Cyclone Nargis slams into Myanmar

It's been less than 48 hours since the killer cyclone Nagris ripped through Myanmar.

Early estimates coming out of Myanmar suggest that the damage is extensive and that the death toll, initially set at less than 1,000, will most certainly rise by the hour.

We're attempting to contact HOPE International Development Agency staff and volunteers in Myanmar to get a more in-depth report on the situation so we can mount an emergency appeal for help right away.

While we're thankful that our staff and volunteers in Myanmar survived the storm, our thankfulness is tempered by a great deal of sadness because we know that so may men, women and children have been injured or killed by the storm.