A Canadian military plane carrying 40 tonnes worth of relief supplies for Myanmar cyclone victims arrived today in Bangkok, Thailand.
The giant Canadian Forces C-17 Globemaster plane took off from CFB Trenton, Ont., on Wednesday carrying about 2,000 emergency shelter kits.
The Canadian Red Cross said Saturday the aid will broken up into smaller shipments and taken to Yangon, Myanmar, where it will be distributed by local Red Cross volunteers on the ground.
The kits, designed by the Red Cross and provided by the Canadian International Development Agency from its warehouse west of Toronto, each contain two tarpaulins and a set of tools, including a shovel, rope, hammer, nails and a hand saw, to allow people to rig makeshift shelters.
Dena Allen, public affairs co-ordinator for the Canadian Red Cross in Ottawa, said the kits will provide shelter for up to 10,000 people affected by the disaster.
While Myanmar's state-run television has put the official death toll at 78,000 with about 56,000 missing, the international Red Cross believes the death toll is closer to 128,000. It has warned there could be many more deaths from disease and starvation unless help is provided quickly to the 2.5 million survivors.
"Obviously the need is great. They are still very much in need of emergency relief and just making sure they get the basic supplies of food, shelter, clothing and then obviously there are some health concerns that are arising as well," said Allen.
The kits are part of the $2 million in aid the Canadian government has pledged for the storm victims. The government also offered the use of its Disaster Assistance Response Team if Myanmar's military junta accepts the team. The junta has so far refused to allow most foreign aid workers into the country, but did allow Thai and Indian medical teams into the country Saturday.
The Canadian government also said it will match donations of individual Canadians to humanitarian organizations assisting with the relief efforts in Myanmar.
Allen said the Canadian Red Cross has so far received $1.3 million for its Myanmar cyclone appeal from Canadians and the federal government.
The government has advised Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Myanmar due to the extensive damage caused by the storm.
The Canadian Press
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