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OCHA Situation Report No. 37 - 3rd Jul 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
SITUATION OVERVIEW
Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar on 2 and 3 May 2008, affecting 37 townships across Ayeyarwady and Yangon divisions. Official figures show the number of dead or missing at 130,000. 2.4 million people were severely affected.
As of 3 July, 303 visas for UN staff have been approved, with nine requests pending. With regard to UN visa extension requests, 79 requests have been approved with 14 pending.
Needs Assessment and Analysis
WFP is proceeding with a Market Assessment Survey covering 35 markets across 21 Townships in the Delta. This should be complete by 6 July, after which regular commodity price monitoring will be conducted.
Overall Achievements
As of 3 July, a total of 18,703 tons of food assistance has been delivered to the affected areas, of which 14,564 tons has been distributed.
The Food Cluster has now reached a total of approximately 733,490 beneficiaries with food and cash assistance: 684,000 in the Ayeyarwady Division (food) and a further 49,490 in the Yangon Division (cash transfer).
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OCHA Situation Report No. 35 - 26th Jun 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
SITUATION OVERVIEW
Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar on 2 and 3 May 2008, affecting 37 townships across Ayeyarwady and Yangon divisions. Official figures show number of dead or missing at 130,000. 1.3 million out of estimated 2.4 million affected people have been reached so far by International NGOs, the Red Cross and the UN.
A Tripartite Core Group (TCG), consisting of high-level representatives of the Government of Myanmar, ASEAN and the UN, was established at a donor conference in Yangon on 25 May to oversee the coordination of relief assistance.
The preliminary findings were presented at the ASEAN Roundtable meeting in Yangon on 24 June.For example:
- 45% of households have received food through humanitarian assistance
- 56% obtaining food from the markets
- 60% of households admitted that access to clean water is inadequate
- 22% of households have suffered from psychological stress
- 59% of houses were severely damaged
- 60% of village leaders suggest that there are not enough seeds for the next planting season
- 78% of households have reported the lack of access to credit.
As a result of the TCG-meeting on 20 June, requests for visas related to the Nargis response, from UN agencies and NGOs, will be handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 33 - 19th Jun 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
SITUATION OVERVIEW
UNICEF reports that the camp population in Laputta has declined from over 40,000 to an estimated 10,000. In Bogalay proper, all camps have now been closed. The Government of Myanmar has established four transit sites at villages in Bogalay Township from where people will be encouraged to return to their villages.
In Myaung Mya the Government has been assisting people to return to their villages, mostly in Laputta Township. The camp population at the two sites officially recognized by the government is now down from 13,000 to 3,700. There are also around 800 people in three informal camps.
In Pathein, which was unaffected by the cyclone, all camps have now been closed. The 3,000 people formerly living in camps have returned to their villages, mostly in Laputta. In Mawlamyinegyun proper, all camps have been closed, with the displaced returning to their villages.
In Pyapon proper, where there were around 37 camps hosting around 17,000 people, all camps steadily closed during the course of May.
A Tripartite Core Group (TCG), consisting of high-level representatives of the Government of Myanmar, ASEAN and the UN, was established at a donor conference in Yangon on 25 May to oversee the coordination of relief assistance.
Since new Government guidelines for international organizations providing assistance in cycloneaffected areas were introduced on 10 June, UN agencies and NGOs have been reporting increasing problems with obtaining visas and travel permits for international staff to visit the affected areas. In many cases the line-ministries now responsible for processing requests have not been provided with new instructions, which have caused significant delays.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 31 - 13th Jun 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
SITUATION OVERVIEW
A joint relief and early recovery assessment (Post-Nargis Joint Assessment: 'PONJA') is currently underway. The assessment involves humanitarian needs and damage components: a Village Tract Assessment (VTA) and a Damage and Loss Assessment (DaLA). Field surveys in 30 of the worstaffected townships are taking place between 10 and 19 June.
As of 13
June 32 VTA teams have covered 31 of 128 'quadrants' in Pathein, Wakema,
Labutta, Bogale, Pyapon and Yangon. Meanwhile, the 6 DaLA teams have
covered 17 of 21 targeted townships. Some 250 assessment personnel are
involved in the PONJA, including representatives of the Government of
Myanmar, ASEAN member states, the UN, the World Bank, the Asian
Development Bank, I/NGOs, the Myanmar Red Cross Society, the private
sector and individual volunteers. Preliminary findings from the assessment
are expected to be shared at the ASEAN roundtable meeting on 24 June and
the finalized assessment report will be shared in mid-July.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 30 - 12th Jun 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
SITUATION OVERVIEW
Overall, 195 visas have been issued to UN staff involved in the ongoing operation as of 10 June.
The Government of Myanmar's New Light of Myanmar newspaper reports that 911 foreign aid workers were provided with visas between 5 May and 5 June 2008. 569 people have been authorized to work in the cyclone-affected areas during the same period. 458 visas were reportedly provided to staff from the UN and NGOs, 357 for nationals of ASEAN and neighbouring countries to provide medical assistance and 96 visas for meeting attendees. The newspaper reports that 342 people provided with visas have left Myanmar during this time.
