197 families from villages in the Yedwingwin group, who were staying at the original location of Salaunggya Village. They also handed out some aid packages to families scattered on the river bank along the route.

The team spent about 8 hours on the bus and another 10 hours on the boat (one way) to reach these villages. In total, they spent 36 hours on the road excluding waiting time and loading/unloading.

Below are the list of items distributed:

1. Fish paste (200 packets)
2. Instant noodles (140 packets)
3. Salt (100 packets of 0.25 viss)
4. Yellow lentils (4 sacks - 200kg)
5. Rice (30 sacks - 1500kg)

6. 9-inch plates (200 pcs)
7. Blankets (200 pcs)
8. Cooking pots (200 pcs)
9. Soap (2 boxes - 196 pcs)
10. Sandals (11 doz.)
11. Women's top undergarments (60 pcs)

12. Children supplements (46 bottles)
13. Adult supplements (15 bottles)

We hope to be able to update with a full report soon, with details of the route taken by the volunteers.

11.Jun.2008 Remittance

2008-06-12T07:34:00.003+06:30

Remittance to Yangon was done yesterday at 1 SGD = 846 Kyats

Main Fund: SGD 2650.00 = Ks 2,241,900.00
Reserve Fund: SGD 350.00 = Ks 296,100.00

11.Jun.2008 Donor List

2008-06-11T19:32:00.003+06:30

Total for 11.Jun.2008: SGD 490.00

U Htun Nyunt & Daw Htay Htay Kyi - SGD 20.00
U Thein Naing & Daw Hla Htay - SGD 20.00
Mr Sim & Family - SGD 400.00
Mrs Lim - SGD 50.00

Last Updated at 1945 GMT +6.5

Project 6: Mission Accommplished

2008-06-11T10:10:00.004+06:30

The team has returned from distributing aid along a river in Laputta township. The trip lasted 3 days and 2 nights. We will upload the details as soon as possible.

Project 5 Album is complete

2008-06-10T21:51:00.004+06:30

From Project 5

Total number of photos in album = 91

Project 6: Update 2

2008-06-10T13:41:00.002+06:30

We received some news from the team. They are still in the Irrawaddy Delta, and plan to return to Yangon tonight.

A child's depiction of Cyclone Nargis

2008-06-10T06:55:00.000+06:30

Source: Myo Chit Myanmar

09.Jun.2008 Donor List

2008-06-09T18:31:00.004+06:30

Total for 09.Jun.2008: SGD 550.00

Donation to Main Fund
Winston Wong - SGD 50.00
Zaw - SGD 200.00

Donation to Reserve Fund
Zaw - SGD 300.00

Last Updated on 09.Jun.2008 at 1830 GMT +6.5

Project 6 Updates

2008-06-09T06:00:00.000+06:30

The team was set to leave at 3 am yesterday morning, but they were held back when the truck broke down.

They finally left yesterday evening. They may return this evening or tomorrow.

08.Jun.2008 Donor List

2008-06-08T19:45:00.002+06:30

Total for 08.Jun.2008: SGD 120.00

Donation to Main Fund
Tin Tin Naing - SGD 50.00
Ma Mya Win - SGD 20.00

Donation to Reserve Fund
Su Su Myat - SGD 50.00

Last updated at 1945 GMT +6.5

More photos uploaded on Project 5 Album

2008-06-08T18:50:00.000+06:30

Click here to view the whole album.

Total number of photos uploaded = 29

SF Bay Area Burmese Community: Cyclone Relief Fund Raising Event

2008-06-08T18:24:00.001+06:30

Community Fund Flyer Eng - Upload a Document to Scribd

07.Jun.2008 Donor List

2008-06-07T23:37:00.001+06:30

Total for 07.Jun.2008: SGD 50.00

Heng Yong and Joan - 50.00

Last updated at 2330 GMT +6.5

Auxiliary Project 2: 2nd Sponsorship

2008-06-06T11:45:00.005+06:30

We bought and delivered another 7 rolls of Tarpaulin yesterday to support Handy Myanmar Youth with their budget hut project. The group will go back to Laputta today.

Total sponsorship to date: Ks 1,466,000.00

1st phase: Ks 556,000.00
2nd phase: Ks 910,000.00

If you wish to make a direct contribution to the Budget Hut Project, please contact:
1. In Myanmar - Handy Myanmar Youth
2. Overseas - Moegyo Humanitarian Foundation

Please click on the image to view at higher magnification.

Report: Project 5 - Pyapon River

2008-06-05T23:36:00.001+06:30

Report- Project 5 - Upload a doc

New York: Benefit Dinner and Live Show for Nargis Cyclone Victims

2008-06-04T17:44:00.003+06:30

Source: Myo Chit Myanmar

04.Jun.2008 Activity Update

2008-06-04T13:47:00.002+06:30

Bayer sponsorship
The supplements sponsored by Bayer Singapore have arrived in Yangon. Cyclone Aid team will liaise with the courier to pick up the items. We will hand over about 70% of the supplements to a group of volunteer doctors who are running clinics in the delta region. We will update with photos and documents if possible

Tarpaulin rolls for HMY
We are also in the midst of linking up with a factory to see if we can buy tarpaulin rolls at a lower price. We have initially planned to sponsor Handy Myanmar Youth with about Ks 500,000 worth of tarpaulin rolls. But we have increased the budget for this sponsorship to 1 million kyats as HMY is going deeper into the Laputta township. They have ongoing rebuilding projects in 5 original village locations.

Two of the HMY members are back in Yangon, and they will set off to Laputta again in 2 days.

Project 5: Photos & Receipts

2008-06-03T22:07:00.009+06:30

A few photos have been uploaded onto the Project 5 Album. We will try to upload more in the next few days. Here is our pick:

All receipts have been uploaded onto the Project 5 Album.

