5.06.2008 - 12:25pm ET

(CSRwire) SILVER SPRING, MD, May 6, 2008 - CHF International has deployed an emergency response team to begin providing shelter for the hundreds of thousands of Burmese displaced from their homes as a result of Cyclone Nargis, which hit on May 2, and is issuing an urgent appeal for additional support.

Donations in support of this effort can be made online at http://www.chfinternational.org

The full impact of the deadliest tropical storm in a decade is only now becoming clear. Over 24 million people live in the areas affected by Cyclone Nargis. Recent information indicates that more than 22,500 people have died and some 41,000 are still missing. Estimates of the numbers of people displaced from their homes range from 200,000 to several million. As is typical during the early stages of major disasters, these numbers are likely to rise in the coming days and weeks.

"Our hearts go out to the millions of people whose lives have been thrown into turmoil as a result of this cyclone," said Judith A. Hermanson, CHF International's Senior Vice President. She added, "CHF has assisted communities in the aftermath of similar devastating disasters, and understands that importance of providing affected families with shelter as quickly as possible."

In addition to providing shelter, CHF's Emergency Response Team will concurrently assess other key needs as well as ways to rapidly help the Burmese people begin to reestablish their livelihoods and mitigate future disasters. Initial assessments show that after shelter and clean water, the most pressing needs are for food, sanitation, medicines and other basic supplies.

CHF has been a leader in responding to numerous natural disasters, and transitioning communities from relief to recovery. Most recently, CHF provided comprehensive shelter and livelihoods assistance in the aftermath of natural disasters in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Peru. Since 1952, CHF International has worked in over 100 countries and provides technical expertise and leadership in international development, as well as emergency management following disasters and civil conflict.

CHF International's mission is to be a catalyst for long-lasting positive change in low- and moderate-income communities around the world, helping them to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions. Visit www.chfinternational.org for more information about the organization.

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