Thailand: update after refugee camp fire

inferno at Umpiem Mai

Burmese families at the Umpiem Mai refugee camp are piecing their lives together in the aftermath of the huge fire which devastated their temporary shelters on 25 February. The Thai Children's Trust, which supports projects in the camps, say: "the destruction was terrible... Over one third of the camp was consumed by the blaze, with a least 1,000 houses, three mosques and two nursery schools destroyed. Reports verify 566 families have been directly affected, representing a population of 2,800 people with no homes or belongings. A further 350 - 400 families living close to the fire dismantled their roofs to prevent the spread of fire and require shelter and food.

"Patients evacuated from the clinic had to take shelter in the food warehouse. Many people received burns as they made last ditch efforts to put out the fire. The aftermath has left a blackened landscape of smoke and ashes.

"Reconstruction and rehabilitation is now being co-ordinated but it will take time before these lost people can return to any kind of normality. Priorities include food, shelter, health needs and sanitation. As always it is the children who are most vulnerable - and the task is huge."

To support TCT work in the camps see: http://thaichildrenstrust-news.org.uk/67W-Q88M-KOK9T-A2373-0/c.aspx

The Trust also raises funds from collecting old mobile phones. E-mail: socialnetworking@thaichildrenstrust.org.uk with your address and they will send you a pre-paid envelope.

Thinking of scrapping your old car? Donate it to Give a Car at:
http://thaichildrenstrust-news.org.uk/67W-Q88M-KOK9T-A121N-0/c.aspx and the proceeds will go to the Thai Children's Trust.