Cyclone Nargis Update

 

May 14, 2008

 

 

Note: New content has been inserted in red, italicized, bold font.

 

Current Status

 

Tropical Cyclone Nargis struck southwestern Myanmar (Burma) around 16:00 local time on May 2 packing sustained winds of 120 mph (190 kph) and causing widespread damage to buildings, infrastructure and swaths of farmland. Yangon (Rangoon), Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) Division, Bago (Pegu) Division, Kayin (Karen) state and Mon state have all been declared disaster zones. Twenty-four million of the country's 53 million people live in these five regions. Some 6 million live in Yangon alone. A majority of the 40 townships in Yangon and seven townships in Irrawaddy division remain on the government’s list of disaster zones. Many delta areas have not been reached since the cyclone struck and little aid has reached the region. Water and power have been restored in some areas. Myanmar’s official death toll as of Wednesday (May 14) has climbed to 38,491, while 27,838 remain missing. (AFP, May 14). The UN says the number of dead could range from 60,000 to 102,000. The UN estimates 1.2-1.9 million people have been severely affected by the cyclone. State media reported May 12 that a total of 9,330 survivors have been evacuated from worst-hit parts of southwest Irrawaddy Division to relief sites in Maubin, Wakema and Myaungmya townships. (OCHA, May 13)

 

A UN Flash Appeal of US$187 million launched May 9 covering the next six months is using 1.5 million people for its initial planning. More than US$77 million has been pledged by countries in response to the Flash Appeal and in bilateral assistance. The UN says that 55,000 MT of rice is needed to feed 750,000 people for three months and only 50 percent can be procured in-country and will require government clearance for importation of rice.

 

Myanmar’s leaders welcome international aid, but say the nation has no need for outside relief workers and continues to withhold visas, which has hampered agencies’ relief efforts. The other three remaining UNDAC team members have arrived in Myanmar, joining the other two members of the team already in-country and were granted 7 days visa. The three members have so far held a brief meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC). According to OCHA, the UNDAC team will provide guidance and assistance to support the ASEAN Emergency Rapid Assessment Team (ERAT) which is currently being deployed within the next 48 hours. (OCHA, May 14) The UN is warning of a “second catastrophe” unless the junta immediately allows aid delivery. The UN is calling for an air or sea corridor to be opened to channel aid to Myanmar, as the UN has only been able to reach about 270,000 out of 1.5 million affected. Some European nations have been calling for the UN principle of “responsibility to protect” which would allow the delivery of aid without Myanmar’s permission. The UK, France and Germany have said that they would make the proposal to the UN Security Council.

 

Thailand’s Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said Wednesday after a brief visit to Myanmar that the ruling junta had ruled out allowing in foreign relief experts. “They insisted they can take care of their people and their country. They can manage by themselves,” he said after meeting with Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein. The trip was aimed at convincing the junta to relax restrictions and allow foreign aid workers into the country. (AFP, May 14)

 

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Myanmar’s Minister of National Planning and Economic Development has said that aid from any nation will be accepted and that delivery of relief can be handled by local organizations and people working in international agencies provided this is carried out in cooperation with the government. (OCHA, May 13)

 

In a positive sign, the junta invited 160 personnel from neighboring Bangladesh, China, India and Thailand. Thailand said the junta had given permission for a team of 30 Thai doctors to travel to Myanmar Friday (May 16). Meanwhile, five additional planeloads of US aid arrived in Yangon Wednesday. (Reuters, May 14)

 

The UN reiterated its call for more rapid dissemination of aid into the country, saying that “humanitarian workers need to be allowed in sufficient numbers to ensure quicker and efficient distribution to all those in need.” (AFP, May 14) According to UN estimates, up to two million people are still critically in need of relief. (AFP, May 14) UN humanitarian chief John Holmes urged the junta to make a “radical change” to allow foreign aid workers in to Myanmar. “The biggest problem we have at the moment is that international humanitarian staff are not being allowed down into the affected area in the delta. We do have hundreds of national staff but obviously they are overstretched,” Holmes said. (TheNews, May 14)

 

The UN said Wednesday that it opened a logistics hub in Myanmar and plans to open other hubs in the coming days. A hub has been opened in the southern town of Labutta, which has two mobile storage units that are currently operational. Similar hubs are planned for Pyapon and Bogale. “The importance of each center will be parallel to the needs in the area,” OCHA spokesperson Elisabeth Byrs said. Additionally, both Yangon and Pathein ports have been opened, allowing boats carrying a maximum of 250 metric tons (MT) through, Byrs said. She also added that negotiations are continuing with Thai officials to set up a staging area for aircraft. Bangkok Airways has offered excess cargo space on its planes free of charge. (AFP, May 14) The Logistics Cluster is continuing to identify suitable logistics hubs in-country. Inland waterway access is possible from Yangon, for boats carrying a maximum load of 200 MT. (OCHA, May 14) OCHA says road conditions at the Myawaddy border crossing with Thailand are bad and the recent UNHCR truck delivery was a one-off. (OCHA, May 14)

 

Although some cases of malaria and diarrheal diseases have occurred, no major outbreaks have been reported. Lack of access to clean water has officials concerned that disease incidence may soon increase and the UN’s World Health Organization and other agencies are preparing accordingly. According to OCHA, the primary health concerns are trauma, diarrhea and acute respiratory infections. (OCHA, May 14).

 

The Habitat for Humanity Asia-Pacific Office in Bangkok hosted an NGO meeting called by Oxfam on May 13, the first NGO/INGO Collaboration and Coordination Meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity for NGOs to share information and opened ongoing communication and cooperation channels. Participants included 49 representatives from 26 different NGOs. The next meeting is expected to take place on May 16. (OCHA, May 13)

 

Food, water purification supplies and receptacles, sanitation facilities for temporary camps, shelter materials, fuel, and essential medicines and treatment are all critical needs. 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. Heavy rains are forecast for the second half of this week and the yearly monsoon rains are set to begin soon. “With soil already saturated, with large areas already flooded and with communities already pushed to their capacities, this rain could represent the worst scenario imaginable,” the Red Cross said. (AFP, May 14).

 

 

Impact

 

The official death toll has now climbed to 38,491, while 27,838 remain missing. However, both figures are expected to climb as aid workers gain access to remote areas. The majority of deaths, according to Myanmar's government, were caused by the 12-foot (3.5-meter) tidal wave (storm surge) that hit the coastline rather than by the storm itself. About 24 million people out of Myanmar's 53-million population live in the five regions that have been declared disaster zones - Yangon city, Irrawaddy Division, Bago (Pegu) Division, Kayin (Karen) state and Mon state. Based on assessments made in 38 townships, the UN estimates that 1.2 to 1.9 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.

