THE relief effort to help thousands of Burmese people whose lives have been devastated by Cyclone Nargis is to be assisted by experts from South Lakeland.

It is estimated that 70,000 people lost their lives as a result of the cyclone on May 2, and a further million lost their homes.

Impact International, whose headquarters are in Windermere, is sending out two experts to help Save the Children's operation in the stricken Asian country.

Impact specialises in people and organisation development, helping them to be more effective.

The company currently has one expert managing operations in one of three response areas working to establish 14 field offices that will help Save the Children organise their relief effort. The aid effort is geared to provide essential shelter, water, sanitation and nutrition for up to 800,000 people.

Rupert Miller, 38, a consultant based in Windermere, is also due to fly out to Asia to help mobilise resources provided by private sector contacts in a new role which will build bridges between charities and relief agencies and experts from the private sector.

For story in full see the May 30 Westmorland Gazette.