The Government of Myanmar's Minister of Planning briefed UN agencies, Inter-Governmental Organizations and I/NGOS on 'Guiding Principles for carrying out aid and assistance activities for the cyclone victims' on 10 June. IASC members have expressed concern that, if followed, it will negatively affect ongoing emergency relief operations.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 29 - 9th Jun 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
SITUATION OVERVIEW
Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar on 2 and 3 May 2008, making landfall in the Ayeyarwady Division and hitting the former capital, Yangon. Of 37 townships affected by the cyclone, 15 are considered to be 'worst-affected'. Current estimates suggest that 2.4 million people were affected. 1.3 million people are estimated to have been reached so far by International NGOs, the Red Cross and the UN. Official figures as of 16 May state that 77,738 people have been killed and 55,917 remain missing.
There is a mixed picture regarding access for international staff. UN
agencies report no major issues with obtaining visas for their staff, with
179 visas issued as of 9 June. National and international UN staff have
been travelling to the Ayeyarwaddy delta in increasing numbers with
Government approval; 86 international UN staff have visited the
affected-areas as of 9 June. International NGOs are experiencing greater
difficulties in entering the country; visa requests in some cases have
been pending for up to three weeks. Some International NGOs report
problems in accessing the affected areas, with reports of organizations
being turned away at police checkpoints despite authorization and
unexplained withdrawals of authorization.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
The 'New Light of Myanmar' newspaper reports that Prime Minister General Thein Sein, who is also Chairman of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee, visited cyclone-affected areas in the Delta by helicopter from 7/9 June. The Prime Minister publicly denied reports of forced relocation and stated that the Government will support people living in relief camps and provide assistance for voluntary returns or resettlement.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 28 - 6th Jun 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
HIGHLIGHTS
There is an urgent need for substantial amounts of tarpaulins for the shelter sector, given that stocks in the country have been depleted.
For International NGOs, the visa process still seems to be more cumbersome and
some INGOs have visa requests that have been pending for up to three weeks. Several INGOs who do have an MoU with the Government to work in Myanmar (although not necessarily in the delta) are reporting that they are told by Myanmar Embassies that they need both a supporting letter from the UN and a letter from their line ministry before the embassies can issue visas.
Regarding access to the affected areas in the Irrawaddy delta, there are indications that the process to receive authorisation to travel is currently taking more than 2-3 days.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 27 - 4th Jun 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
HIGHLIGHTS
One month since the cyclone struck Myanmar, preliminary estimates indicate that 1.3 million beneficiaries, out of the estimated 2.4 million people affected, have been reached with some assistance by international NGO's, the Red Cross and the UN. Most of those 1.3 million who have been reached have received very basic assistance, which is inadequate and below minimum requirements. A large number of villages have not received any support from the UN, international NGO's, or the Red Cross.
WFP estimates that it has reached approximately 501,000 beneficiaries with varying rations. Reports from NGO's from remote areas have not yet been received; therefore the beneficiary numbers are lower than the actual figure.
The main challenges in getting shelter materials to beneficiaries are related to material availability, transport, and access to affected areas. Key agencies have reported a possible shortage of shelter and relief goods in the coming weeks as the overall distribution capacity exceeds the pipeline for incoming goods.
Myanmar Red Cross Society
As of 2 June 2008, the Red Cross has reached a total of over 191'000
beneficiaries (an increase of over 26'000 beneficiaries since 30 May), of
which 34'605 are located in Yangon Division, 155'245 in Ayeyarwady
Division, and roughly 1'600 in Mon State.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 26 - 2nd Jun 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
HIGHLIGHTS
To date, a total of 1.3 million beneficiaries have been reached by non-governmental (local and international NGO, Red Cross and UN) with some assistance. Since the last update (25 May) there has been a concerted effort to get more assistance to the Ayeyarwady Delta where the percentage of people reached has increased from 23% to 49%.
Situation and Gaps Analysis
It is important to note however that most of these persons have been reached with inconsistent levels of assistance. For example, assistance provided is not sustained, and in some cases, is well below requirements.
In the first 4 weeks, access and supplies were limited so organizations gave only a small amount to the enormous numbers of people who needed assistance. While access has improved for the almost 15 international staff who have travelled to the Ayeyarwady in the last week, agencies have still to establish permanent presence with sufficient capacity to meet the enormous needs that must be sustained for the next 6 months, until the next harvest in October.
Immediate needs
There remains a serious lack of sufficient and sustained humanitarian assistance for the affected populations. This is compounded by the lack of a clear knowledge of the locations, numbers of families, and level of assistance required, as well as a clear understanding of the support being provided by the Government of Myanmar to its people.
A clear analysis of the needs against the assistance available, planned for, and required is a priority.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 24 - 29th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
HIGHLIGHTS
Food has been provided to 483,000 people out of the planned 750,000 target.
In some places a full food basket of rice, beans, and oil has been provided.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 23 - 28th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
HIGHLIGHTS
Today, the Government of the Union of Myanmar approved all remaining
visa requests (45) for various UN agencies.
