WASHINGTON (Map) - WASHINGTON, May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, a commercial airplane carrying the first shipment of American Red Cross relief supplies touched down in Yangon, Myanmar, to assist survivors of cyclone Nargis. This newly arrived shipment includes an initial supply of 8,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to help prevent the spread of malaria.

"This is a very critical time for survivors, who are exposed to the elements and vulnerable to diseases, like malaria," said David Meltzer, senior vice president, International Services for the American Red Cross. "Our staff and many others in the humanitarian community are working around the clock to provide assistance as quickly as we can."

As of Friday, May 9, three planeloads of supplies from a Red Cross and Red Crescent warehouse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, had arrived in Myanmar, bringing in more than 14 tons of shelter material and other emergency items. These materials, along with stocks from local warehouses-such as hygiene kits, food, water purification tablets, and mosquito nets-are being distributed by the Myanmar Red Cross, who has at least 27,000 volunteers assisting with relief efforts.

"There are considerable challenges to getting relief supplies into the hardest hit areas," said Meltzer. "But this is the priority right now: to get survivors the assistance they need."

So far, the American Red Cross has made available $250,000 in relief supplies, including 10,000 tarps and an additional 12,000 mosquito nets, which will be delivered in the coming days. In addition, the American Red Cross has committed $1.25 million for this relief effort, which includes a pledge of $1 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. The American Red Cross will continue to be in close contact with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and its other partners to determine further options- including relief items, financial support and personnel-to help people in the affected area.

You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.