Items without receipt:
Seasoning powder (300 packets) - Ks 20,000.00
Plastic bags (900 pcs) - Ks 4100.00

Please click on the pictures to view at higher magnification.

Activity updates

2008-06-03T14:31:00.001+06:30

Planning for Project 6 has started. It will be similar to Project 5; the team will travel to villages along one of the delta rivers.

SGD 3000.00 was remitted to Yangon today, and is ready for collection.

This money will be used to:
1. Buy tarpaulin rolls for Handy Myanmar Youth to support them with their housing project in Laputta
2. Fund Project 6

03.Jun.2008 Donor List

2008-06-03T09:21:00.001+06:30

Total for 03.Jun.2008: SGD 300.00

Donor Y - SGD 300.00

Last updated at 0930 GMT +6.5

03.Jun.2008 Remittance

2008-06-03T08:27:00.002+06:30

Remittance to Yangon was done today at 1 SGD = 840 Kyats

Main Fund: SGD 2604.5 = Ks 2,187,780.00
Reserve Fund: SGD 395.5 = Ks 332,220.00

Project 5: Mission Accomplished

2008-06-02T22:13:00.008+06:30

The team returned last night after successfully completing Project 5. This time, they travelled along the Pyapon River at the invitation of one of the locals from the area. The local took the trouble to contact the team to arrange for aid distribution as these villages have received very little aid so far.

We have attached the receipts for the purchase of the following items:
1. 150 pcs of 9-inch plates & 200 pcs of steel spoons - Ks 66,000
2. 200 pcs of cooking pots - Ks 216,000
3. 200 pcs of blankets - Ks 330,000
Please click on the pictures to view at higher magnification.

Other donation items (figures to be confirmed after getting receipts):
4. 250 pcs of sandals (Assorted sizes) - Ks 300,000 [waiting for receipt]
5. 4 sacks (200kg) of yellow beans - Ks 150,000 [waiting for receipt]
6. 30 sacks (1500kg) of rice - Ks 390,000 [waiting for receipt]
7. 30 packs of Cereal - Ks 800,000 [waiting for receipt]

Meanwhile, we are still trying to upload the photos. The main internet service provider announced last week of technical changes done to the platform (Reference: Irrawaddy News). These changes may have slowed down the internet.

We have been trying since last night to upload pictures from Yangon via the following sites:
1. Picasaweb albums (No access)
2. Send6 (Can't connect)
3. Yousendit (Trying)
4. Flickr (Trying)
5. Keepandshare (upload disconnected)

We have not been successful so far. The connection is unsteady, and it has been very frustrating for us. The team has resorted to sending the pictures one by one via email. We have received 3 pictures so far (after trying for a few hours last night and this evening). As such, we may have a reduced album size.

We apologise for the delay in updating the progress of the projects. We will update in the Tag box as more photos are being uploaded.

Updates for 1.June.2008

2008-06-01T14:26:00.004+06:30

Private donors reported that in many areas, all donors have been asked to hand over the supplies to a central donation centre located in that area. We received the news a few days ago, but we are unable to verify if this applies to all places or only larger towns.

Meanwhile, we have been informed that two container loads of clothing sent by collection centres in Peninsula Plaza, Singapore, are currently stuck at the Yangon International Airport due to customs issues. The clothes are donated by well wishers from Singapore. As a result, the coordinators have stopped accepting collection for the moment.

However, it is still possible to send aid items to Yangon at reduced freight charges. Please make inquiries at Peninsula Plaza.

Report: Project 4 - Pyapon, Bogale

2008-05-31T21:21:00.006+06:30

report- project 4 - Upload a doc

31.May.2008 Donor List

2008-05-31T12:16:00.002+06:30

Total for 31.May.2008: AUD 250.00

Patricia Burns - AUD 200.00
Jennifer Pauperis - AUD 50.00

Last updated on 31.May.2008 at 12 noon GMT +6.5

Preparation: Project 5

2008-05-31T07:37:00.002+06:30

The Cyclone Aid Team in Yangon has made contact with a local in the delta area who can bring them to villages along a river that are desperately in need of aid as these villages have been completely destroyed. Aid has been slow in coming as navigation is difficult and access is limited. Acting on the advice of this person, the team yesterday purchased:

1. Large yellow beans
2. Blankets
3. Cooking pots
4. Crockery
5. Sandals

Packs of rice have been ordered from a delta town, ready to be picked up on the way. A number of friends have volunteered for this trip as well. Unfortunately, our old blanket vendor has run out of stock (good quality at low price) so we have decided to buy blankets of superior quality at 1000 kyats more.

All that is left for the team now is to arrange for transport. We are currently comparing costs between public transport and truck rental. The team has earlier planned to go by bus. However, due to the large number of volunteers required for this trip, and the charges imposed by buses for cargo, it may in the end be more cost effective to hire a truck.

30.May.2008 Donor List

2008-05-30T21:54:00.006+06:30

Total for 30.May.2008: SGD 2350.00

Maureen Koh - SGD 200.00
Creative Technologies Staff - SGD 2150.00
(Please see attached list; we will update the spreadsheets by 31.May.2008)

Last updated on 30.May.2008 at 2200 GMT +6.5

Aid distribution: Challenges

2008-05-30T08:43:00.007+06:30

We are currently auditing all our accounts. To date, we have remitted:
Main fund: Ks 5,128,850.00
Reserve Fund: Ks 413,400.00

Once we have closed accounts for Project 4 (pending), we will have about 1.8 Million Kyats left for Project 5.

As we only use Main Fund for purchase of aid distribution items, where receipts are issued, it is easily accounted for. However, for Reserve Fund, many hidden costs (e.g. toll charges, extra charges for rental cars etc) have to be accounted for, and it takes a lot of effort on the part of the team to keep accounts. Project 4, being a bigger project, in terms of logistics, it is taking us some time to close the accounts, and we ask for your understanding.