The Food Cluster estimates that monthly food requirement is approximately 8,933 tons. The Food Cluster estimates now that it has reached approximately 483,000 beneficiaries with varying rations (aim to reach 750,000 people).
WFP as the designated lead for the food cluster is running an Emergency Operation for Myanmar and aims to deliver a complete food basket to a total of 750,000 people in need of immediate food assistance.
In Bogale local coordinated efforts for the Health Cluster are
successfully being developed with UNICEF, IOM, WFP, UNHCR, ACF, MSF and a
local NGO. As a result, a Joint Emergency Response Mobile Operation to
provide multi-sectoral services to the cyclone victims has been
established. The objectives of the joint operation are to provide
multisectoral services to cyclone victims at the same time, to minimize
the resources / cost and to maximize the provision of package of services
/ care to cyclone victim.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 21 - 26th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
HIGHLIGHTS
An ASEAN-UN International Pledging Conference on Cyclone Nargis was held on Sunday 25 May in Yangon. Fifty-one countries were represented at the meeting, where there was universal recognition of the unprecedented magnitude of the disaster for Myanmar. There was unanimous agreement on the need to scale up urgently and very significantly the current relief efforts to ensure that those in desperate need are reached quickly and with adequate life-saving relief supplies, and that an effective flow of these supplies is maintained for as long as necessary. There was strong agreement that a major extra effort would be needed from all quarters to achieve the immediate objective of preventing further unnecessary deaths.
The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr John Holmes, reminded the conference that the crisis was still clearly in the emergency relief phase and that an effective relief supply operation will be needed for many months to come.
The crucial question remains how many people of those in urgent need of major assistance have not been reached at all. It is clear that delivery needs to be scaled up at the far end of the chain as fast as possible in these areas to avert the risk of extra and unnecessary deaths due to diseases and nutritional deficiency. The critical danger remains of a potential second wave of deaths among those not so far reached or only reached with small amounts of assistance.
He concluded by reiterating that the only test at the end of the day is whether lives have been saved, more unnecessary deaths have been avoided, and those still in desperate need have been helped.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 18 - 22nd May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
HIGHLIGHTS
The UN Secretary General today arrived in Myanmar. He was able to witness cyclone devastated areas and visited temporary relief tented camps. He met with the Prime Minister of Myanmar, the Foreign Minister and the UN Country Team. He also paid his respects at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.
An independent source estimates that 110,000 persons are living in temporary settlements in 14 townships. Of these, 70% are sheltering in monasteries, 28% in public buildings and 2% in tented camps. The highest numbers of homeless people in temporary settlements are in Labutta (34,000), Bogale (15,500), Myaungmya (12,000) and Pyapon (9,700) townships in Ayeyarwady, and Kungyangon township (20,000) in Yangon Division.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 17 - 21st May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
HIGHLIGHTS
To feed the 750,000 people for 3 months, as planned in the U.N. Flash Appeal, will require 55,000 MT of rice of which only 50% may be procured in country. Given the Food Cluster has been awaiting the approval of the Government to import rice, pulses and vegetable oil (Situation Report 13), this is a breakthrough and the beginning of increased provision of food to the affected areas. However, this remains a fraction of the amount needed.
In Labutta, the authorities announced that there are now 12 tented relief settlements, which plan to operate for 6 months, and that all other temporary shelters in Labutta town would be closed down by 9 June.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
State media reported that well wishers across Myanmar had donated approximately USD 7.27 million in cash and in materials to the relief efforts by 19 May.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 16 - 20th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
Of the 2.4 million affected by Cyclone Nargis, it is estimated that 1.4 million are located in the most severely affected townships of the delta region. However, Yangon was also badly hit with some 680,000 living in severely affected areas. Various assessment reports confirm these estimated figures, although assessments of all affected areas have not been possible as yet.
Additional assessment data reinforce previous assessments informing of an estimated 239 temporary formal and informal settlements in the worst affected areas of Yangon and the delta region. It is important to note that the majority of temporary settlements are in Buddhist monasteries, while the minority are in tented camps. Official tented camps are in Labutta, Bogale, Pathein, Maubin, and Myaungmya. The remainder of settlements are in other public buildings, including schools. The formal camps are being serviced by the Government, while non-formal camps are variously receiving services from Government, MRCS, INGO, NGO, local CBOs, faith-based organisations and private citizens. In the Ayeyarwady delta, it is estimated that 91,000 people are sheltered in settlements in their townships of origin, while 25,000 have been displaced to settlements in other townships. In such cases, movements are from Labutta to Myaungmya and Pathein, from Bogale and Pyapon to Maubin, and from Ngaputaw to Pathein.
John Holmes today met with the Prime Minister of Myanmar and ministers.
The ERC discussed the modalities of providing international assistance,
and raised various issues that needed to be resolved in order to provide
an effective international response, especially that of access, to support
the Government of Myanmar. The Government assured John Holmes that they
would give all issues he raised careful consideration. In addition, the
ERC met with the donor community in Yangon and separately with members of
the diplomatic corps, at which time he briefed them on findings from his
field visits, discussions with the Government, and as well as the
forthcoming arrival of the UN Secretary General and upcoming pledging
conference.
