The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Nargis could expand into other nations as part of the widening food crisis. Just six months after Bangladesh lost 800,000 metric tons of rice to Cyclone Sidr, its neighbor has seen its second rice crop of the year decimated by Nargis.

The extent of the damage isn't known, but Myanmar had been expected to be among the few nation exporting rice this year, and instead is likely to draw down world stocks of grain, which are at their lowest levels since the 1970s, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The situation around the world, by now, is well known: Rice prices have tripled this year, relief agencies and organizations are unable to feed starving people, a whole generation of children is at risk, and the United Nations Food Program is short at least $750 million.

Here's how Myanmar fits in, according to the Journal:

"Before it secured independence from Britain in 1948, Myanmar – then called Burma – was one of the world's biggest exporters of rice. After its military government took control in 1962 and introduced a socialist-style economy, rice production slumped. A series of military leaders cut the country off from the rest of the world and expelled foreigners. While nearby Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia prospered, Myanmar missed out on Asia's economic boom.

"In recent years, as oil prices have risen, Myanmar's generals have found themselves less able to afford the subsidies they apply to local agriculture. They allowed farmers to sell rice to exporters. That has enabled Myanmar to expand its production of rice, among other crops.

"The cyclone hit during a season when the country's farmers are usually completing the smaller of two annual rice harvests. Earlier this year, state-run media said that Myanmar's leaders were confident it could produce enough rice to feed the 53 million people of the country. Grain traders were expecting the country's farmers to reap a bumper crop. In April, the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicted Myanmar would produce 11.3 million metric tons of milled rice this year, roughly twice the usual U.S. production. U.S. Agriculture Department analysts had estimated Myanmar could double its foreign sales this year to 400,000 metric tons."

How to Help

At least three prominent nongovernmental organizations are working with the United Nations and the government of Myanmar with the intention of helping the victims – estimated in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions – of Tropical Cyclone Nargis.

At least 22,000 are reported dead, and that number could climb to 50,000. Hundreds of thousands, or millions, are without homes, clean water and food. Transportation and communications infrastructure is decimated.

The troubled relationship Myanmar's repressive military junta has with the outside world complicates relief effort, and there have been conflicting reports about whether and how much international assistance the government is accepting. Most reports indicate that the government is allowing some aid to reach victims.

Save the Children

Save the Children's staff is reporting that up to 100,000 children and their families are without shelter. Initial response activities include the distribution of 2 metric tons of food, plastic sheeting, water purification tablets and other nonfood items.

Donate to Save the Children

World Vision

Donate to World Vision

American Red Cross

Myanmar Red Cross has already distributed thousands of family kits, containing clothing, blankets, cookware and hygiene supplies, and safe drinking water to schools and pagodas serving as emergency shelters. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has released an initial $189,000 to support the Red Cross relief effort in Myanmar. Donations to the American Red Cross International Response Fund can aid the short- and long-term support efforts.

Donate to the American Red Cross International Response Fund

Or, call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), contact your local American Red Cross chapter, or write to American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Journeys Within Our Community

This organization, which works on poverty in Southeast Asia, is mobilizing to provide shelter, food, clean water, blankets and mosquito nets to families in need.

Donate to Journeys Within Our Community

UNICEF

UNICEF has deployed assessment teams in Myanmar and will focus on clean water, sanitation, hygiene, child protection and education. Immediate needs include: water purification tablets, plastic sheeting, cooking sets, bed nets, emergency health kits, and food.

Donate to UNICEF