Below are a list of other issues faced by our team (and other private donors):

1. Unstable pricing
The price for lentils have gone up since Project 1, and you will see that for Projects 3 and 4, we have had to pay a higher price. Also, for Project 4, we managed to source for rice of better quality, and it costs about 20,000 more for each 50kg pack.

2. Hidden charges
In Burma, there are many uncertainties. There did not used to be any toll charges for the road into the delta. But on the 26th, the team had to pay not only road tax but also toll charges for passing a bridge.

3. Changing regulations
From 22nd to 25th of May, many private donors and their cars were detained on their way back from the delta. Car licenses were confiscated and drivers faced one year ban. However, on the 28th of May, the national newspaper published an article that said that the government has decided to allow all forms of aid to be freely distributed. Yet, yesterday's paper said that the people of the delta could live off the land and did not need any aid. This means that we have to be constantly on our toes to make sure that we do not breach any regulations.

4. Internet access (or the lack of)
It is extremely difficult to get data out of Burma as connections are very slow. The public have to rely on dial-up or broadband connection at the Internet cafes. For each project, it takes us at least 10 hours (2 nights with 5 hours spent on the Internet; day time access is even slower) to receive the photos from the team. There are times when the team is unable to log in at all, or the connection may get cut off and the file transfer aborted.

Free emails such as gmail and yahoo are blocked in Burma, and bypasses do not always work. The team usually uses websites such as Send6 to file zipped files of photos in batches. However, access to Send6 is no longer possible as of 27th of May. For Project 4, the team in Yangon somehow managed to access another photo page and upload the photos there. But when we downloaded these photos for editing, the dates reflected are that of the download date, and did not match the project date. We are still unable to solve the problem at the moment as the only way is to resend all the pictures again, and the team in Yangon is busy preparing for Project 5.

xxx

We would like to seek your understanding on the constraints that we have; we are doing what we do out of goodwill and compassion for the cyclone victims, and while we try our best to keep everything in order, delays may be inevitable.

Thank you very much for your continued support. Should you have any questions, please direct them to cyclone.aid@gmail.com

Planning: Project 5

2008-05-30T07:12:00.000+06:30

Planning for Project 5 started yesterday. This project is expected to cost about 1.6 million kyats. To cut costs, the team will carry lighter items this time, and will purchase items such as rice close to the targeted area. The team may travel by bus instead of hiring a truck.

The expedition team is expected to leave this weekend, and the trip will take 1-2 days.

Updates from the field

2008-05-29T12:37:00.004+06:30

Earlier, we had discussed about building a school for village children in one of the cyclone hit areas. However, after the last expedition, we realised that people are still desperately in need of food and clothing.

One villager from Bogale township told the team:
"Some days, we don't have any rice to eat. Private donors give us bread. So we wash it down with water."

Many were very hungry when the team reached them; they immediately opened the biscuit packets to eat.

Meanwhile, the police are keeping a close watch on private donors. Our team was followed closely by a few policemen on motorbikes as they passed a stretch of road filled with refugees. While the refugees looked on hopefully, the team was unable to distribute any food as they have been warned repeatedly not to do so.

The local authorities say they want the refugees to return to their villages instead of camping by the roadside. However, many survivors say that it is impossible as their houses and farms have been destroyed and they have no way of making a living.

On the international aid front, UN and other NGO's are expanding their operations to accessible areas. The team witnessed packages of aid being brought in to Bogale, including farming equipment. However, small villages off the main road remain isolated.

29.May.2008 Donor List

2008-05-29T11:23:00.001+06:30

Total for 29.May.2008: SGD 300.00

Caroline Thein & Family - SGD 300.00

Last Updated on 29.May.2008 at 1130 GMT +6.5

Report: Auxiliary Project 2 - Laputta

2008-05-28T12:57:00.005+06:30

Report - Auxiliary Project 2 - Upload a doc

28.May.2008 Donor List

2008-05-28T10:09:00.001+06:30

Total for 28.May.2008: SGD 50.00

U Aung Myo Hlaing, Daw Khin Moh Moh Khaing & family - SGD 50.00

Last updated on 28.May.2008 at 1000 GMT +6.5

Future projects

2008-05-28T08:39:00.000+06:30

The Burmese government has announced over the weekend that they are willing to let in all foreign aid and aid workers regardless of their nationality. We are currently monitoring the situation. Should the government follow through with this promise, we may not need to distribute food and clothing items anymore.

In that case, we intend to use the remaining funds go to a cyclone-hit area to build a school. In Burma, the school year starts in June. But as you may have seen, in many areas, there are no school buildings left. As we are only a small group, and our funds are limited, we may only be able to build one small school building. We also hope to be able to supply the children with books and stationery. Furniture however maybe a luxury we might not be able to afford.

Costing of this project is underway, and construction is expected to take a few weeks.

27.May.2008 Donor List

2008-05-27T13:08:00.002+06:30

Total amount for 27.May.2008: SGD 1765.00

Donor M - SGD 510.00
Children's Cancer Foundation Volunteers - SGD 190.00
Mrs Lisa Tow & Family - SGD 1000.00
Mr. & Mrs. Ron & Joyce Smith - A$ 50.00 (~SGD 65.22 ref: coinmail.com)

Special thanks to Bayer Singapore for their donation of vitamins (~15kg), and to Joo Hymn who helped us to coordinate and transport them.
We will update again after the exact number of boxes have been counted in Yangon next week.

