The cyclone has left huge humanitarian challenges in its wake. Around 134,000 are dead or missing, and as many as 2.4 million have been left destitute by the cyclone, but aid agencies warn that the death toll will almost certainly leap unless more food, water, shelter and medicines reaches survivors.
The Leprosy Mission said that in the aftermath of such a disaster, people with disabilities are one of the most vulnerable groups.
“As well as being traumatised, those with physical and sensory impairments are often unaware of the relief and rehabilitation services available and are unable to access them,” the organisation said.
The Leprosy Mission has begun to distribute some aid among people with disabilities, but is appealing for more funds in order to expand the work and provide continuing assistance.
Drawing from its experience in leprosy and disability work, the charity said it aimed to rebuild the lives of over 1,500 people with disabilities, living in the delta and Rangoon regions, who have been severely affected by the cyclone.
Dr Griffiths, The Leprosy Mission’s country coordinator for Burma, said that the process towards rehabilitation should start immediately in order “to reduce risk of disease outbreak”.
The charity said that large numbers of vulnerable people were at risk after the cyclone caused substantial damage to existing facilities for disabled people, including residential and training centres for adults and children.
The Leprosy Mission’s project will restore damaged facilities and repair or replace disability aids. Looking to the long-term rehabilitation of the cyclone-hit regions, the charity project includes work to repair or reinstall community livelihood equipment like grain mills and transport, and rebuild people’s houses.
The Leprosy Mission will also operate a referral service for international and local NGOs operating in affected areas to support people with disabilities to access relief and development assistance.
Partner agencies of Christian humanitarian organisation Tearfund, meanwhile, are working day and night to get relief aid to thousands of the desperate survivors.
Stories of personal tragedy and suffering are continue to emerge from the survivors they are encountering in the Irrawaddy Delta more than two weeks on.
