The Scottish Bible Society has launched an emergency appeal to help victims of Cyclone Nargis that devastated southern Burma on May 2.

Funds raised will enable the local Bible Society to provide 10,000 families with rice, clothing and replacement Bibles.

"It was some time before we heard from our colleagues in Rangoon," explained Elaine Duncan, chief executive of the Scottish society. "Their own building was seriously damaged in the storm, also losing its power and phone link."

"Our colleagues tell us that survivors are in a desperate situation - physically, mentally and spiritually," she added. "Many are severely traumatised, having lost their homes and livelihoods. Worse still, some saw parents or children swept away."

The Bible Society in Burma has a leading role in the Christian Council Relief Committee, working with the churches in the region.

Some 100,000 Christians are among the more than 2 million in urgent need of assistance.

"We and they recognise people's essential survival requirement, which is why we're focusing on practical and spiritual help.

"We believe that the Bible's message can speak to the utter despair that so many are feeling, in particular those that lost their own precious copies."