Last updated on 27.May.2008 at 1830 GMT +6.5

27.May.2008 Remittance

2008-05-27T12:12:00.005+06:30

Remittance to Yangon was done today at 1 SGD = 840 Kyats

Main Fund: SGD 1865 = Ks 1,566,600.00
Reserve Fund: SGD 135 = Ks 113400.00

We are choosing to hold on to SGD as it is appreciating against the Burmese kyat.

Project 4: Mission Accomplished

2008-05-27T11:11:00.002+06:30

The team returned this morning from Project 4. We will try to upload the pictures and expenditure within 2-3 days.

There are restrictions being imposed on private donors. They are not allowed to distribute aid along the road, but they must enter the villages proper. Yesterday's arrests were linked to such acts of giving aid to survivors stationed along the road. Any vehicle caught doing so faces a 1-year confiscation.

However, private donors may find it difficult to follow these new rules as many of the survivors are camped out by the highway. Access to the villages are also difficult due to flooding.

Next Remittance

2008-05-27T08:29:00.000+06:30

We are planning for another remittance, as funds are running low in Yangon. Fortunately for us, the rates are holding steady at the range of about Ks 830 for 1 SGD.

Updates from Yangon

2008-05-26T12:24:00.004+06:30

Source: Myo Chit Myanmar

According to a report on Myo Chit Myanmar, many private donors who distributed aid to survivors from KunChanKone Township were arrested and detained by the police on 25th May 2008.

One volunteer told Myo Chit Myanmar that the group was stopped by the police at the PanHlaing Bridge (HlaingTharYar) after being spotted giving food packets to survivors who were stationed by the roadside. The volunteer added that there were many other vehicles at the bridge that had been stopped by the police. The volunteer was detained in InSein GTI compound, and was only released after midnight.

In the same report, a resident of Yangon described the paranoia surrounding the consumption of fish and other seafood. Rumours were rife that a housewife had found human fingers in the stomach of a fish she purchased. This has led to a drop in sales with many in the city steering clear from purchasing seafood. Hard hit fishmongers were heard complaining in dismay that they may no longer be able to earn a living.

Many residents are also still traumatised by their recent experience with Cyclone Nargis so much so that even a small drizzle could send them into a state of paranoia. They seem to still be living in fear of another storm or cyclone.

For the original article in Burmese, please click here.

Project 4: Expedition

2008-05-26T08:34:00.006+06:30

The team set off for Project 4 this morning at about 4am. They have brought with them the following items:

1. Rice
2. Lentils
3. Biscuits
4. Instant noodles
5. Cereal
6. Candles and lighters
7. Clothes
8. Blankets
9. Cooking pots
(We are leaving out the details on purpose, and will update them after the trip.)

Some of these items come from Cyclone Aid fund while others are sponsored by local donors in Yangon.

Fortunately, we managed to hire a truck for less than 1 lakh, on the condition that we top up the petrol. We expect the total transport costs to be less than 3 lakh. We're keeping our fingers crossed.

All the best guys!

25.May.Donor List

2008-05-25T19:30:00.007+06:30

Total for 25.May.2008: Ks 40,000, SGD 610.00

Donation to Main Fund
Daw Yee Yee - Ks 20,000
Ko Nay Zaw - Ks 20,000
[Note: Donations in Kyat will be reflected directly in Expenditure report as they go directly to Yangon]

K. H. Cheng - SGD 250.00
Goh Eng Cher - SGD 150.00
Kyaw Kyaw Naing(John) &Win Lai Phyu's Family- SGD 60.00
Huili - SGD 100.00
Gary Chia - SGD 100.00

Donation to Reserve Fund

Sam Htut - SGD 50.00

Last updated 2130 GMT +6.5

Project 4: Updates

2008-05-25T16:12:00.000+06:30

The team could not set off today as planned. We are in a bid of a bind over high costs of transport. The sponsor who has pledged to loan us his truck withdrew for personal reasons.

At the moment, we are still bargaining for a reasonable price. The quote is Ks 4.5 lakh currently. Hopefully, we can bring it down to about 2.5-3 lakh. In view of this, we may not be able to hire two trucks.

Otherwise, the team is ready to set off; all food and aid supplies have been procured, and repacked for distribution.

The team plans to leave tomorrow. They will try to set off early tomorrow morning so that it could be a day trip. We are trying to cut down as much as possible on transport and accommodation costs. They will also pack cooked lunches to keep costs low.

The Plight of Survivors in Rangoon Division

2008-05-25T08:40:00.005+06:30

We received more photos from Yangon yesterday evening from a group of private donors. The photos highlight the plight of the cyclone survivors in Rangoon division. While the death toll may not be as high as that in the Irrawaddy Division, the majority of families in some places are left totally homeless. We have also been informed that just beyond these areas, there are bodies floating in the paddy fields.

Unfortunately, the survivors in these areas have been 'ignored' as most of the attention from NGO's have been focused on Irrawaddy Division. What is inspiring though is that many are wearing smiles on their faces, and making the most of what they have. Neighbours share what little they have, putting up those whose houses have been swept away. People work rain or shine to patch up their houses, and in many cases, rebuild them from scratch.

U Kaung Gyi, from KunChanKone Township, with all his worldly possessions. He lost his entire family of 8 (and everything else) to Cyclone Nargis. He was wandering by himself by the roadside. He looked dazed and lost when the group met him.

A family of 7 calls this home after Cyclone Nargis

In contrast: one of the few government-run camps; at least 3 times as spacious, and 10 times as safe from the natural elements

A different type of baby seat..

This group of people are among those evicted from a monastery, after being left homeless by Cyclone Nargis.

On the left is what used to be the house of the Nominated Parliament Member of KunChanKone (a National League for Democracy candidate). On the right, is the make-shift home he's staying in as the house is being 'rebuilt'.

