It’s hard news to read as the reported death toll rises to 10,000. Our hearts go out to everyone affected.

Here’s the latest news about the Red Cross disaster response: 

• A state of emergency has been declared in five regions: the city of Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Pegu and the states of Karen and Mon.

• The Myanmar Red Cross is also handing out relief supplies, such as insecticide-treated bed nets to help prevent malaria and providing clean drinking water to survivors.

• The American Red Cross is prepared to respond with financial aid, estimated at $100,000, to support relief efforts.  

• The American Red Cross and International Federation also have pre-stocked emergency supplies – such as tarps, hygiene kits and insecticide-treated bed nets – in warehouses in Kuala Lumpur and Dubai; these supplies will be made available, if requested.

If you want to help with international relief efforts (this one and others), you can donate to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org.