Several sources report that 95 percent of structures along the delta were destroyed. In the Irrawaddy town of Bogalay, about 90 miles (145 km) southwest of Yangon, an estimated 10,000 people died. The delta’s population is estimated at 6 million and about 1.8 million people live below 16.4 feet (5 meters) in elevation. Around 1,930 sq. miles (5,000 sq. km) of land remain under water.

 

Electricity and communication lines were taken out in the storm and while landlines remain down, some cell phones are functioning. Water and power have been restored in some areas.

 

Officials say an insufficient supply of potable water will be a major problem as very little running water is available in Yangon. Aid agencies fear the widespread destruction could yield epidemics of food- and water-borne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea. The WHO says damage to health facilities and loss or displacement of health care workers pose another major problem for access to health services. The WHO said it has received reports of malaria outbreaks in the worst-affected areas.

 

The rice planting season starts in a few weeks and FAO estimates that needs for this season amounts to 50,000 tons of rice and 15,000 tons of fertilizer, covering 250,000 hectares. (OCHA, May 14) FAO has estimated short and medium term needs in each of the following sectors: Agriculture estimated at $243 million. The cyclone hit 5 states which are predominantly agricultural societies and produce 65 percent of the countries rice, and have about 50 percent of all irrigated areas. Livestock estimated at $20 million. The 5 affected states produce roughly 50 percent of national poultry production and 40 percent of pig production. Fisheries – no estimates yet, but in view of huge damages, the costs will be significant. Marine fishery in Myanmar employs approximately 26 000 small boats operating in coastal areas and some 1 900 offshore fishing vessels (2001 data). The marine fisheries sector produces 1.4 million MT, which represent over 55 percent of the country’s fish supply. (FAO, May 14)

 

Myanmar’s Ministry of Education says 3,000 primary schools were destroyed or damaged, affecting 500,000 children.

 

 

Background

 

Cyclone season in the Bay of Bengal typically runs from May through November. Nargis was the first cyclone to hit the Bay since category-4 Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh on November 15, killing nearly 3,400 people and devastating the southeastern coastline. In May 2004, the junta made a rare request for assistance after a cyclone hit Rakhine state, killing at least 140 people and displacing around 18,000 others. Some casualty estimates put the death toll for the 2004 storm at more than 1,000. It was reportedly the worst storm to hit Rakhine since 1968 and carried sustained winds up to 100 mph.

 

 

Country Profile

 

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has a population of about 53 million and has been ruled by a succession of military juntas since 1962. It is one of Asia's poorest nations. The current junta, ruling since 1988, has isolated the country from the outside world, making it difficult at times to extract information about events taking place in the country. The capital city, Naypyidaw, is located about 240 miles (390 km) north of Yangon.

 

Many Western nations have imposed sanctions on Myanmar in protest of its alleged human rights abuses and a crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy protests in September 2007 in which at least 31 people were killed. Myanmar receives far less foreign aid - about $US2.50 per capita - than regional neighbors Cambodia ($47) and Laos ($63) and below the $14 average for low-income nations. (Reuters)

 

 

Government Response

 

Yangon Airport remains the primary hub although capacity is stretched to the limit with the current number of flights. WFP says offloading equipment is scarce or not suitable. (WFP, May 14)

 

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has been designated in charge of national relief efforts. The government has less than 40 helicopters, most small or old and only around 15 transport planes, primarily small jets unable to carry hundreds of tons of supplies. The Ministry’s Deputy Minister Brigadier-General Kyaw Myint said at least five helicopters were airlifting supplies to the disaster-hit regions, and plying between the Irrawaddy delta and Yangon. Four infantry divisions have been deployed to affected areas. Deputy Foreign Minister U Maung Myint is the designated officer for all relief assistance. The Ministry has agreed to deploy UN national staff to support emergency relief efforts in four locations: Pathein, Labutta, Bogale and Yangon. An Emergency Committee has been established, headed by the prime minister. The committee has mobilized military and police units for rescue, rehabilitation and clean-up operations in the Yangon area. Myanmar’s Information Management Unit (MIMU) has taken the lead in information management activities.

 

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement’s director general is struggling to manage the volume of relief coming through Yangon International Airport. The government said it is now open to the UN distributing goods that arrive for its agencies.

 

The Government has pledged approximately US$5 million for relief. (OCHA, May 9)

 

The Ministry of Revenue and Finance is the contact point for approving cargo before it arrives.

 

Myanmar Health Ministry officials are working with WHO in-country staff to carry out health assessments and distribute health kits.

 

 

National Response

 

In order to improve the capacities of national and local NGOs and CBOs, a resource center will be set up by international NGOs in Yangon with the aim of providing information, tools, training and technical assistance. A forum with national and local NGOs is planned for May 14.

 

The Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS), working as an auxiliary to the national response, has been distributing emergency relief supplies to beneficiaries in Yangon and Irrawaddy Divisions through its established logistic system and network of local volunteers. MRCS currently has five operational assessment teams in Irrawaddy, Yangon and Bago Divisions, Mon and Kayin States. (OCHA, May 9) MRCS helping UNICEF distribute UNICEF supplies. (OCHA, May 14)

 

 

International Response

 

United Nations

 

The UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) has been liaising with representatives of the government.

 

OCHA says two databases are being developed, one for overview of damages from MRCS and UNICEF assessments and another for medium-term disaster count data from each village.

 

The UN Flash Appeal was launched May 9. In the Appeal, humanitarian organizations ask for US$187 million for emergency relief in Myanmar to support survivors for at least six months. Member states announced US$58.4 million in pledges for the Flash Appeal and bilateral aid to the Myanmar government.

 

The other three remaining UNDAC team members have arrived in Myanmar, joining the other two members of the team already in-country and were granted 7 days visa. The three members have so far held a brief meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC). According to OCHA, the UNDAC team will provide guidance and assistance to support the ASEAN Emergency Rapid Assessment Team (ERAT) which is currently being deployed. (OCHA, May 14) Two members of a UNDAC team are in Myanmar working with the office of the Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) to strengthen cluster coordination and information flow both inside Myanmar, and between the Humanitarian Country Team and the broader international community. An On-Site Operations Coordination Center (OSOCC) has been set up and the team is working closely with the Myanmar Information Management Unit. Three other UNDAC team members are still in Bangkok awaiting visas.

