We visit the camp where the fire happened...We want to help!
Breaking News 23-02-12:
At around 11:30am this morning, a fire broke out at Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp, just 87kms
from Mae Sot. So far reports indicate that over one third of the camp has been affected by
the blaze with at least 1000 homes, 3 mosques and 2 nursery schools having been burnt so
far, with sections 6,7,8 and 9 being completely destroyed. There is no information available
yet as to how the fire began, but high temperatures and windy conditions have contributed
to the rapid spread of the fire through the Camp. The majority of buildings in the Camp,
particularly the houses, are simple wood, leaf and bamboo structures.
It is estimate that Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp is home to 15,207 refugees. At this stage there is very little information available regarding injuries or fatalities. As part of the Emergency Assistance Response Team (EART), some Mae Tao Clinic staff have traveled to Umpiem to assist in the relief efforts.
We will update this information as more becomes available.
These people are now living without a roof over their head and have nothing left but their children! Gift of Happiness Foundation have been regular visitors to the camp over the past few years and we know just how devastating this fire must be for those people who have no where else to go. We have been requested to try and supply warm blankets and mosquito nets. We can buy these goods in the nearest city of Mae Sot and have them delivered to the camp as soon as we have enough money to do so.
At around 11:30am this morning, a fire broke out at Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp, just 87kms
from Mae Sot. So far reports indicate that over one third of the camp has been affected by
the blaze with at least 1000 homes, 3 mosques and 2 nursery schools having been burnt so
far, with sections 6,7,8 and 9 being completely destroyed. There is no information available
yet as to how the fire began, but high temperatures and windy conditions have contributed
to the rapid spread of the fire through the Camp. The majority of buildings in the Camp,
particularly the houses, are simple wood, leaf and bamboo structures.
It is estimate that Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp is home to 15,207 refugees. At this stage there is very little information available regarding injuries or fatalities. As part of the Emergency Assistance Response Team (EART), some Mae Tao Clinic staff have traveled to Umpiem to assist in the relief efforts.
We will update this information as more becomes available.
These people are now living without a roof over their head and have nothing left but their children! Gift of Happiness Foundation have been regular visitors to the camp over the past few years and we know just how devastating this fire must be for those people who have no where else to go. We have been requested to try and supply warm blankets and mosquito nets. We can buy these goods in the nearest city of Mae Sot and have them delivered to the camp as soon as we have enough money to do so.
Gift of Happiness Foundation - A non profit organisation under the Royal patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.
Dedicated to helping poor children in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. Registered Charity in the Kingdom of Thailand
Registration number: Kor Tor 1914 -- VAT: 3-0337-6259-4
Donate in most currencies on-line, direct transfer or cheque here: http://www.gohappiness.org/donate.html
Dedicated to helping poor children in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. Registered Charity in the Kingdom of Thailand
Registration number: Kor Tor 1914 -- VAT: 3-0337-6259-4
Donate in most currencies on-line, direct transfer or cheque here: http://www.gohappiness.org/donate.html
