In addition to the Thai border, we have projects on the China and India borders as well. In Chin state, on the India border, they are currently experiencing a severe famine. Apparently this famine is caused by rats - who are eating all crops and food stores, following a population explosion that results from the flowering of the bamboo, a cycle which occurs every 48 years. This cycle is known, and even though India has been preparing for some time, they were unable to avoid all of the food shortages. In Burma there was unsurprisingly little government response. We are currently shifting some program funds to provide food aid. It seems that as far as food shortages go, surely one with 48 years notice could have been prevented, and yet, people continue to die.
http://www.projectmaje.org/mautam.htm
Wow. That's awful. I'm glad your organization is there to help.
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