 

A United Nations Disaster Management Team (UNDMT) with assistance from an Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) developed a cluster system for the relief effort.

 

UNDP leads the early recovery cluster. It has established a relay system using road transportation of personnel and supplies into Irrawaddy Division. (OCHA, May 9)

UNICEF leads three clusters: water/sanitation, education and protection and has launched an appeal for an initial US$8.2 million. The agency has 130 local workers and 17 foreigners. UNICEF is carrying out needs assessments in water/sanitation with 16 NGOs. Immediate priorities have been assessing damages to schools and planning for education to resume on June 1. OCHA says that it is estimated that some 2,400 primary schools have been damaged, affecting the education of 360,000 students. UNICEF supplies are being distributed by the MRCS and government, with support of UNICEF. (OCHA, May 14)

 

The UNHCR will support the IFRC, which has been designated as the in-country lead for the Shelter Cluster. Out of the US$187 million Flash Appeal, UNHCR is asking for some US$6 million to help some 250,000 people with temporary shelter materials. UNHCR has so far brought in a total of 79 tons of shelter supplies and other relief items. Another aid flight from Dubai carrying 40 tons of shelter is expected later this week. (UNHCR, May 13) Emergency Shelter Cluster plans to reach 200,000 households in a 2-3 week timeframe out of an estimated 300,000 affected households. 25,000 tarpaulins have been distributed in Yangon and Irrawaddy and a further 50,000 are in the pipeline. (OCHA, May 14)

 

WFP leads the logistics cluster and is seeking US$56 million for food for its Emergency Operation for 630,000 people for three months. The agency has 220 local staff and 15 foreigners. WFP has dispatched a total of 361 MT of food assistance. 175 MT has been distributed, covering 28,400 people. WFP has dispatched an additional 65 MT rice to Yangon and Irrawaddy and distributed 10 MT of rice to 1700 beneficiaries. WFP has dispatched a total of 426.1 MT of food and distributed 184.5 MT to 30,000 beneficiaries. The Food Cluster has begun to draft a “Cluster Response Plan,” with one part covering Yangon and the other part covering the delta area. (OCHA, May 14) WFP has so far reached some 74,000 people with food aid in the affected areas. (AFP, WFP, May 14) WFP is delivering by road and using up to 30 local trucks for delivery. WFP says a key limiting factor is that most bridges in the Irrawaddy region can only handle a 5-ton truck and heavy vehicles will severely damage existing roads. WFP working on procuring a fleet of small trucks for distribution. WFP also exploring best method of delivering food by boat. WFP says there is a need for more helicopter support. WFP says that its preference would be to use helicopters, given conditions on the ground. (WFP, May 14)

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) leads the health cluster, which comprises 22 international NGOS and other UN agencies. Sixteen WHO surveillance officers have been deployed to Irrawaddy and Yangon. Personnel includes 11 international staff. WHO's South-East Asia Regional Office has released US$350,000 from its regional health emergency fund (SEARHEF). Another US$50,000 has been provided by WHO headquarters in Geneva. Additional funding is being mobilized through the UN Flash Appeal. The CERF has allocated US$4 million for Health Cluster activities. WHO says that Inter-Agency Emergency Heath Kits are providing enough immediate medical supplies for most of the worst-hit townships in Irrawaddy Division. OCHA says there are a significant number of health teams on standby outside Myanmar, some of who have received visas. WHO will mobilize 2,000 anti-snake venom kits after identifying a high likelihood of an increase in snake bites in the coming days. (OCHA, May 14)

The FAO has offered to lead an agricultural cluster, but is currently assisting food security efforts, carrying out a joint assessment of food needs with the WFP. FAO has obtained clearance from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and is proceeding with the preparation of assessments. OCHA says FAO staff, both local and international, has been allowed to move freely in affected areas. The rice planting season starts in a few weeks and FAO estimates that needs for this season amounts to 50,000 tons of rice and 15,000 tons of fertilizer, covering 250,000 hectares. (OCHA, May 14) FAO has estimated short and medium term needs in each of the following sectors: Agriculture estimated at $243 million. The cyclone hit 5 states which are predominantly agricultural societies. The 5 states produce 65 percent of the countries rice, and have about 50 percent of all irrigated areas. Livestock estimated at $20 million. The 5 affected states are famous for livestock production - having roughly 50 percent of national poultry production and 40 percent of pig production. Fisheries – no estimates yet, but in view of huge damages, the costs will be significant. Marine fishery in Myanmar employs approximately 26 000 small boats operating in coastal areas and some 1 900 offshore fishing vessels (2001 data). The marine fisheries sector produces 1.4 million MT, which represent over 55 percent of the country’s fish supply. FAO has already sourced rice seeds for procurement from inside Myanmar, while for fertilizers procurement needs to be done outside Myanmar. A team of three FAO international experts and one local staff member will visit Bogale. One additional FAO international emergency expert will join FAO in Myanmar on May 17. (FAO, May 14)

 

UN Joint Logistics Center (UNJLC) is working on logistics issues, including supply storage and transportation. The Logistics Cluster Lead is continuing to identify suitable logistics hubs in-country. The sea ports of Yangon and Pathein have been reopened. Inland waterway access is possible from Yangon, for boats carrying a maximum load of 200 MT. (OCHA, May 14) OCHA says road conditions at the Myawaddy border crossing are bad and the recent UNHCR truck delivery was a one-off. Labutta has been established as an in-country transportation hub, with two large mobile storage units available. (OCHA, May 14) Yangon Airport remains the primary hub although capacity is stretched to the limit with current number of flights. WFP says offloading equipment is scarce or not suitable. (WFP, May 14)

 

UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has received its first set of Reproductive Health Kits, with a second set due next week. Each set provides enough supplies for between 200,000 and 300,000 people. (OCHA, May 14)

 

 

NGOs / IOs

 

ActionAid is delivering emergency relief in 276 villages with its local partners – Knowledge and Dedication for the Nation (KDN), Pact Myanmar and Myanmar Egress. (ActionAid, May 11) KDN has set up three relief camps providing food, medical aid and temporary shelters to survivor from 44 delta villages. An additional 300 people showed up on May 10 from the islands, so an additional camp was made ready May 11. Truckloads of food, water and medicine have been dispatched to villages in Pyar Pone (Pyapon) by Myanmar Egress. Local volunteers from the Shalom Foundation trained in first aid and emergencies are being mobilized. (Action Aid, May 12)

 