Public health services had treated around 90,000 out-patients and 10,000 in-patients by 18 May, including 2,887 mild diarrhoea cases and 124 severe diarrhoea cases.
There has been no change in the official figures for dead and missing. 77,738 are reported dead and 55,917 missing.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 15 - 20th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) today announced that Myanmar had agreed to accept international aid agencies and medical workers from all ASEAN countries to help with the relief effort. The 10-member ASEAN group also said Myanmar should allow more international relief workers into stricken areas. The Foreign Minister of Singapore said that ASEAN 'will establish a mechanism so that aid from all over the world can flow into Myanmar". Indonesia's Foreign Minister said that each ASEAN country would send a team of 30 medical personnel very soon, with unrestricted movement in the country.
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes arrived in Myanmar on Sunday evening. Today (Monday) he was able to visit Labutta and Wakema townships in the Ayeyarwady delta and saw first hand the situation in this area. The ERC spent time speaking with the IASC Country Team, Cluster Leads and representatives of the Myanmar Red Cross Society and the IFRC to gain a clear picture of the progress and challenges in the response. Tomorrow (Tuesday) the ERC meets with the Government of Myanmar.
The humanitarian community indicates that 500,000 people receive some form of international assistance. This is substantially less that the 2.4 million estimated to be affected of whom more than half (1.4 million) in severely affected areas requiring prioritised assistance. It is clear that the emergency phase is set to continue for some time. Some people are moving back to their places of origin where they will need humanitarian assistance as well as the necessary support to restart their livelihoods and farming.
Heavy rains are continuing and the conditions for road transportation remain poor in delta areas.
Local authorities in Labutta granted access to villages outside of the town that had previously been restricted, as well as to eight government distribution stations, for the delivery of food assistance.
Health supplies continue to reach the key hospitals in the major centres, yet delivery of this assistance beyond the hospitals to the outlying communities remains a challenge. At least 50% of health structures are damaged or destroyed and restricted access continues to hamper the relief efforts.
Reliable reports of severe watery diarrhoea continue to cause concern. It is important to note that the number of cases is still within the normal seasonal range. A reliable early warning system has been put in place by the Ministry of Health, UN, national and international NGO's in the affected areas. The water supply system has been compromised in many areas forcing people to collect water from ponds and rivers which seem to be widely contaminated. Every possible action to prepare for a potential outbreak is being taken as all risk factors are present. With the upcoming rainy season dengue fever is also expected, however the current situation poses a more serious outbreak. The Ministry of Health has begun preparing prevention activities with the support of the Health Cluster.
Also of concern is the fragile situation of children in the
cyclone-affected areas. Pre-cyclone statistics did indicate that about
one-third of children under five there suffer from some form of
malnutrition. While the food supply to the affected areas has improved
over the past few days, clearly huge infusions of food assistance are
urgently required. Children are among the most vulnerable in any disaster
and with so many children already in a weakened state, lack of nutrition,
water, sanitation and shelter, can be a lethal combination.
The Government of Myanmar today declared three days of national mourning for the victims of Cyclone Nargis, beginning on Tuesday 20 May. State media today reported that over 50 billion Myanmar kyats (approximately USD 46.3 million) have been spent on relief works and rehabilitation tasks to date.
There has been no change in the official figures for dead and missing. 77,738 are reported dead and 55,917 missing.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 14 - 19th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
The estimated number of affected persons is 2.4 million, including those severely affected.
These figures are based on the numerous assessment reports received of the numbers of people affected in each township. Whilst limited access has hampered the accuracy of the data, Cluster Leads were today able to gain a picture of gaps that require further assessments, and agree upon a baseline planning figure for programming.
Initial estimates indicate 150,000 people in about 120 settlements in the delta. This is a mixture of both official and unofficial temporary settlements.
Requests with the Government for the approval of international staff to travel to the affected region are still pending. Although access to the delta is challenging, some elements of the Logistics Cluster Operations Plan are in place. Maximum efforts are being made by partners to utilise national structures existing prior to Cyclone Nargis to provide assistance to the affected areas. Relief arriving on commercial flights is being transported to the affected areas. However, this is not of the quantity or frequency required to meet the needs of the affected populations. Access is also compounded by the weather conditions as heavy rains prevent cargo from moving along some roads to the delta.
The Government has announced that schools will open on 2 June 2008. There is concern regarding those schools in both the delta and Yangon areas that are currently being used as temporary settlements.
Several agencies report that movement of people towards less affected areas is continuing, driven by food shortages in the most affected villages. Increases in the numbers of displaced persons in population centres were reported including in temporary settlements Labutta and Pathein.
Local authorities in Labutta have told relief workers that they have started sending villagers back to their villages.
According to the figures of the Yangon office of the UN Department of Safety and Security there are currently 109 national UN staff present in the cyclone-affected areas, and 72 international UN staff in Yangon. No international UN staff have been authorised to work in the affected areas.
