SINGAPORE: Singapore has sent off its first batch of relief supplies — part of the US$200,000 (S$272,000) humanitarian aid package announced by the Singapore government — to cyclone—hit Myanmar.

Other non—government organisations such as the Singapore Red Cross and Mercy Relief are also standing by with volunteers and supplies.

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40 boxes of medical supplies, which included items such as needles, antiseptic cream and charcoal pills, were loaded onto a SilkAir flight that was bound for Myanmar on Wednesday.

The last time Singapore had provided such supplies was in December 2006 after the Philippines was hit by a typhoon.

Several more shipments of supplies are expected to be sent from Singapore to Yangon over the next few days.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the humanitarian assistance package will include drinking water, water—purifying tablets, tents, groundsheets, blankets, sleeping bags and food supplies.

Over at the Singapore Red Cross, preparations are also underway to help Myanmar.

To date, the Red Cross has already received about S$9,000 in donations, even before a public appeal has been made. The organisation hopes to raise at least S$500,000 over the next two weeks.

Christopher Chua, secretary—general, Singapore Red Cross, said: "We’re preparing a team of nine people to be sent to Myanmar. Hopefully, we’d be able to get the visa for two of them — to be sent as (an) advance party by tomorrow.

"This is the second largest disaster after the tsunami. Unlike the tsunami where we were able to respond quite quickly because of accessibility, there’s now a bit of difficulty getting in."

Another non—governmental organisation, Mercy Relief, agrees time is of the essence when it comes to helping disaster victims.

Hassan Ahmad, chief executive, Mercy Relief, said: "Any delay will cause a further loss of lives. The other important thing is to prevent an epidemic which could become a second disaster if we’re not able to provide timely support and assistance."

Mercy Relief said it is preparing about S$60,000 worth of supplies such as medicine and utensils for cyclone victims in Myanmar.

— CNA/so


To help the victims of Cyclone Nargis, please send donations to the Singapore Red Cross at 15 Penang Lane, or call 6334 9152/53 for more information.

The public can also call Mercy Relief at 1900 112 1010 for a S$10 donation, or 1900 112 1050 for a S$50 donation. Crossed cheques made out to "Mercy Relief Limited" can be sent to 172 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118558.

Mercy Relief also accepts transfers via ATM or through internet banking. Its DBS account number is 054—900493—6.

World Vision is also collecting donations for the victims in Myanmar. Besides ATM funds transfer to its DBS Autosave Account (001—030600—6) or its Standard Chartered Bank Fusion Account (130—830—6900), the public can also send cash or cheques made out to "World Vision International" to its office at 10 Anson Road, #13—08, International Plaza, Singapore 079903.