You can view the full album here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/cyclone.aid/SituationUpdate20080524?authkey=BpU_koAymVw

Report: Project 3 - Dala

2008-05-24T21:16:00.005+06:30

report- project 3 - Upload a doc

On the ground; this week's updates

2008-05-24T16:16:00.010+06:30

Yangon
While damage inflicted by Cyclone Nargis is limited in Yangon, many residents are still having a hard time coping. Electricity is still not available in many areas, and as the price of zinc sheets have shot up, repair works have become too costly for low-income families.

Residents say it costs upwards of 50,000 kyats to clear a fallen tree. One neighbourhood coughed up 1 million kyats to repair their electric cables; each household put in 50,000. One sheet of corrugated zinc (we're checking exact measurements) costs about 6000 kyats.

Cyclone Victims
Travelers to the Irrawaddy Delta told Cyclone Aid that aid organised by local authorities had limited reach, and many refugees are reliant on private donors for their daily meals. This is especially so in areas such as Myaung Mya and Maubin, which are considered to have fared relatively better in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. NGO's seem to be focusing on places such as Laputta, which are the worst hit.

Many of the refugees in Rangoon Division seemed to have retained their fighting spirit, and are trying to reclaim their lives. Families have scraped together bits or tarpaulin, bamboo poles and other materials to build shelters for themselves. This has not been easy; 100 pieces of thatch are being sold for 22,000 kyats.

Elsewhere, there are stories both inspiring and heartbreaking. A woman saved lives by hanging on to a large tree, and asking 5 more people to hang on to her. All 6 of them lived, but the woman lost her arm in the process from prolonged trauma. Another committed suicide when she found herself to be the sole survivor; she had lost her husband and children to Nargis.

Democratic Voice of Burma reported last week that many refugees in camps are being told to return to their villages, despite having nothing to return to. Cyclone Aid also received news that the town of Bogalay is almost empty, as refugees have been asked to leave.

Non-government Organisations
According to our sources, the following NGO's are on the ground:
1. Red Cross
2. Save the Children
3. Unicef
4. World Food Programme
5. World Vision

Mercy Relief is not able to 'enter' yet as it is not able to release aid without the presence of its own personnel.

UNHCR currently has less than 10 people on the ground. According to a source in Yangon, even UNHCR's local staff are being restricted from entering the hard hit disaster zones in the Irrawaddy Delta.

The Medical Team sent by Singapore is currently stationed in TwanTe, far from the Irrawaddy Delta.

Groups such have Merlin, who went into disaster zones without permission from the government, are being asked to leave.

Receipts for Project 3

2008-05-23T22:54:00.002+06:30

We have just received the expense report for Project 3 from Yangon. The project report will be up by tomorrow.

Click on the picture to view at higher magnification.

Auxiliary Project 2: Photos and documents

2008-05-22T20:57:00.000+06:30

More photos have been put up in Album 2, showing half-completed huts. Some of the tarpaulin rolls were donated by Cyclone Aid. Bamboos were procured from the area by local villagers.

Please check the donor list by Handy Myanmar Youth here:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pVP_Idm0Alsd2MZ_OPT3tfg
Contribution from Cyclone Aid is listed under General Relief towards the bottom of the page.

22.May.2008 Donor List

2008-05-22T10:23:00.003+06:30

Total for 22.May.2008: SGD 130.00

Jupe Tan - SGD 50.00
Arlene Lee - SGD 80.00

Last updated 1230 GMT +6.5

Planning: Project 4

2008-05-21T20:45:00.002+06:30

Planning for Project 4 is under way. This will be a bigger project, and the team will travel south west into Irrawaddy Division. The trip is expected to take 2-3 days. The team is planning to leave on Sunday.

One of the volunteers will leave tomorrow to a town in the Irrawaddy Delta to pay for the rice sacks which were previously reserved. He is expected to return on friday. 200 blankets have also been reserved from a seller in Yangon.

According to our sources, aid is allowed into any area provided that donated items come from local sources i.e. all donors and volunteers must be burmese. Checkpoints have been stationed on the roads out of Yangon and on the way to the delta.

Each area has also been assigned to a local businessman to take charge of rescue operations. Any groups wishing to distribute aid must seek prior permission from these businessmen.

As it is an uncertain time for both cyclone victims and volunteers, we ask for your patience and understanding that we may not be able to move as fast as we want to.

Bypass proxies for surfers from Burma

2008-05-21T18:44:00.005+06:30

It has come to our attention that our blog is blocked in Burma. If you wish to direct your friends from Burma to our blog, below are a list of posts that gives instructions on how they can bypass the firewall.

1. http://cmsmdy.blogspot.com/2008/03/lets-bypass-firewall.html
2. http://zaw-min.blogspot.com/2007/04/new-bypass-proxies-for-both-bagannet.html

21.May.2008 Donor List

2008-05-21T16:40:00.001+06:30

Total for 21.May.2008: AUD 120.00

Mr Ken Joyce & Mrs Heather Joyce - AUD 120.00

Last Updated 1700 GMT +6.5

The real scenerio: Point of View of a volunteer in the field

2008-05-21T14:05:00.003+06:30

Sit Mone (of burmasitmone.wordpress.com) translated Handy Myanmar Youth's Nyi Lynn Seck's post about the difficulties and frustration he felt in carrying out the team's first project in Laputta.

Translated article in English: http://burmasitmone.wordpress.com/2008/05/19/a-blogger-and-volunteers-real-life-experience-with-cyclone-nargis-victims/#more-1463

Original article in Burmese: http://nyilynnseck.blogspot.com/2008/05/laputta.html

Situation Update: Shwe Pauk Kan, Kawmhu, KunChanKone, Twante, Panhlaing

2008-05-20T17:36:00.007+06:30

Photos were taken between 18.May.2008 to 20.May.2008 by private donors who visited the area to contribute cash donations for the residents to rebuild their homes.