There has been no change in the official figures for dead and missing since yesterday. 77,738 are reported dead and 55,917 missing.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 13 - 17th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
The official figures for dead and missing have almost doubled in the last 24 hours and now stand at 77,738 dead and 55,917 missing. Unofficial figures are considerably higher. The number of injured rose steeply to 19,359, up from 1,403. The latest official figure for dead and missing combined is 133,653. The Cluster Leads in country are working on the results assessments and information received from the delta region to ascertain the number of affected.
Time is of the essence with the fast approaching monsoon season.
Extensive damage to the agriculture production risks the loss of the
November harvest given the planting season ends within five to seven
weeks, depending on the areas. If this planting season is lost then
assistance would be required for some months to come. In addition this
could also potentially disrupt the local economy and livelihood
opportunities for the communities in the delta. It is estimated that over
USD 10 million worth of seeds is needed. The Early Recovery and
Agriculture clusters are working closely with national authorities to
address this issue.
Restrictions on the importation and use of communications equipment in Myanmar are impacting communications between relief agencies.
Transport and Storage networks of the Logistics Operations Plan are being put in place. Contracts for boats and trucking fleets to access the delta have been issued and now work is underway to coordinate the plans of the clusters for aid arriving in Yangon, and distribution beyond. This will facilitate a clear understanding of capacities for the optimum use of transportation and allow for forward planning to address possible gaps.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 12 - 17th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
SITUATION IN MYANMAR
The official death toll now stands at 78,000 with 56,000 missing.
Unofficial estimates are considerably higher.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 11 - 15th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
SITUATION IN MYANMAR
The official death toll now stands at 38,491, with 27,838 missing. Unofficial estimates are considerably higher. Food, shelter, medical supplies and water are all critical needs. There is a growing risk of the outbreak of disease among affected populations.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
State media reported on 15 May that a total of 327.18 tons of aid supplies have been transported by the authorities to affected areas including Bogale, Kamatalu, Kyeinchaung, Setsan, Kyonda, Amar, Pathein, Labutta and Myaungmya. The same source also reported that 4,312,911,656 Myanmar Kyat (USD 3,750,000 approx.) in cash donations had been made nationwide for relief to storm victims, up until 14 May.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 10 - 14th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
SITUATION IN MYANMAR
The official death toll now stands at 34,273, with 27,836 missing. Unofficial estimates are considerably higher. Based on the original Government figure of 975,858 persons affected three days after the disaster in the eight most seriously hit townships, the UN now estimates that between 1.6 and 2.5 million people are severely affected.
22 agencies were undertaking assessments in 58 townships as of 13 May 2008. Priority townships for further assessments (where gaps in information have been identified) are Dedaye, Pyapon, Kyaiklat, Mawlamyinegyun, Wakema, and the southern part of Bogale. These same areas are also currently assessed as underserved by relief responses.
Food, shelter, medical supplies and water are all critical needs. People have been migrating outwards from the most affected areas in search of basic necessities. Early estimates suggest that temporary settlements may now be sheltering over 550,000 people in Ayeyarwady and Yangon Divisions.
Damaged infrastructure and communications, as well as flooding, pose serious logistical challenges for relief efforts. Weather reports for affected areas in the coming days continue to be unfavourable, with heavy rainfall predicted.
Flights carrying relief items have been getting in to the country, and the Government and humanitarian partners are reaching an increasing number of affected persons. However, the levels of aid getting in to the country remain far below what is required to meet the needs on the ground. There is also concern that a logistical bottleneck may be developing in Yangon.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
No updates.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 9 - 14th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
SITUATION IN MYANMAR
The official death toll now
stands at 31,938, with 29,770 missing. Unofficial estimates are
considerably higher. Based on the original Government figure of 975,858
persons affected three days after the disaster in the eight most seriously
hit townships, it is estimated that at least 1,500,000 people are severely
affected.
Food, shelter, medical supplies and water are all critical needs. People are now
reported to have begun migrating outwards from the most affected areas in
search of basic necessities while others are stranded in areas of the
delta without drinking water, food or shelter. The movement of affected
populations is rendering some of the assessment data out-of-date. Damaged
infrastructure and communications, as well as flooding, pose serious
logistical challenges for relief efforts. Weather reports for affected
areas in the coming days continue to be unfavourable, with heavy rainfall
predicted.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
State media reported on 12 May that a total of 9,330 cyclone victims have been evacuated from the worst-hit parts of the southwest of Ayeyarwady Division to relief sites in Maubin, Wakema and Myaungmya townships.
The Myanmar Minister of National Planning and Economic Development has now stated that aid from any nation will be accepted and that delivery of relief goods can be handled by local organisations and people working in international agencies provided this is carried out in cooperation with the Government. The movement of international relief workers to the disaster-hit areas is still restricted.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 8 - 12th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
NOTE: Today's situation report is based only on information received from the field and media sources. While the content was not able to be verified with cluster leads, the Sit Rep will go forward in the interest of timely dissemination of critical information. Please be aware that the headings under which is stated 'nothing to report' does not imply inactivity; rather it indicates the lack of inputs received this Sunday.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
Nothing to report
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
Nothing to report
Coordinated In-Country Response
The Director General of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement conveyed the message that his Ministry (which is designated in charge of coordinating the national relief efforts) is facing challenges in the management of the large volume of supplies now coming through Yangon International Airport.
