Despite all efforts done by Myanmar authorities to monopolise relief work,  the global Caritas confederation, including European Caritas organisations, succeeded in support their local partners from the very first days of the catastrophe.

Visiting Caritas Internationalis in Rome, Mandalay Archbishop commented on the work of the Church in Myanmar and the importance of the help supplied by the Caritas network: "Our Church workers went immediately into the worst hit villages to rescue people and bring them into safety. Many of these people would now be dead if it had not been for the work of the Church and the solidarity of Caritas and its supporters. For one of the the first times, the people of Myanmar feel a sense of being connected to the outside world." 

European Caritas organisations reacted immediately

Caritas organisations across Europe launched immediately their emergency response mechanisms, including the setting up of urgent fund collection campaigns.

In spite of hard movement limitations and severe visa restrictions imposed by the ruling military junta in Myanmar, Caritas Austria succeeded in sending two collaborators in the region a week after the passage of the cyclone. These workers - who must remain anonymous for security reasons - brought expertise and support to the local auxiliary teams.

Caritas Denmark is setting up a 3 month-programme to help between 60 and 75 thousand people living in a series of villages along the harsh damaged delta area of Irrawady. DKK 150,000 (around 20,000 euro) have been allocated to this aim.

Caritas Switzerland announced on 28 May a review of its financial support to CHF 700,000 (around 450,000 euro) for this area. The organisation is represented in the field by three local partners. Working in tight collaboration with Caritas Germany, this help reaches some 160,000 people with water, food, and health care supply. A health care center has been opened in the city of Labutta, and a team is continuously responding to the need of refugees gathered in some 50 camps.

On 20 May, Caritas Netherlands-Cordaid made a pledge of 200,000 euro. The day before, Caritas Poland announced the preparation of a project to re-build homes for 350 families left homeless by the cyclone.

Innovative ways of fund collections have been implemented by some European Caritas organisations to reach as many potential donors as possible. Caritas Ireland (Trocaire) announced on 28 May that collaboration with mobile phone providers has been set up in order to effectively collect funds by SMS. 

At an earlier stage Trocaire announced the launch of a 1,000,000 euro relief programme for Myanmar; while Caritas France, Czech Republic, Germany, Luxemburg, and Sweden allocated a total amount of 255,500 euro.

At the global level, Caritas Internationalis launched on 29 May an appeal of $8,2 million for relief work in Myanmar in order to meet the immediate needs of 75,000 people in the worst affected areas.