20.May.2008 Donor List

2008-05-20T14:33:00.002+06:30

Total for 20.May.2008: SGD 100.00

Lee FS - SGD 100.00

Last updated 1430 GMT +6.5

Project 3: Mission Accomplished

2008-05-19T22:55:00.002+06:30

The team has successfully completed Project 3 at Dala area. The report and the photo album will be up as soon as we can transfer the files over from Yangon.

19.May.2008 Donor List

2008-05-19T21:03:00.002+06:30

Total for 19.May.2008: SGD 250.00

Ye Naing - SGD 100.00
Ang Meiling - SGD 50.00
TZA - SGD 100.00

Last updated 2100 GMT +6.5

Project 3: Planning

2008-05-19T08:35:00.002+06:30

The Cyclone Aid team will prepare and and set off for Project 3 today. It will be similar to Project 1; the team will go on a short trip to a hard hit area to distribute food (and possibly clothing).

As we are currently unable to contact the team, we will be able to update when they return.

Project Update: Auxiliary Project 2

2008-05-19T07:51:00.008+06:30

Building work for shelters have begun. NLS's team, Handy Myanmar Youth, is currently working with locals (survivors of the cyclone) to build huts at one of the original village locations. These villagers are planning to return to their destroyed homes as monsoon approaches. They hope to catch the next rain which is vital for rice agriculture. In Burma, rice planting usually starts in June. It is merely two weeks away.

These men are simple farmers whose only wish is to pick up the pieces and move on. Female members of their families will remain in refugee camps until they are established, and can reclaim a little bit of their normal lives.

We have been informed by NLS that each tarpaulin roll is sufficient for about 1.5 huts. Each hut can house 10-12 people. In total, the rolls will go towards housing at least 75 people, and give them a sanctuary from which they can start afresh.

The team is working very hard amidst the terrible landscape of rotting corpses and heartbreaking stories. Some people have looted the corpses of their jewelry and valuables. Even among the refugees, there are those who were made well off by the Cyclone. It has been a very traumatising experience for the team, even as they try their best to help the survivors.

We hope to get some pictures in the next few days when one of the members return to Yangon. We ask for your patience, and understanding.

NLS's team would like to share this photo album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lynnseck/Laputta
Warning: The album contains graphic images.

Locals NGO's need help

2008-05-18T23:10:00.002+06:30

Dates on Project 1

2008-05-18T20:51:00.002+06:30

The dates on the pictures in Project 1 are reflected as Dec 2002. It is because of the camera setting. We asked the help of someone to take the pictures using his own camera. We apologise for any misunderstanding it may have caused.

For our future projects, we will be using an old Nikon Coolpix. We are not sure if the date function is still working. This, however, only applies to our own projects. For auxiliary projects, we will be receiving pictures from our partner teams, and we will have to rely on them.

18.May.2008 Donor List: Singapore

2008-05-18T20:45:00.001+06:30

Total for 18.May.2008: SGD 500.00

Kern Shen - SGD 100.00
Donor Y - SGD 200.00
Aki - SGD 100.00
Wai Yee - SGD 100.00

Last updated 18.May.2008 2030 GMT 6.5

Empathy from Australia

2008-05-18T20:30:00.001+06:30

Dear Everyone

Thank you for your continued contributions. Rest assured that we will keep up this work, and keep you updated. Thank you also, for helping us to publicise our work.

We would like to share an email we received from Mr & Mrs J from Australia. It just shows how much all of you have helped us in reaching out to more people. And we are very touched by outpouring of support and empathy from everyone from Yangon to Australia. It inspires us to keep on.

-----------

I am an elderly British ex-serviceman who visited all delta towns in May 1945. My wife was brought up by her parents on Sookalat Rubber Estate, Twante. Left Burma 1948.

We are now aged pensioners, living in Australia, but would like to help.

I served on a small wooden Royal Navy gunboat that took part in the recapture of Rangoon on 3rd May, 1945. We operated against Japanese forces from Rangoon to Myaung Mya and up the Irrawaddy as far as Prome. As well as severe war actions at Kokkowa and Yandoon, we delivered balesof clothing to Delta towns and were made very welcome by the people.

When I was in Burma in 1945, I met a British rubber planter who had the same surname as I. I later met his wife and daughter, H., who at the time was aged 11. I was aged 19. Our families kept in touch and we were married in 1954. We are now retired and live about one hour north of Sydney. We have many contacts in the Burmese Friendship Association in Sydney. H., whose only playmates during the War were the local village children around Sookalat Rubber estate, speaks fluent Burmese. She returned to Rangoon with me in 2004 but now has difficulty in walking.

She visited Nuns and schools in Rangoon and we got over to Mawlamyine where she had been a boarder at St Josephs.( She had also been at school in St Johns in Rangoon and St Josephs in Maymyo) We also visited the War Graves at Thanbuziat. This was her only visit to Burma since leaving for the U.K. in 1948, 56 years previously.

She was too unwell to return to the rubber estate and so I went back in 2006 and with the help of the Old Boys of De La Salle school, Twante, I was able to visit the Estate. This entailed driving to Kawmhu where we hired a Jeep.

I have also been up to Mandalay, have done the ferry trip down to Bagan.

I think you are all doing wonderful work at this terrible time.

Exploration: Project 3

2008-05-18T07:34:00.002+06:30

We have now started exploring options for Project 3. We are in discussion with some people who can help us go to the target area. We need some careful planning to ensure that aid is delivered directly.

At this moment, we are not sure if the team needs a permit to enter the area. Earlier, we received news that all private donors must secure a permit from Naypyidaw, the country's administration capital.

We have also reserved 30 sacks of rice with a merchant. The quality of the rice is better than what we purchased for Project 1. The price is also expected to be higher. The rice sacks can be picked up on the day of the expedition itself so this would solve the problem of storage.

