I want to go to Burma to help with the disaster releif efforts?

Question

I am a civil engineer. How can i do this?

Answer 1

They don't want anyone there, just money and supplies.

Answer 2

Get smuggled across the border from Thailand...

Answer 3

You could approach a charity such as Oxfam and offer your services, they already have the infrastructure in place to be able to make use of your skills. You could also advertise on local radio for sponsorship; those kinds of appeals seem to do quite well from corporate sponsorship. Good luck!

Answer 4

You Might want to help the Burmese People but the Burmese Government is placing obstacles in the way of Helpers from some Western Powers. The truth is that many 3rd world leaders clamoured and Got independence . Independence for themselves ,not for their people. The wretched population have been deprived with what little they once had . I feel it is Time that we should stand back and wait to be asked for help before we give it. Let these leaders accept it from whomsoever they wish to accept it from . The aid givers will soon find out for themselves that there is no pleasing some despots .The United Nations Org and Human Rights Org will soon be seen for the kind of impotence it is plagued with when it has to stand alone and shoulder the 3rd World Blame Culture.

Answer 5

You'd need to be part of an organisation that the gov't allows in. Otherwise no chance. The Burmese Gov't is a military dictatorship. They even hesitated when it came to food & medicine.

Answer 6

Good for u, contact burmese embassy in london and get going.

Answer 7

Contact the US Embassy in Rangoon or Burma's Embassy in Washington for complete information.

Answer 8

contact the local Red Cross, they will put you in the right Direction.

Answer 9

It's too late for you to get involved with disaster relief efforts at this point. People who are sent into these areas first have to be vetted and trained by a disaster relief agency. And in the case of Burma, only relief materials are going to be allowed -- right now, the Burmese government isn't allowing in personnel.

To be involved in a future disaster situation, you need to get in contact with your local Red Cross/Red Crescent chapter, and get started on being vetted, trained in rescue and recovery efforts, etc. Also, without experience locally dealing with disasters, you won't be considered for overseas work.

More info

(this is focused on USA volunteers, but most of its information is still valid for other countries)

http://www.helpindisaster.org/1800Vol/Pu...

This page is really "busy", but on the right hand side of the page is a long list of organizations that are traditionally involved after a disaster in developing countries; look at the web sites for each regarding training and jobs:

http://www.disastercenter.com/agency.htm

Finally, there are jobs for civil engineers in developing countries, through aid and development agencies, posted at:

http://www.developmentex.com

and

http://www.reliefweb.int (click on vacancies)

Answer 10

yep so do I ,  I can get there quickly have a 4x4  knowledge of water purifcation systems , qualified in electrical and mechanical . There are many people there to help but the country wont issue visa's to foriegners.

The best thing you can do is fly to thailand or laos and wait until they sort the visa situation out.

Maybe they will or maybe they wont.

Answer 11

You need to get in touch with some of the international aid agencies such as Medicin San Frontier.  The problem with Burma is that they apparently don't want any help and they are making it difficult for any aid agencies to get into the country...

Answer 12

Go to airport, get on plane!

Answer 13

dont bother go do skydiving that looks fun