Action Against Hunger/Action Contre la Faim (ACF) flew in six additional experts and 40 tons of supplies to Yangon. ACF now has 21 international and over 300 national staff responding in Myanmar. ACF delivered 25 tons of rice, water purification equipment and technical expertise to Bogolay. (ACF, May 12)

 

Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA) is continuing its response with food assistance and emergency response personnel. In partnership with the WFP, ADRA Myanmar is coordinating the delivery of up to 250 metric tons of rice to the Labutta area, which will provide for 20,000 people for 30 days. (ADRA, May 8)

 

AmeriCares Foundation had an emergency relief expert arrive on May 10 to assess the situation and obtain clearance for an AmeriCares airlift of 15 tons of medicines and medical supplies to Yangon. The organization is working with the WHO and mobilizing additional disaster relief experts to the region. (AmeriCares, May 10)

 

Anglican Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM) has established a relief committee that has sent three teams to assist and assess three affected areas. CPM is the local partner of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). (ERD, May 8)

 

Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) is planning to mobilize local doctors and medical staff. AMDA plans to organize a mobile clinic. AMDA has been present in Myanmar for more than ten years. (AMDA, May 8)

 

Air Serv International is conducting a needs-assessment and has helicopters ready to deliver supplies and relief workers. Air Serv has already mobilized its Rapid Response Team. (Air Serv, May 7)

 

American Red Cross (ARC) has made available US$250,000 in relief supplies and has committed US$1.25 million for the relief effort. (ARC, May 11)

 

Amnesty International (AI) called on the Myanmar government to ease visa restrictions and customs procedures hampering access (AI, May 7), and also called on Asian government leaders to likewise pressure Myanmar. (AI, May 13)

 

Austrian Red Cross will send three Austrian and several German drinking-water specialists to Myanmar on Wednesday (May 14), to remain on the ground for six to eight weeks setting up drinking water facilities. The facilities will provide up to 59,439 gallons (225,000 liters) per day, enough for 15,000 people. (AFP, May 12)

 

The British Red Cross Emergency Response logistics team will arrive in Yangon May 9. (DEC, May 8) The BRC has released US$59,100 (30,000 pounds) from its disaster fund.

 

CARE assessment teams have returned to Yangon from the Irrawaddy Delta with reports of massive destruction. CARE had previously stated it was assessing Pathein, where 250,000 survivors were expected to need urgent relief. CARE is purchasing supplies in Yangon. (Care, May 10) Thaketa Township, where their assessment found more than 24,000 people affected, with 3,000 people living in seven temporary camps. (CARE, May 9). Survival kits for 50,000 people are being assembled in Thailand and expected to be delivered next week. (CARE, May 9) CARE delivered relief targeting 50,000 families in South Dagon, Thaketa and Patone. CARE is distributing: Non food items, Food, Water, and ensuring access to clean water. CARE has worked in Myanmar for 14 years and has 500 staff members and offices in 11 of the 14 states. (CARE, May 7)

 

Caritas Internationalis, through local Catholic Church partners, has delivered food, water, shelter and medical treatment to over 16,000 people in Pathein in the delta, and in Yangon districts. The number of victims receiving support is expected to rise to 40,000 by Wednesday (May 14). (Caritas, May 13) Caritas has assembled an initial team, coordinating the relief efforts of its162 national members and working in support of the Catholic Church in Myanmar. (CI, May 8)

 

Christian Aid is distributing water purification tablets, blankets and medicines to 100,000 people. (CA, May 10) CA has already committed US$98,000 (50,000 GBP) for local partners to carry out relief work. (CA, May 8)

 

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) is making travel arrangements for an International Relief Manager. A conference of North American faith-based organizations took place May 7 to continue planning and coordinate responses within the Myanmar delta region. CRWRC is awaiting clearance from the Burmese government. (CRWRC, May 7)

 

Church World Service (CWS) acting Asia Pacific Regional Coordinator Marvin Parvez, will arrive in Yangon on May 9. Other CWS team members were scheduled to arrive at the agency's Bangkok offices May 7. CWS surpassed its first fundraising appeal of Monday (May 5) for $50,000 in less than a day, and the appeal is now expanded to. (CWS, May 7)

 

Concern Worldwide is sending two emergency response team members that secured visas, and they are expected to arrive in Myanmar by May 14. An emergency assessment is the first priority. The team members will link up with their European Alliance 2015 partners, CESVI and Welthungerhilfe, in Myanmar. (Concern, May 14)

 

Direct Relief International committed US$500,000 in cash to the relief effort and sent an initial airlift of US$200,000 in medical aid, including 21,300 courses of treatment for patients with bacterial and respiratory infections, dehydration, diarrhea, cholera and other water-borne diseases. (DRI, May 12)

 

Dubai Cares delivered over 60 tons of relief supplies, including 200 tents, teaching materials and school supplies, to Yangon before returning home Tuesday (May 13). (Government of UAE, May 13)

 

Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), an umbrella group of 13 UK charities including Merlin, Save the Children, Red Cross, CARE and World Vision, has reached around 300,000 people with relief supplies. (DEC, May 12) DEC has raised US$11.7 million (6 million GBP). (DEC, May 14)

 

Emergency Assistance Team (EAT-BURMA), a coalition of grassroots organizations based on the Thai-Myanmar border, is working with about 40 people on the ground through networks of local organizations to deliver food, water, cooking equipment, shelter, clothing and health care. (Mae Tao Clinic, May 9)

 

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is providing emergency assistance through its partner, the Anglican Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM). ERD is sending funds to secure shelter, food water and other relief needs for people displaced. (ERD, May 6)

 

European Commission - Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) held a coordination meeting Thursday (May 7) in Yangon to assess the first evaluations of needs. ECHO’s representative in the Yangon office, Bernard Delpuech, is coordinating the humanitarian response with their partners and evaluating the immediate needs with them. (ECHO, May 7)

 

Gates Foundation, founded by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, will donate US$3 million, to be channeled through independent aid groups such as CARE and World Vision. (AFP, May 9)

 

Global Hope Network International (GHNI) is working with their partners in Southeast Asia to help send immediate humanitarian assistance. They are also preparing to send 6 containers of disaster relief supplies. (GHNI, May 7)

 

Global Refugee International will provide an airplane shipment of WHO-approved medical supplies to be flown into Yangon. The agency hopes to have 50,000 to 70,000 people on the ground for the next three months.