17.May.2008 Donor List: Singapore

2008-05-17T08:06:00.003+06:30

Total for 17.May.2008: SGD 500.00

Donation to Main Fund:
J Chin - SGD 200.00
Goh Chee Heong - SGD 200.00
A Yellow Duckie - SGD 100.00

Donation to Reserve Fund:
Sandy Soe - SGD 100.00

Last updated 1400 GMT +6.5.

Receipt: Auxiliary Project 2

2008-05-17T06:52:00.004+06:30

Total cost for Auxiliary Project 2: Ks 556000

3 x Tarpaulin sheet (blue) @ Ks 130,000 = Ks 390,000
2 x Tarpaulin sheet (white) @ Ks 83,000 = Ks 166,000

Each roll of Tarpaulin sheet measures 2 yards x 100 yards (Note: 1 yard = 0.9144 metre).

Above left: Receipt from the shop
Above right: Acknowledgment from Ko Nyi Lynn Seck's team

Please check Main Fund Expenditure here:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=peewW-g4TJXWPu2EqxrpjfA&gid=1

Related posts:
1. http://cyclone-aid.blogspot.com/2008/05/auxillary-project-2-laputta.html
2. http://cyclone-aid.blogspot.com/2008/05/planning-laputta.html
3. http://cyclone-aid.blogspot.com/2008/05/updates.html

Report: Project 1 - TwanTe, Kawmhu, KunChanKone, Dedaye

2008-05-16T23:01:00.007+06:30

report- project 1 - Upload a doc

16.May.2008 Afternoon Donor List: Singapore

2008-05-16T13:50:00.005+06:30

Total for 16.May.2008 (Afternoon): SGD 356.80

Kervin & Maureen - SGD 100.00
Linah & Nur Maisarah - SGD 50.00
Cast Lab Family - SGD 206.80

Last updated at 1900 GMT +6.5

16.May.2008 Morning Donor List: Singapore

2008-05-16T09:39:00.002+06:30

Total for 16.May.2008 Morning: SGD 50.00

Mrs May Teo - SGD 50.00

Total for remittance on 16.May.2008: SGD 2350.00

Remitted at 1000 GMT +6.5

Money matters

2008-05-16T09:13:00.007+06:30

Exchange rates are dropping steadily. Agents in Peninsula plaza were selling Singapore dollars at SGD 820 (down from Monday's 825).

This is causing us some concern, and we will send the remaining funds to Yangon today at a rate of 1 SGD = Ks 835. It will be done at 10am GMT +6.5.

We are also concerned about the rising price of commodities in Yangon. While we managed to get a discounted rate (over 30%) for our first purchase of 30 sacks of rice, we might not be able to do so in the future.

We are asking help from a factory owner to sponsor storage space. If it works out, we will try to buy food stocks in advance before the prices shoot up even more.

Two donors in Yangon have also pledged to donate 3 sacks of rice for our next project. We will put up a new list to acknowledge our sponsors.

Contributions in kind

2008-05-15T20:05:00.003+06:30

Yesterday evening, we explored the idea of sending cheap goods from Singapore to Yangon, to be distributed over there. One item being considered was rubber slippers. We found a shop selling rubber slippers at about 5 cents per pair.

But after weighing them, we realised that each pair was rather heavy (about 0.2 to 0.3kg), and freight charges (at SGD 5.00-8.00 per kg) will increase the cost of each pair to about SGD 1.50. There are cheaper alternatives in Burma.

Also, we have news that Airport Customs was examining everyone carrying items in bulk. As we need to stretch whatever funds we can collect, we cannot risk getting the items confiscated. Even if we manage to retrieve them, the red tape will take forever to clear, and valuable time will be lost.

If anyone prefers to make contributions in kind, we would like to direct you to Peninsula Plaza. As traders, they have contacts to clear the customs with relative ease. We could possibly pull a few strings as well if we tried hard enough, but as we have earlier said, we're neutral, and do not want to be seen as siding with one side or another.

We ask for your understanding.

P.s. We will 'force' our way through customs if it were items which cannot be purchased in Burma.

Auxiliary Project 2: Laputta

2008-05-15T19:55:00.004+06:30

NLS's team left for Laputta today. Initially, we had planned to sponsor 100 units of care packages.

However, we spoke to him today, and he told us instead that they were in need of tarpaulin sheets. In Yangon, the situation is such that the merchants are not doing what they consider 'wholesale'. As a result, we could only buy 3 rolls of the same brand, and had to buy another 2 rolls of inferior quality.

The cost was about Ks 5.5 Lakh. We will update with exact dimensions and exact expenditure.

15.May.2008 Donor List: Singapore

2008-05-15T14:07:00.002+06:30

Kat & Zac - SGD 100.00

Total for 15.May.2008: SGD 100.00

Last updated 1400 GMT +6.5.

Relief efforts by doctors

2008-05-15T12:54:00.002+06:30

Cyclone Aid received an email from a doctor who is coordinating medical efforts in the Irrawaddy Delta.

On Monday,
1. We've sent two teams, fully equipped and lead by Dr. Kyaw Thin, to Myaung Mya, arriving there in the afternoon.
2. Two teams also left for Kwun Chan Kone on the same day.
3. A team left for Kyee Myin Daing other bank of the river.

Let me start with Myaung Mya team. There are 32 refugee camps there, the biggest one with 1700 individuals in jute factory. The manager in charge gave his room to our members. Two teams cooperated in that area. Destitute locals are so grateful to meet us. We also donated some medicines to district hospital; District Medical Officer is happy and totally welcome to receive those stuffs. Only our clinic works with long term plan there. 90 patients turned out in first day. Diarrhea outbreak is prevalent there. But luckily, we have already attempted preemptive chlorination of water resources cause we have enough bleaching powder.

