Aid Urgently Needed in Myanmar (Burma): Lutheran World Relief Responds

BALTIMORE, May 9 /PRNewswire/ --
Lutheran World Relief is supplying desperately needed emergency aid to Myanmar (Burma) in the wake of the devastating cyclone that struck there over the weekend. Lutheran World Relief is responding through our international partners in the global aid alliance Action by Churches Together (ACT) International.

Official reports indicate that over 60,000 people are dead or missing, with as many as 1 million homeless. These numbers are likely to rise. A United States diplomat in the area has estimated that as many as 100,000 may have been killed.

Reports from LWR's partner, ACT, indicate that water and electricity supplies have been cut to much of the country. The full extent of the destruction is still being ascertained as damage and need assessment information comes in and communication channels are slow and very limited.

Survivors are in dire need of food, clean water, shelter and other basic items. Your donations will help LWR provide much-needed relief to the families affected by this tragedy.

LWR accepts donations online at www.lwr.org/giving; by phone at
+1-800-597-5972; or by mail at P.O. Box 17061 Baltimore, MD 21298-9832, USA.

WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.

Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.

CONTACT: Emily Sollie of Lutheran World Relief, +1-410-230-2802, esollie@lwr.org

Web site: http://www.lwr.org

Emily Sollie of Lutheran World Relief, +1-410-230-2802, esollie@lwr.org