 

Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC) is preparing to send essential medicines. HPIC is working closely with Canadian healthcare companies, the WHO and aid agency partners on the ground to provide needed medicines and supplies to the people who need it most. (HPIC, May 7)

 

HelpAge International is coordinating an emergency response team to assess the situation of the estimated 170,000 older people in Myanmar. (HelpAge, May 7) HelpAge estimates it has reached 3,000 people in Hlaingtharya township in Yangon, and in Bogalay and Labutta in the Irrawaddy Delta, where it has been supporting the YMCA by distributing food and providing basic health care and medicines. (OCHA, May 13)

 

Human Rights Watch (HRW) calls on the Myanmar government to postpone to constitutional referendum scheduled for Saturday (May 10) to focus on cyclone relief and save lives. (HRW, May 9)

 

International Crisis Group (ICG) President Gareth Evans called for reconsidering the idea of the international community acting to impose relief aid contrary to the junta’s will, perhaps via air drops and supplies landed offshore. (ICG, May 12)

 

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – A truck carrying four tons of ICRC relief supplies reached the Irrawaddy Delta. Food, blankets, clothing, medicines and soap were distributed May 13 at three detention sites – two labor camps and a women’s facility – identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs as in urgent need of assistance. (ICRC, May 13) An ICRC-chartered aircraft landed early Sunday (May 11) in Yangon carrying 35 metric tons of supplies for medical care, drinking water and sanitation, and the safe disposal of bodies, which were transferred to the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS). The medical supplies can treat some 250 trauma patients and provide basic health care to 10,000 people for three months. The water and sanitation items, including a mobile water-treatment plant, can provide drinking water for 10,000 people. The water treatment plant will be immediately deployed in a location determined by the MRCS. (ICRC, May 11) The ICRC has six foreign and 90 local staff in Myanmar and hopes to bring more in. (AP, May 10) ICRC plans to deliver aid to various places of detention affected by the cyclone. At the request of the Myanmar authorities, the ICRC will provide temporary shelter, emergency household items, and enough food, drinking water and essential drugs to last two weeks. In addition, it will support efforts to restore the water and sanitation systems to working order. It has drawn up an initial budget of (US$1.9 million) two million Swiss francs for this operation. The ICRC has already donated medical supplies to the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and it has provided a generator for a Ministry of Defense hospital. (ICRC, May 7)

 

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) had 10 flights land in Yangon as of May 13 (OCHA, May 13), carrying a total of 35 tons of aid. By May 16, a total of 17 flights carrying 160 tons of aid are expected to have landed in Yangon. (IFRC, May 12) An IFRC and Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) assessment mission to the Irrawaddy Delta reported on May 13 that the situation is “overwhelming” and Labutta “unrecognizable” from damage and displaced crowds. The most urgent needs were shelter, clean water and first aid. The first IFRC shipment of tarpaulin reached the delta town of Myaungmya. (IFRC, May 13) A significant change in strategic thinking has occurred in approaching operations with IFRC considering training locals to manage and distribute aid, due to delays in obtaining visas for foreign staff to enter Myanmar and the difficulty for any foreign staff to move beyond Yangon. Reports indicate there are 218 temporary shelters containing a total of 206,000 people from the worst-affected Irrawaddy townships of Labutta, Bogale (Bogalay, Bogaley) and Pyapon. There are also 700 temporary shelters in Yangon, many of which are overcrowded, lack water and sanitation facilities and pose a disease risk. (IFRC, May 12) The IFRC has been designated as the lead for the shelter cluster, and will be supported by UNHCR. (OCHA, May 10) As of May 10, an estimated 220,000 people had been supported by the overall humanitarian effort, including 80,000 helped by the Red Cross. (IFRC, May 10)

 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) received a pledge of US$400,000 from the Chevron Corporation to help cyclone victims. (IOM, May 13) IOM assembled a team of Asian emergency relief specialists, including logistics, shelter and health experts, to strengthen the capacity of 200 IOM staff already in Myanmar and in the IOM regional office in Thailand. IOM is appealing for US$8 million through the UN Flash Appeal. (IOM, May 9)

 

International Medical Corps (IMC) has deployed an emergency response team in Bangkok, Thailand. IMC has secured medicines, hygiene kits and water purification tablets, and has identified a local partner to channel initial relief efforts in Myanmar. The IMC team is prepared to assist directly once it receives visas to enter Myanmar. (IMC, May 13)

 

International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) will provide cash support to its ecumenical partners toward emergency relief supplies for the survivors in Myanmar, as well as issuing an Emergency Appeal for the crisis. (IOCC, May 7)

 

International Rescue Committee (IRC) emergency team members have arrived in Myanmar and four additional teams are on standby for deployment to the region as the IRC prepares for a possible outbreak of water-borne diseases in cyclone-hit villages. In addition to aid workers on the ground, the IRC also has medical, water, sanitation, operations and logistics experts already in the region or ready to be dispatched to Myanmar. The IRC has emergency stocks in Dubai ready for shipment and is procuring cholera kits, emergency health kits and water treatment supplies to position in Thailand. (IRC, May 9) The IRC team was scheduled to begin assembling in Yangon Tuesday (May 6). (IRC, May 6)

 

Lutheran World Relief (LWR) pledged US$50,000 to support the relief efforts of Action by Churches Together (ACT). (LWR, May 12)

 

MADRE is working with the Women’s Human Rights Defenders Network and three local women’s organizations to reunite families separated by the cyclone, rebuild shelter for women and families, and provide psychological counseling to traumatized children. (MADRE, May 13)

 

Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS): Based on needs assessment done by the IFRC Field Assessment Coordination Team (FACT), relief and health items will be provided through MRCS. Through the IFRC, the MRC is going to deploy 10 of its personnel that will consist of Medical, Relief and Logistic skills to support the MRCS. The Malaysian Red Crescent has transmitted US$10, 000 to the Myanmar Red Cross Society. (MRCS, May 7)

 

Malteser International is extending relief in the Irrawaddy Delta with two mobile medical teams in Labutta. (Malteser, May 14) An eight-person team reach Labutta May 11, installed an emergency health station, and provided medical aid, water, food and plastic sheets. In the Dawbon, Tantabin and Thongwa districts around Yangon, Malteser distributed water purification tablets for 40,000 people and provided medical assistance. (Malteser, May 12) Staff distributed 850 plastic sheets, 750 “family kits” with cookware, as well as hygiene articles and water cans. (Malteser, May 9) Malteser is planning the construction of water tanks that catch between 1,000 and 2,000 liters (264 and 528 gallons). Malteser is providing US$15,490 (10,000 Euros) in assistance and an additional (US$78,000) 50,000 Euros for emergency relief activities. Malteser has worked in Myanmar since 2001 and received (US$78,000) 50,000 Euros from Caritas as well as funds from the German Federal Foreign Ministry. (MI, May 6)

