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Burma Cyclone Appeal
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On 2 May 2008 at 16.00 local time, Cyclone Nargis ripped across the coast of Myanmar (also known as Burma), bringing misery and devastation to tens of thousands of people.
Winds of over 190km/hr, heavy rain and floodwater have caused enormous damage, ripping the roofs from people’s homes, uprooting trees and disrupting power and communication lines.
Debris is littered across roads making it hugely difficult to reach people in the worst-affected areas. There are also concerns about access to supplies of drinking water, food and fuel.
Q&A
What is the current figure of the number of people affected?
We estimate up to 1.5 million could be affected.
How many people have been reached?
Estimates show that DEC agencies have reached at least 350,000 people.
With a predicted second cyclone to hit Burma how are agencies going to respond?
DEC member agencies are monitoring the situation with predictions of further bad weather. Weather conditions are difficult in the region especially in the current monsoon season. Agencies are getting through but it is vital that this continues quickly. We urgently need more funds to continue to respond to the situation. The predicted rains will compound a difficult situation.’ Brendan Gormley.
Why is the DEC not responding to the disaster in China?
The situation in China is serious and some DEC member agencies are working alongside government relief operations. It is also clear that the Chinese government has responded quickly with a huge relief effort.
The DEC continues to monitor requests for aid and currently remains focussed on the crisis in Myanmar.
China has air dropped aid into its affected areas - why are agencies not choosing to air drop relief into Myanmar?
All aid distributions need to be carried out by skilled people on the ground who can effectively target the most needy and vulnerable and provide aid in an accountable way. Air dropping without staff on the ground means that the most vulnerable are often missed.
Aid drops can also cause conflict and tension in communities and could risk current operations. The actual process of dropping aid can be dangerous for people on the ground. It can actually kill. There is also no way of monitoring how effectively the aid has been distributed.
What are the most difficult areas to reach?
Much of the infrastructure has been destroyed in the country so yes there are difficult to reach areas. Many agencies are saying that the Eastern delta area of the region seems to be the most difficult place to reach. Areas such as Bogale (particularly south Bogale), Mawlamyinegyun, Dedaye, Kyaiklat and Pyapon, are also difficult to access
Update on aid getting through?
Overall DEC member agencies have reached at least 350,000 people.
World Vision’s local team has been working around the clock to assist more than 100,000 children and adults with relief assistance such as clean water, medicine and temporary shelters.
Christian Aid’s partner is setting up 58 relief camps across the Irrawaddy delta and helping remote communities. It is distributing rice, oil, salt, clothing, mats, baby blankets, mosquito nets, medicines and rehydration solutions to 68,000 people. Food provisions and safe shelter are also being established for 12,000 of the most vulnerable families.
Save the Children has now reached almost 115,000 people, including around 33,000 children. They have reached almost 95,000 people around Yangon and 20,000 in the Irrawaddy delta.
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