Aid worker flies to help Burma cyclone victims
Leamington aid worker Mark Castellino flew out to cyclone-hit Burma on Friday to help those caught in the disaster.
On May 3 the cyclone Nagris devastated the South East Asian country causing a rising death toll of more than 30,000 and fears of a public health catastrophe due to food shortages and contaminated water.
Mr Castellino, a member of Leamington Spa Mission church and the Adventist Development Relief Agency, said: “I’m hoping to be able to contribute towards bringing some alleviation to the survivors of this terrible disaster.
“We know that the devastation is colossal and it demands a large scale response.
“We have heard of increasing numbers of fatalities.
“Our colleagues on the ground have reported severe damage to properties, livelihoods and worst of all loss of life.”
ADRA-UK is an international humanitarian agency which operates in 125 countries.
It has contributed 5,000 to the relief scheme already but aims to provide $1 million in aid through its global network.
Mr Castellino has been to Burma twice before and was able to gain access to the hard-hit Irrawady Delta as the relief agency has an office in Yangon.
America had to negotiate for nine days before its aid flights were allowed to land in Burma the country’s military government.
Mr Castellino: “When I saw the news pictures and heard the stories coming back from the places I have been to it gave deeper meaning to me personally.
“I’m hoping that my contribution will make a difference to people who are suffering terribly.”
The aid Mr Castellino will help provide will include fresh water, water purification tablets, food and shelter materials.
He will spend two weeks in Burma with a team which is assessing the situation and developing responses to meet the needs of survivors.
Mr Castellino, who began working as an aid worker during the Kosovo War in 1999, hopes to access some of the funds given by the government’s Department for International Development and other international donors.
He said: “I will assist in planning how that money will be spent so we can help as many people as possible in the best way possible. “
Donations to help the victims of the cyclone can be made online or by post.
Send cheques payable to ADRA-UK to ADRA-UK, Stanborough Park, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD25 9JZ or visit:
http://adra.org.uk
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Weather for Leamington
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
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