 

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF, or Doctors Without Borders) had two cargo flights reach Yangon with the medical supplies, equipment, food, water and sanitation materials already transferred to MSF’s warehouses. Another two flights are expected shortly. Over 200 MSF staff are working in the delta area, though they are restricted from moving outside Bogalay town. In Yangon, MSF is distributing supplies and performing water sanitation at some 30 IDP sites. (OCHA, May 13) MSF teams in Twantey and Daala, townships south of Yangon, observed 80 percent housing destruction in some areas and up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) of flood waters. MSF teams distributed food, performed medical consultations in areas homeless are sheltering – such as pagodas and schools – and rehabilitated latrines, wells and water pumps. (MSF, May 9) MSF is planning to distribute mosquito nets in the coming days. (MSF, May 7)

 

Medical Teams International (MTI) is helping local partners purchase medicines and supplies. MTI medical volunteers and staff are on standby, waiting for visas. MTI is working with partner World Concern in Yangon to address health needs, and is joining Global Relief Alliance members to provide a long-term, integrated response. (MTI, May 11)

 

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) gave US$35,000 to Metta, a Myanmar-based relief and development organization that provided rice, medicine and other items to over 68,000 people gathered in camps in southwestern Myanmar. MCC also gave US$30,000 to Hope International, US$20,000 to Church World Service, and US$15,000 to IDE-Myanmar. (MCC, May 13)

 

Mercy Corps (MC) has four aid workers who will enter Myanmar this week. MC European Director Mervyn Lee is to enter Yangon Tuesday (May 13). MC is accepting donations to help partners on the ground deliver aid. (MC, May 6)

 

Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) is running one emergency clinic in Labutta’s damaged football stadium and setting up clinics at three other sites in Labutta on May 13. Latrines are being built for the displaced in the stadium and 27 safe water points are established around Labutta, manned by people providing chlorine-based purification for buckets and tanks. (Merlin, May 13)

 

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) staff is in place and on standby, awaiting visas and permits that would allow it to enter the country. (MAP, May 7)

 

Muslim Aid is communicating with partners, such as Christian Aid and Oxfam, about how best to deliver aid. (Muslim Aid, May 9) They will be working with their partners Global Medic providing clean water, medicine and emergency healthcare. Muslim Aid is appealing for US$2 million worth of funds to help the thousands of survivors left homeless by the disaster. US$200,000 has already been allocated as Muslim Aid prepares its relief work on the ground. (Muslim Aid, May 7)

 

Muslim Hands International (MHI) is launching an urgent appeal for funds and is assessing the situation in order to respond in the most effective and direct manner possible. (MHI, May 7)

 

New Zealand Red Cross (NZRC) donated US$100,000 through its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, and will be sent directly to the IFRC emergency appeal. NZRC has received over US$20,000 in individual Kiwi donations. (NZRC, May 9)

 

Operation USA announced today that it has deployed staff already stationed in Asia to assess the needs. (Operation USA, May 6)

 

Oxfam International has committed US$1.2 million to an initial response, and has a team of experts and stockpile of supplies on standby. (Oxfam,May 11) Oxfam is working through local partner Metta, with a crew of 29 staffers and 62 volunteers, (Oxfam, May 13), and has provided funds to other international aid groups already established within Myanmar. (Oxfam, May 7)

 

Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) has dispatched the first two members of a three-man PNRC disaster assessment team to Myanmar, stopping first in Bangkok to get visas and coordinate with the Myanmar Red Cross. (PNRC, May 12)

 

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has committed $100,000 from One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds to support humanitarian relief. The response is focused on food first, from $40,000 to $50,000 in food aid, then shelter. PDA is responding in Myanmar as a member of and in partnership with Action by Churches Together (ACT) International and Church World Service. Both entities have local partners in Myanmar and will have representatives to help in the provision of relief items to cyclone survivors. (PDA, May 8)

 

Project HOPE is moving to gather medical supplies. (PH, May 7)

 

Refugees International (RI) urges the governments of China, India, and ASEAN countries to facilitate Myanmar acquiescence to increased international involvement and to also insist that visas be granted as quickly as possible to international aid workers and that import procedures be waived for humanitarian goods entering the country. Because of its experience with the tsunami response, RI urges Indonesia to play a constructive role by emphasizing the importance of strong collaboration between central government, local governments, UN agencies, and local and international NGOs. (RI, May 7)

 

Relief International (RI) is working with teams of local doctors and health personnel, establishing mobile clinics. RI has established an office in Yangon and response will be expanded with the arrival of RI’s global Rapid Emergency Deployment (RED) team on Monday (May 12). The team will establish medical clinics and activate local resources to provide relief. (RI, May 11)

 

Save the Children (SC) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) lead the Education Cluster, aiming to resume schooling on June 1. SC launched a global emergency appeal for US$9.8 million (£5 million). (OCHA, May 8) SC has reached 100,000 people, including 80,000 in four Yangon townships and 20,000 in the Irrawaddy Delta. SC’s 500 staff members in Myanmar have distributed 175 tons of relief supplies throughout the region, including the townships of Shwe Pyi Tar, Thin Gan Gyun, Insein, and North Okkalapa around Yangon and Pathein, Pyin Kayaing, Haing Gyi and Myuang Mya in the Irrawaddy delta. (SC, May 12) SC received US$500,000 from Not On Our Watch, a non-profit organization founded by a handful of US-based actors. (SC, May 13)

 

Tearfund partner agencies inside Myanmar are responding to the thousands of people that were affected. Partner’s programs are providing response in the form of shelters, food and clean water through a network of churches in the region. Through its partner staff Tearfund is assessing the extent of the need. On top of its existing development program Tearfund has committed US$296,000 (£150,000) to emergency relief. (Tearfund, May 6)

 

Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF) team is on stand-by and ready to deploy to Burma. TSF and its regional office in Bangkok are closely monitoring the situation, ready to deploy as soon as the government requests for International support. (TSF, May 7)

 

Trócaire today (May 6) launched an emergency appeal. Trócaire has been working in Myanmar since 1995 and spent US$ 2.5 million (€1,585,222) there in 2006 – 2007. (Trocaire, May 6)

 