They were now open to UN organizations to distribute goods that arrive for their programmes. They requested delivery plans, and may request some presence in the distribution.
Numerous aid airlifts landed on Saturday. For charter flights, government staff unloads cargo to the warehouse at the airport, which is now becoming increasingly full. Unofficially, staff of various organizations have been asked to remove cargo directly from the plane and take it into their possession. Yesterday an airlift of non-food items was offloaded using this process.
For other non-UN organisations, goods will normally be unloaded by government staff to the warehouse, where the organisation should be able to access it, depending on their agreement with the Government.
Visa status update
Int NGOS
Number of visas requested since May 4th: 29
Number of visas granted since May 4th: 3
Number of visas awaiting since May 4th: 26
Number of visas pending from 2 or 3 month: 20
UN Agencies
Number of visas requested since May 4th: 25
Number of visas granted since May 4th: 1
Number of visas awaiting since May 4th: 24
Number of visas pending from 2or 3 month: 3
Food
There is no more rice at the WFP Yangon warehouse, and small amounts are being relocated from the field sites. Additional 2,000 MT rice has been sourced from outside of the affected areas for Yangon, and 2,000 MT for Ayeyarwady.
To feed 750,000 people for 3 months as planned in the Flash Appeal, will require 55,000 MT of rice, of which only 50% could be procured in-country. This will require Government clearance for the importation of rice.
Nutrition
Before the cyclone, Ayeyarwady was an area that had around 30% chronic and 9% acute malnutrition, thus nutrition screening, surveillance and monitoring is needed.
Logistics
More warehouse space is urgently needed and being sought to relieve
the pressure at the airport.
More transportation is needed for distribution outside of Yangon.
There are a growing number of reports of families being forcibly displacement to non-affected townships. A decision must be made as to which cluster will take charge of this issue.
Two people were arrested for alleged trafficking activities in the delta region, but no details are yet available.
INGOs and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies
The IFRC and Myanmar Red Cross aid effort suffered a setback on 11 May when the first aid shipment traveling by river to the disaster area sank. It is reported that the cargo ship carrying relief supplies for over 1,000 persons struck a submerged tree trunk.
Meteorological information
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) announced that Myanmar's recovery could be hindered by strong winds and rain over the coming week.
"Occasional tropical rain showers" are expected through Wednesday May 14, further forecasting "a period of heavy rainfall' settling in around Thursday or Friday. South-westerly winds may then hit the low-lying areas devastated by Cyclone Nargis.
The WMO noted that the weather front could "compound the situation in the coastal region by enhancing precipitation
and possibly affecting run-off or surge." "While the uncertainty of the
exact timing of more significant rainfall is high, ensemble prediction
systems also support the threat of a stronger rainfall episode' during the
week."
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OCHA Situation Report No. 7 - 10th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
The official death toll is now
22,997, with 42,119 missing and 1,430 injured. Unofficial figures are
considerably higher. Based on the original Government estimate of 975,858
persons affected three days after the disaster in the eight most seriously
hit townships, the UN now estimates that at least 1,500,000 people are
severely affected.
Some people are now migrating outwards from the most affected areas in search of basic necessities while others are stranded in areas of the delta without drinking water, food or shelter. Damaged infrastructure and communications, as well as flooding, pose challenges for relief efforts, which may be exacerbated by heavy rainfall that has been forecast over the next seven days.
Flights carrying relief items have been getting in to the country, and the Government and humanitarian partners are reaching an increasing number of affected persons. However, access for international humanitarian personnel remains unresolved.
A constitutional referendum has been taking place in Myanmar today, in areas other than those that remain on the Government's list of disaster areas.
The UN Country Team reports significant progress in clearing roadways, and the piped water supply has been partially restored to some parts of Yangon city.
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
The UN continues to consult closely with the Government about the need for international support, which is available across all key priority areas. The UN and Myanmar's regional partners continue consultations for issuance of Visas for international humanitarian personnel. Thailand's Prime Minister has announced that he will dispatch an envoy to Myanmar this weekend to discuss access for international aid workers. A statement by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday suggested that the Myanmar authorities 'establish a coordinating mechanism that could work with the international community and aid agencies, to assess the damages and needs in the affected areas, as well as facilitate in-country distribution of humanitarian assistance, and entry and deployment of rescue and medical personnel and equipment.'
Coordinated In-Country Response
An International NGO Forum was held on 10 May 2008. It was highlighted that delivery of aid will most likely be facilitated through national NGO's, CBOs and community leaders. In order to improve the capacities of national and local NGO's and CBOs, a resource centre will be set up by international NGO's in Yangon with the aim of providing information, tools, training and technical assistance. Further details will be available in the course of the week. A forum with national and local NGO's is planned for Wednesday, 14 May 2008.
Concerns about security of trucks delivering supplies are reported to have eased.
Food is available for sale around Pathein, to the north of the most-affected areas. Cash payments could be an alternative to food distribution.
World Health Organisation has received reports from the delta that have identified high numbers of trauma patients. It has deployed emergency health kits to treat injured patients in response to a request from the Ministry of Health. Hospitals have been providing tetanus vaccinations.
