Emergencies
People with disabilities are among the most vulnerable people in the world. Their vulnerability is increased during a crisis situation, when those with physical and sensory impairments are often unaware of the relief and rehabilitation services available and are frequently unable to access them.
The Leprosy Mission locates and provides emergency relief to people with disabilities during natural disasters and other emergencies. We use our expertise in leprosy and disability care to rebuild the lives of people with disabilities who have been severely affected by disasters such as floods and cyclones. Each situation is different, and the Mission responds quickly and appropriately to the needs of the community in each situation.
Flooding in 2007
In 2007, floods devastated parts of Bangladesh and India.
 The flood waters swallowed over 2/3 of Dhaka including much of the slum area. TLM Bangladesh distributed rice, water purifying tablets, matches, candles and other urgent necessities to people in flooded areas – especially those men and women with leprosy.
Over 20 million people were forced from their homes – many of them were already living in abject poverty and are now unable to secure safe housing on their own. They had - and still have - little or no food.
Sadly, over 300 lives were claimed by the floods in Bangladesh alone and millions more are suffering from the effects of the polluted water.
In neighbouring India, over 1.7 million people were affected by the floods. The Leprosy Mission’s 444 women’s self-help groups were disrupted by flood waters.
Like Bangladesh, India sought urgent supplies of food, shelter, candles, matches and medical supplies. Special attention was paid to pregnant women, children, leprosy-affected and disabled individuals.
Today, The Leprosy Mission is helping the people we serve in Bangladesh and India to rebuild their homes and schools. Please continue to pray for these people as they search for answers and rebuild their lives.
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Cyclone Nargis in 2008
On May 2 and 3, 2008, Cyclone Nargis swept through Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta. In its wake, tens of thousands of people went missing, entire villages were destroyed and at least 80,000 people were confirmed dead.
 After the cyclone, heavy downpours assaulted the region, making the conditions even more difficult for those now left without shelter. And then a new threat came. Illness from water-borne disease was a major concern since water sources became contaminated with the decomposing bodies of animals and people who perished in the storm.
Leprosy Mission workers brought critical aid and care to those who’ve been devastated by the crisis.
The Leprosy Mission met the urgent needs of Cyclone Nargis survivors by providing immediate care – food, shelter and clean water, medical attention, wheelchairs and crutches. But it will take many months and years for the people affected by the cyclone to fully recover from the disaster.
We are committed to helping the people of Myanmar rise above this tragedy. Not only did we bring immediate relief to those affected, we’re also bringing long-term assistance to those with leprosy-related disabilities and others with physical challenges as they work to rebuild their lives.
The support of TLM Canada donors gave families and individuals in Myanmar the real practical help they needed as they faced the difficult task of rebuilding their lives – and the hope they need while they mourn for loved ones they lost.
Update: Here is an update on TLM's work in the 2 years since the cyclone. [Link opens as a PDF]
You can view and download the PDF documents on this page for free using Acrobat Reader.
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