In May 2008, Cyclone Nargis devastated the Irrawaddy region of Burma and afterwards the government stonewalled international efforts to bring relief. The official estimate by the dictatorship government was that over 138,000 people were killed. However, after a week the government stopped counting all the dead bodies found. Estimates of the actual death count range from 200,000 to 1,000,000 people.
Through our established links within the country, Farthest Corners was able to mobilize small relief teams and help five devastated villages. Relief ranged from providing food and shelter to educational supplies. As more international aid was allowed into the delta region we refocused our relief work in areas in Burma restricted by the government. However, our effort in supporting those who were affected by Cyclone Nargis serves as a great example of how Farthest Corners works quickly and efficiently through friends and already established networks in Burma to meet an immediate need.