There have to date been no reports of malaria outbreaks. Diarrheic diseases have been reported, however. 104 cases of diarrhoea and 36 cases of dysentery have been reported in Yangon. Early UNICEF estimates indicate that 20% of children in the most-affected areas are suffering from diarrhoea.
WHO dispatched 30,000 surgical masks and 30,000 pairs of gloves to the affected areas in Bogalay and Labutta through UNICEF trucks on 10 May 2008. The supplies will be used for dead body collection and by health workers at health facilities in the affected areas.
Specialist teams on standby
So far, 63 teams from a range of different countries have offered their support and are on standby in different parts of the world. Out of these 63 teams, 14 are specialized in conducting assessments, 4 are coordination teams, 6 specialized on logistics, 14 on urban search and rescue, 12 are health/medical teams, 7 water and sanitation teams, and the rest consist of specialists in other areas of relief assistance.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 6 - 10th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
Based on the original Government estimates of 975,858 persons affected at three days after the disaster in the most seriously hit eight townships only, it is now estimated by the UN that at least 1,500,000 people are severely affected. Damage and needs assessments are ongoing in affected areas.
The Government revised the initial declaration of five States and Divisions as disaster zones downwards to only Ayeyarwady (7 townships) and Yangon (40 townships) Divisions, on 6 May. Assessments by the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) in Bago, Mon and Kayin suggested that they were less affected. The UN estimates that 5,000 square kilometres are still flooded.
he authorities have reported 22,908 confirmed deaths and 42,119 missing by 8 May. The unofficial estimates are significantly higher. Most fatalities and damage were due to the storm surge, as well as the severe winds and rain. There is growing concern for the management of dead bodies.
Assessments describe widespread destruction of housing and flooding, especially in delta areas, with contamination of a significant proportion of water sources. Pressing needs identified included food, water, water purification supplies and receptacles, sanitation facilities, including for shelter camps, roofing and construction materials, fuel, as well as essential medicines and treatment.
Given the gravity of the situation including the lack of food and water, some partners have reported fears for security, and violent behaviour in the most severely afflicted areas. Some assessments have suggested that people are coping by migrating outwards from the most affected to less affected areas in search of the basic necessities.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
Significant progress has been made in clearing roadways and the piped water supply and some electricity has been partially re-established to areas of Yangon city.
Helicopter relays of bilateral aid arriving at Yangon are being made to Pathein, and two large barges of aid have left Yangon for the most affected areas. Airlifts of international bilateral aid arrived from Thailand, Japan, and China, while India announced that it would send two naval vessels with supplies.
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
The UN continues to consult closely with the Government about the need for international support, which is available across all key priority areas. Very few visas have been forthcoming in recent days. Two OCHA Disaster Assessment staff entered yesterday. UNHCR has received one visa and WFP has been promised 3 visas to be released on Monday evening.
The Permanent Representative, on behalf of his government, has announced that Myanmar will accept international help and cooperate with the international community. A US C-130 plane carrying relief items has been cleared by Myanmar and is scheduled to arrive in the country on Monday, 12 May.
Coordinated In-Country Response
Assessments have been conducted by 18 agencies in 55 townships. Based on these assessments, the UN estimates that 1,215,885 to 1,919,485 million people have been affected by the cyclone, the number of deaths could range from 63,290 to 101,682, and 220,000 people are reported to be missing.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The cyclone has likely resulted in acute environmental issues, including those related to waste and debris that could pose immediate risks to human life and health, and long-term risks for recovery.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 5 - 9th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
The official death toll still stands at just over 22,000, with more than 41,000 missing, though this may well rise. Precise figures on the extent of the disaster or the numbers in need of protection are still not available, and many areas of the delta have not been reached since the Cyclone struck.
Media have reported that four infantry divisions have been deployed to the affected areas, where seven helicopters, 60 fiberglass boats and 10 ships have been carrying out operations. Water and power have been restored in some areas.
The UN continues to consult closely with the Government about the need for international support, which is available across all key priority areas. It continues to be stressed that the issuance of visas for humanitarian actors and the easing of customs rules for the delivery of aid remains of vital concern.
Two UNDAC members arrived in Yangon from Bangkok this afternoon (8 May).
WFP's logistics response team is in Bangkok, awaiting deployment. Yangon airport is already becoming congested. WFP's Regional Logistics Officer has joined the WFP in-country, where he will lead the logistics cluster.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 4 - 7th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
State media is still holding the death toll at over 22,000, with more than 41,000 missing. It is expected that these figures will rise; it is now evident that the majority of the deaths have occurred in the low-lying delta region, where Category 4 winds and a 3 meter storm surge destroyed 90-95% of the buildings and houses in 7 townships, according to the Government. 10,000 deaths have been reported in the town of Bogalay alone, and most of its 190,000 residents are reported to be homeless. Large areas remain underwater.
The situation is becoming increasingly precarious, with relief capacity inside the country already severely stretched, both in terms of supplies and human resources. Over one million people are now expected to be in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Severe flooding and damaged infrastructure and communications continue to pose major logistical problems both for assessment and for the provision of relief.
