Storm worries families in isles
Five hours before a massive storm struck Myanmar on Saturday, Tin Myaing Thein called her brother and sister, who live in a century-old teakwood home they grew up in at Yangon, to warn them about Tropical Cyclone Nargis.
"We're bracing ourselves for the storm," her brother responded via e-mail.
Since the destructive cyclone struck, Thein, like many others in the Burmese community in Hawaii, have had no contact with relatives there despite numerous attempts.
"I just called. The phone rings but nobody picks up. We're all really worried," said Thein, executive director of the Pacific Gateway Center and president of the Myanmar Association of Hawaii.
The association received many e-mails from members of the Burmese community who are worried about relatives and friends in their native country. Downed power lines and telecommunication outages have prevented them from getting in touch.
"Everybody is in a state of anxiety as to what's happening over there," Thein said.
The Burmese community in Hawaii is made up of an estimated 200 people. Some said they were shocked to hear that a cyclone struck Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, because they are rare.
Thein said those who lived in thatched-roof homes in low-lying areas were the most susceptible to the cyclone. "They have no protection against such a storm," she said.
A meeting was held Sunday among local Burmese community leaders to determine how they can assist victims. The Myanmar Association of Hawaii created a relief fund to purchase water, food and other supplies for victims. Leaders say they plan to work with a nongovernmental organization in Bangkok to purchase and transport supplies to Myanmar, which is about an hour by plane from the Thai capital.
Lack of water and food as well as improper sanitation and a potential for widespread infections are some of the main concerns.
Like many others originally from Myanmar, Dr. Myo Nwe, medical director of the emergency department at Kuakini Medical Center, said he has had no luck getting in touch with relatives in Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, the largest city in Myanmar.
Nwe was part of a team of the Aloha Medical Mission that headed to the country in October to treat those in need of medical care. Nwe said her older sister, Yeye Nwe, who lives in Yangon, was in Los Angeles this past weekend visiting their other sister when the cyclone struck. Still, Nwe said his brother-in-law and many cousins are not reachable.
Dr. Vernon Ansdell, vice president of the overseas missions for the Aloha Medical Mission, said they are still evaluating the situation. Ansdell said they are no plans at this time to send a medical team but that they will keep their options open if an opportunity arises.
Relief Fund
Checks payable to the Myanmar Association of Hawaii may be sent to 720 N. King St., Honolulu 96817. Donors can write "Storm Victims" in the memo of the check. The association, a 501(c)(3) organization, plans to work with a nongovernmental organization in Bangkok to purchase food, water, medication and other supplies and transport them to Myanmar. All donations are tax-deductible.