By this weekend, we would have saved many lives. Locals are very thankful for all we have done for them. People are very touched by our efforts.

Local authorities are going to consolidate the camps by dividing 17 camps with respect to the refugee's former village they belonged, to make things more efficient. Today, we have been advised to divided our team into two, to assist another camp. Both teams have medical supplies and man power for two entire months.

Two teams sent sent to KunChanKone has reached the worst affected areas. We haven't got any feedback from those teams. Things are so difficult there that they are not even managing to eat daily.

The one assigned for Kyee Myin Daing team is a local HA from that affected village. Things seem to be going well there.

Project 1: Mission Accomplished

2008-05-14T22:00:00.001+06:30

The team is back! They're deadbeat. Will update tomor.

14.May.2008 Donor List: Singapore

2008-05-14T12:00:00.007+06:30

Total for 14.May.2008 = SGD 1150.00
Last Updated at 1830 GMT +6.5
Leong Wai Kit - SGD 200.00
Loh Vee Tik - SGD 200.00
Donor H - SGD 500.00
Daw Moe Moe Yi - SGD 50.00
Ric & Huimin - SGD 100.00

Emergency warning: to all citizens and aid workers

2008-05-14T06:22:00.012+06:30

Source: Myo Chit Myanmar

Myo Chit Myanmar today issued an emergency warning for the safety of everyone in Burma.

A source close to the US military spoke to Myo Chit Myanmar about the combat readiness of the US Navy troops which are approaching the Irrawaddy Delta. The troops are not discounting possible ambush attacks by their Burma counter parts. They are also well aware that many of the USDA personnel are in plain clothes.

Hence, everyone is advised to take extreme precautions when they encounter US troops.
Do NOT:
1. Get too close to the troops
2. Try to engage them in conversation
3. Crowd around; this might give them the impression that their security is compromised
4. Block their progress
5. Make sudden movements that may startle them

Stay away from the troops. Should they require any assistance, they will approach you.

For the original article in Burmese, please click here.

Preparation: Project 1

2008-05-13T20:44:00.012+06:30

The team is set and ready to leave tomorrow morning at 6am Yangon time. They have hired a van, and they will be joined by a few more people who can help them.

The route has been changed, we'll update when the project is completed.
The team spent the whole day buying and repacking supplies.

Final Expenditure (Main fund):
30 sacks of rice @ Ks 16800 each = Ks 504,000
3 sacks of yellow lentils = Ks 117300
100 pcs of blankets @ Ks 1550 each = Ks 155000
1 box of cereal = Ks 78780
Total expenditure = Ks 855080

Final Expenditure (Reserve fund):
Car hire = Ks 80000
Miscelleneous expenses = Ks 5000

Planning: Project 1

2008-05-13T16:47:00.012+06:30

Organiser: San Yu Aung
Team strength: 3-4, including San Yu Aung
Expected duration in the field: 1-2 days
Buyer: San Yu Aung
Costing:
20 Sacks of rice at Ks 25,000 each = Ks 5 Lakh
6 sacks of lentil at Ks 30,000 each = Ks 1.8 Lakh
Packets of cereal (price unknown)
(All calculations made at prevailing prices as of 12.May.2008)
Transport costs and miscelleneous expenses incurred to equip the team will be borne by the Cyclone Aid Reserve Fund
Contribution from Cyclone Aid: Approximately Ks 8 Lakh
Details:
The team includes one local from the targeted region whom we hope can help us with navigation and local knowledge, and of course, if necessary, talking to the local authorities. SYA will try to source for a better price for rice. One possible source is Rice Merchant Association whom we have contacts with. But the Association itself maybe running out of rice.

Planning: Laputta

2008-05-13T16:20:00.010+06:30

Location: Laputta Township, Irrawaddy Division
Background:
Laputta is one of the worst hit regions. It is estimated that more than 200 villages were destroyed by the cyclone. It also has the highest death toll so far at 180,000. There are currently about 100,000 refugees housed in 30 'camps'. The refugees in monastaries and schools face eviction as the revised referendum date (May 24th) looms near.
In the news:
Mizzima talked to 2 of the refugees from Laputta: Read the interview in English here.
Organiser: Nyi Lynn Seck
Team strength: 6-7, including Nyi Lynn Seck
Buyer: Nyi Lynn Seck
Co-buyer: San Yu Aung
Costing: Ks 5000 -6000 for 500 pax = Ks 30 Lakh
Contribution from Cyclone Aid: Approximately 6 Lakh (to be updated)
Details:

This paragraph is translated from Nyi Lynn Seck's Den

The team will leave for Laputta either tonight or tomorrow morning. It is not possible for us to help everyone with the amount of money we have collected. So we will focus on giving effective aid to about 500 people. Each person will get a care package containing the following items:
1 blanket
1 packet of biscuits
1 pair of slippers
1 tin of canned tuna
1 t-shirt
1 cooking pot

Each package is estimated to cost about Ks 5000-6000. If possible, we will try to use the remaining funds to build shelters.

13.May.2008 Donor List: Singapore

2008-05-13T09:25:00.010+06:30

Total for 13.May.2008: SGD 450.00
Last updated 2200hrs GMT +6.5
Kayla Chen - SGD 50.00
Adrian Lee - SGD 100.00
Katherine Ty - SGD 50.00
Anonymous - SGD 100.00
Joe & Ivy - SGD 100.00
Linda Pang Yeow Lan - SGD 50.00

Week of 12.May.2008

2008-05-13T06:19:00.004+06:30

Finally some news from Yangon!

The teams will go into two places this week; Laputta and KunChanKone.

We will update the detailed planning before the end of today. Hopefully the phone lines and internet will behave. Let's keep our fingers crossed.