Reports of water and fuel shortages are already appearing in mainstream media. The food security situation in the country, which was already severe, looks set to become far more acute.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
Military and police units are carrying out rescue and cleanup operations, and distributing aid. Power and water have now been returned to some areas. There have been reports of the first helicopter aid deliveries to the Delta region.
Given the significant number of damaged and destroyed homes and the
approaching rainy season, shelter will be a critical need.
Communications
Communication remains a critical issue: Phone networks (land line and mobile) have been partly recovered, but are still very limited. Only UN agencies currently have internet access.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 3 - 7th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
This situation report is based on information received from the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, Myanmar, UN agencies, regional humanitarian partners and media sources.
SITUATION IN MYANMAR
Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar on 2 and 3 May 2008, sweeping through the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) delta region and the country's largest city, Yangon. The authorities have declared five states and divisions (Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Bago, Mon and Kayin) to be disaster zones.
It is quickly becoming clear that the cyclone has caused unprecedented devastation in the affected areas. Buildings and infrastructure have been severely damaged, and flooding is widespread. The low-lying delta region also suffered from the effects of a sizable storm surge, which is feared to have wiped out whole villages. Latest state media reports put the death toll at approximately 22,500 with 41,000 missing. There are unconfirmed reports that 10,000 are reported as having died in the Delta town of Bogalay alone. .
Hundreds of thousands can be expected to be in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The combined total population of the declared disaster areas is around 24 million. Damaged infrastructure and communications will pose major logistical problems for relief operations. Humanitarian partners in the country have begun the process of collecting information about the scale of the destruction, but access to many areas remains severely restricted. Certain parts of the delta can be reached only by boat, for example.
Critical needs are plastic sheeting, water purification tablets, cooking sets, mosquito nets, emergency health kits and food. Reports of water and fuel shortages are already appearing in mainstream media. The food security situation in the country, which was already severe, looks set to become far more acute.
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
The Government has said it will receive international aid. The UN has been in close consultation with Government about the need for international support, which is available across all the key priority areas. Issuance of visas for critical humanitarian actors as soon will greatly enhance the international community's ability to meet the needs identified by the Government. This is a critical moment for Myanmar's vulnerable populations.
In the next few days assessments must be provided or thousands more could die.
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications in the country are still limited. Landlines are still down, although at least some cell phones are functioning.
There are as yet no clear answers about whether customs procedures may be expedited.
Given the variety of information management challenges in-country, discussions are ongoing on how to best strengthen the capacity of the Myanmar Information Management Unit (MIMU), including possibly by deploying a Humanitarian Information Centre (HIC).
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OCHA Situation Report No. 2 - 5th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
SITUATION
The countries largest city, Yangon, sustained a direct hit, which downed power and communications lines, and inflicted major damage to buildings in the city. Many roads are blocked either by flooding or fallen debris. Damage was most severe in the delta region, where the effects of extreme winds were compounded by a sizable storm surge.
The Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Social Welfare, Relief and Rehabilitation and Information noted in a briefing this evening that up to 10,000 people are expected to be dead, with 3,000 more missing in Ayeyarwady Division alone. State media have reported that in Haing Ky, an island in the delta, 162 were killed and nearly 20,000 houses were destroyed, leaving 92,706 homeless. Several hundred thousand are estimated to be without shelter and safe drinking water.
Efforts to carry out a comprehensive assessment continue to be hindered by the lack of communications and blocked roads, however. The Government has announced that military and police units have been deployed as part of rescue and cleanup operations.
The Government indicated in a briefing with UN agencies and the diplomatic community this evening that it is open to international assistance, although it would appear at this stage that the assistance envisaged is primarily bilateral, with assistance going directly to Government relief agencies. The Government itself has pledged approximately USD 5 million for relief.
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OCHA Situation Report No. 1 - 7th May 2008
(United Nations Office CoOrdinating Humanitarian Affairs)
Situation
Category 3 Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar on 2 May. The cyclone made landfall in the Irrawaddy delta region, approximately 250 km southwest of Yangon, at around 16:00. The storm then tracked inland in an ENE direction, directly hitting the capital Yangon itself late the same night.
Detailed information on the impact has not been available due to downed communications and blocked roads. Information on the situation outside Yangon is even more limited, including in the southwest of the delta region, which is believed to be the worst-hit area and was affected both by strong winds and a sizable storm surge. The authorities have indicated that many villages in this area have been completely flattened. The intensity of the storm decreased significantly as it moved through Kayin State and towards the Thai border.
The cyclone has caused widespread devastation in Yangon. Winds of over 190 km/hr tore down trees and power lines, while accompanying rain caused flooding in many areas. Telecommunications lines were cut. Buildings have been badly damaged throughout the city, and it expected that significant numbers have been left without adequate shelter. Electricity is unlikely to be restored for several days. Water supplies are also likely to be a major problem. Many roads remain impassable, either due to flooding or fallen debris and the airport has been closed until further notice.
The authorities have reported a total of 138 confirmed deaths. The numbers in need of assistance are expected to be sizable.
No formal request has yet been issued for international assistance, though there are indications that such assistance may be welcomed. Another meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.
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