Oregon Public Broadcasting

Tigard-based Medical Teams International is trying to send staff to storm-ravaged Myanmar to assess the situation there.  They hope to send 3-4 staffers there in the next day or so.

An estimated 22,000 people have died since a cyclone touched land there over the weekend.  Massive flooding in heavily populated areas has sparked concerns about a malaria or cholera outbreak.

Brian Heidel is a regional program director for Medical Teams International, and he worked in Myanmar for five years.

He said the military regime makes it a "very difficult" place to work, but he said the recent tragedy is opening doors.

Brian Heidel: "I think there's a realization that they can't meet the needs of the people.  And they need to call on the international community. This disaster is one of the worst in recent history, so there's going to be a huge need from the international community to respond."

Heidel said that Medical Teams personnel will collaborate with groups already on the ground to assess what medical supplies are needed.

Heidel said he hopes the government in Myanmar allows volunteers to enter the country soon.

Portland-based Mercy Corps officials say they are not registered to work in the Southeast Asian country, but they will forward any funds they do receive to agencies already on the ground.