Tzu Chi Foundation on May 10 had volunteers from Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan arrive in Myanmar to further assess the situation. Relief items are on standby, including food, blankets, tents, first aid kits and body bags. (Tzu Chi, May 11) It was previously reported that Tzu Chi sent 100 Thailand-based members and volunteers to distribute relief material and medicine. (DPA, May 7)

 

United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Authority (UAE RCA) has a humanitarian team that will leave soon for Myanmar to conduct emergency relief operations. Volunteers are loading a cargo plane carrying relief supplies, including food, water, blankets and medicine. UAE RCA will coordinate with the Myanmar Red Cross and will locally purchase further supplies after arriving in Myanmar. (UAE Government, May 8)

 

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is working through partners such as Church World Service to provide aid. (UMCOR, May 7)

 

Welthungerhilfe dispatched its first three trucks to the Irrawaddy Delta on Wednesday (May 14), to arrive in Bogalay in six hours with a total of 18 tons of relief. (Welthungerhilfe, May 14) The organization, which has worked in Myanmar since 2002, donated US$773,000 (500,000 Euros) and distributed food and supplies around Yangon. (Welthungerhilfe–German Agro Action, May 7-8)

 

World Emergency Relief (WER) has launched an emergency appeal. WER is appealing for donations to provide emergency supplies to the region. WER is in close contact with local partner agencies in Yangon, to assess the immediate needs of victims. A WER team will leave Thailand for Myanmar on May 8 to deliver initial medical supplies. WER is also preparing further medical supplies for immediate airfreight to the country. (WER, May 7)

 

World Relief (WR) is working with Global Relief Alliance partners. (WR, May 7) Partner agency World Concern has local staff in Myanmar, through which WR channels aid. (WR, May 13)

 

World Vision announced a US$1 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to fund the purchase and distribution of food and water, as well as shelter, hygiene and cooking materials, as well as help with longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. (WV, May 10) World Vision has helped almost 78,000 people in the Yangon area, providing rice and water worth US$175,000 and other relief items. (WV, May 9) World Vision has delivered 35 metric tons of rice, 20,000 liters of drinking water and diesel fuel to allow generators to pump water. Clothing, blankets and tarpaulins have also been distributed to people living in and around Yangon. Their assessment teams have been deployed to five areas in the worst-hit Irrawaddy Delta division, including Bogalay. (WV, May 8) World Vision is appealing for US$3 million in global donations to support its relief efforts. Initial supplies handed out will include zinc sheets, tents, tarpaulins and medicines. World Vision has operated in Myanmar for some 40 years and more than 500 World Vision staff were in-country when the cyclone hit.

 

 

Foreign Governments

 

OCHA said that 47 teams specializing in search and rescue, medical teams, information management support teams, and others from 21 different countries are on stand-by in different parts of the world. (OCHA, May 9)

 

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat established an emergency humanitarian relief fund for Myanmar, (ASEAN, May 8) and appealed to the international community to keep sending aid through Thailand. (AP, May 8) An ASEAN Emergency Rapid Assessment Team will be sent to assess critical needs in Myanmar. The team is being assembled in coordination with the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management and the Myanmar government, and will be mobilized in 48 hours. (ASEAN, May 13) All ASEAN foreign ministers will attend a May 19 meeting in Singapore to discuss the humanitarian situation in Myanmar. (Yahoo Asia News, May 14)

 

Argentina dispatched water purification tablets to treat 264,000 gallons (1 million liters) of water. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

Austria dispatched 600 plastic sheets. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

Australia provided an additional (US$20.8 million) 22 million AUD in assistance. In addition to the initial US$2.8 million (3 million AUD) announced May 7, this brings the total assistance provided to US$23.6 million (25 million AUD), of which 12.5 million AUD will go to the UN Flash Appeal. (AusAID, GoA, May 11) Donated food staples are being channeled through WFP and water purification and sanitation through UNICEF. (OCHA, May 13)

 

Bangladesh is sending a plane load of potatoes, clothes, medicines, water purification tablets, oral saline and a five-member military team. (Reuters, May 9)

 

Belgium provided US$389,408 in humanitarian assistance. (OCHA, May 13)

 

Cambodia provided US$60,000 in relief work. (OCHA, May 13)

 

Canada has set aside up to US$2 million to respond to help the cyclone-affected through UN agencies, the Red Cross and major NGOs. (Government of Canada, May 6) Canada has offered the services of its Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART). (GoC, May 9)

 

China said a plane carrying 60 tons (US$500,000) in relief aid arrived in Yangon on May 9 carrying the second batch of aid from China. (Xinhua, May 9), which included food, tents and blankets. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9) China will give US$500,000 in cash to Myanmar. (Reuters, May 5) China said it would give an additional US$4.3 million (30 million CNY) for relief efforts. (AP, May 8) China’s southwestern Guangxi province, where the Sino-ASEAN Expo is held annually, has donated US$250,000 via the Chinese embassy in Myanmar. China’s central government has so far donated a total of US$5.3 million in aid and cash to Myanmar. (Xinhua, May 10)

 

The Czech Republic provided US$154,672 in humanitarian aid. (OCHA, May 13)

 

Denmark has indicated a donation of US$2.1 million. (OCHA, May 6)

 

Estonia provided US$49,777 in humanitarian assistance. (OCHA, May 13)

 

Finland provided US$467,290 in aid. (OCHA, May 13)

 

France has given about US$320,000 (200,000 euros) in aid. (Reuters, May 7) France sent its Navy ship Mistral carrying 1,500 tons of supplies, which should arrive Thursday (May 15). (AFP, May 9) France recently increased its emergency aid to Myanmar to US$3.1 million (2 million EUR). (DPA, May 10) After saying it will deliver aid to cyclone victims independently “without waiting any further” for permission, France said it will not send the warship Mistral into Myanmar’s territorial waters and distribute aid without permission from the junta. (The Irrawaddy, May 11)

 

The European Commission announced Tuesday that it will give US$3.1 million (2 million Euros) in fast-track aid. The funds will be managed by the Commission's Humanitarian Aid Department. (European Commission, May 6) Three humanitarian experts are due to depart to reinforce the Commission’s team in the field. (ECHO, May 8) ECHO held a coordination meeting May 7 in Yangon to assess the first evaluations of needs. ECHO’s representative in the Yangon office, Bernard Delpuech, is coordinating the humanitarian response with their partners and evaluating the immediate needs with them. (ECHO, May 7)

 

Germany doubled its aid to US$2.5 million (1 million Euros), channeling funds through German aid groups. (DPA, May 8) Twelve drinking water experts and the head of the Task Force for Humanitarian Aid depart May 12 for Yangon. (GoG, May 12)

