| The British Red Cross has already contributed £30,000 from its Disaster Fund to help those affected. The Red Cross is on the ground, distributing life-saving relief items, such as drinking water, clothing, food, plastic tarpaulins, and hygiene kits.
The Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have been carrying out assessments in the capital Yangon since Sunday.
Matthias Schmale, British Red Cross international director said: "Shelter and water are the key priorities at the moment. Money raised from our appeal will support those most affected by the cyclone. The Red Cross operates internationally through a network of national organisations which deliver aid locally.
"Despite considerable challenges - including access to the most affected areas - the Myanmar Red Cross is working on the ground with the International Federation assessing needs and delivering much-needed relief to thousands of survivors."
Worst cyclone
Widespread destruction is making it more difficult to get aid to people who need it most. Along with relief items, the Myanmar Red Cross is distributing insecticide-treated bed nets to help prevent malaria and purification tablets to provide clean drinking water. The British Red Cross also has emergency relief supplies on standby in the International Federation’s warehouses in Kuala Lumpur and Dubai.
This is the worst cyclone to hit the impoverished Asian country since 1926. Whole towns and villages have been wiped out by the cyclone, which roared for ten hours, tearing off roofs, uprooting trees and destroying power lines.
As many as 95 per cent of homes were destroyed in some villages in the low-lying delta region. Within the capital Yangon itself, many homes have been left without roofs.
Read the Appeal information sheet | 
