An estimated 2 million people are homeless and are in need of potable water, medicines and shelter. Reports say that at least 10,000 people died in the storm and another 3,000 are missing.

“With a disaster such as this cyclone, our concern is to prevent a second wave of death from disease outbreaks,” said Chris Palusky, MAP International director of humanitarian affairs.

Mr. Palusky said MAP is working with partner organizations to fully assess what immediate aid is needed in evacuation shelters in Myanmar.

Cyclonic storm Nargis came ashore with wind speeds as high as 150mph. It moved immediately through the Irrawaddy delta, an area described as the rice bowl of the impoverished nation. The cyclone completely destroyed at least one entire village and left others in ruin. The death toll, which will likely rise, is the largest in Asia due to natural disaster since the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, ranks as one of the poorest countries in Asia. According to the World Food Program, about 5 million people in Myanmar lack sufficient access to food and essential medicines. About one in 10 children there die before age 5 due to preventable diseases.