 

Greece sent two C-130 aircrafts carrying humanitarian aid to Yangon. The first arrived May 11, the second May 12. Aid cargo included medicines, food, water purification tablets and tents. (GoG, May 12) Greece has pledged about US$300,000 in aid. (Reuters, May 5) A C-130 aircraft loaded with medical supplies and relief items is standing by, awaiting permission from Myanmar authorities. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

India sent two naval ships arrived on May 7, loaded with food, tents, clothing, blankets and medicine. Two aircraft dispatched on May 7 delivered four tons of medicines and four tons of tents to Yangon. A transport plane arrived in Yangon on May 8, carrying over 32 tons of relief items, including tents, blankets and medicines. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9) Two additional aircraft have delivered aid. (AFP, May 12)

 

Indonesia will give US$1 million and will send food, medicine and other aid. (Reuters, May 5)

 

Ireland has donated relief supplies that are being airlifted to Myanmar from UN warehouses in Italy. The Irish Rapid Response Corps is also on stand-by for deployment if requested. (AFP, May 6)

 

Israel’s volunteer umbrella organization, IsraAID, flew in a small team of doctors, nurses and water specialists to Myanmar on May 8 for three weeks. (GOI, May 12)

 

Italy delivered on May 5 plastic rolls, water storage containers, water purification units, jerry cans, tents, tarpaulins and mosquito nets, valued at US$240,000. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9) Italy has also given US$191,000 (123,000 Euros) to the IFRC. (UN, May 5)

 

Japan has decided to extend emergency assistance up to US$10 million through UNICEF, UNHCR and WFP. Japan has also provided relief supplies worth some US$570,000. (GoJ, May 9) Two planes arrived May 7 with tents, generators, blankets, plastic sheets, polyester tanks, water tanks and sleeping pads. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

Laos dispatched 2.5 tons of food and water. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

Malaysia has a Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team is on standby. (UN, May 7) Ministry of Foreign Affairs is activating the Tabung Bencana Kementarian Luar Negeri to enable the Malaysian public to channel funds to Myanmar. (GoM, May 8)

 

The Netherlands has made available US$1.55 million (1 million euros), but will not distribute the money until it determines which relief agencies are being allowed into Myanmar. (Govt of Netherlands, May 6)

 

New Zealand has given US$1.1 million for distribution via aid agencies/UN. (Reuters, May 9)

 

Norway will increase aid to a total of US$9.8 million (50 million NOK), by adding 40 million NOK to an initial donation of 10 million NOK. (Xinhua, May 12) The Norwegian Emergency Preparedness System is ready with relief items to support the UN mission. (UN, May 7) The Norwegian government is contributing US$100,000 toward Sri Lanka’s relief efforts for Myanmar and is funding air transport of Sri Lanka’s donated relief items to Myanmar. (Sri Lankan government, May 14)

 

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) provided US$500,000 through OCHA in relief supplies and emergency operations. (OCHA, May 13)

 

The Philippines plans to send a 15-member medical team to Myanmar within the next 48 hours. (Govt of Philippines, May 7)

 

Poland pledged US$240,385 to support UNICEF’s work. (OCHA, May 13)

 

Qatar is dispatching relief items and medical teams support. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

Russia sent its first batch of aid on May 9, including 30 tons of tents and blankets, and dispatched its second batch of aid on May 11, including tents, blankets, medicine and food. (Xinhua, May 11) Russia has provided US$2.1 million in aid. (OCHA, May 13)

 

Singapore dispatched US$200,000 in relief items, including medical supplies, water, water purification tablets, tents, groundsheets, blankets, sleeping bags and food. The medical supplies arrived on May 8. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9) Singapore’s Civil Defense Force is on standby to offer medical and rescue teams. (UN, May 7)

 

South Korea is provided US$100,000 in its initial response. (UN, May 7) US$1.7 million in relief goods, including tents and medicines, was provided. (OCHA, May 13)

 

Spain has donated about US$775,000 (500,000 Euros) to the WFP for Myanmar. (Reuters, May 7) A plane carrying 13 tons of aid, including water, shelter and health supplies, was dispatched the evening of May 8. (GoS, May 8)

 

Sri Lanka is sending 20 tons of relief items. The Norwegian government is contributing US$100,000 to Sri Lanka’s relief efforts for Myanmar and is funding air transport of the relief items. (GoSL, May 14) Sri Lanka will give US$25,000 to the Myanmar government, and is considering sending a team of doctors and nurses. (Xinhua, May 6)

 

Sweden has provided US$582,363 in humanitarian assistance. (OCHA, May 13) Its Swedish Rescue Mission Services is standing by to deploy experts on logistics, telecommunications and shelter.

 

Switzerland, through its Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), has released a funding package of US$475,000 (500,000 CHF). An assessment team including a doctor, a drinking water and building specialists, two logistics experts and a Swiss Red Cross member was dispatched to Myanmar Tuesday. (SDC, May 6) The SDC and Swiss Red Cross on May 14 will airlift sleeping mats, blankets, emergency cooking equipment and water container to Yangon. (SDC, May 12) Six Swiss experts will be available for deployment. (SDC, May 13)

 

Taiwan has pledged US$200,000 in emergency relief aid. (OCHA, May 13)

 

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health delivered 30 tons of medicines and medical supplies to Myanamar, worth over US$156,000 (5 million THB). (GoT, May 14) Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej traveled to Myanmar May 13 at UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s request, but failed to convince the junta to allow more foreign aid workers into the country. (Reuters, May 14) US$34,840 (1.08 million THB) worth of aid was donated by the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation. Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorm donated 20 tons of food, relief supplies, electric generators and water purifiers. (Xinhua, May 10) Thailand will distribute US$1.6 million (50 million THB) in fruit. (Thai Government, May 12) Medical teams are standing by if requested. (Xinhua, May 6).

 

Turkey has provided US$1 million in humanitarian assistance. (OCHA, May 13)

 

Vietnam is providing US$200,000 in emergency aid. Additionally, the Vietnam Red Cross and Vietnamese enterprises have pledged US$70,000. (GoV, May 12)

 

United Arab Emirates (UAE) will build 200 temporary schools in affected areas. (UAE, May 8) UAE has provided US$1.75 million in school materials through Dubai Cares. (OCHA, May 13)

 

The United Kingdom pledged up to US$9.85 million (5 million GBP). (DFID, May 6) The Department for International Development (DFID) humanitarian emergency response team arrived in Yangon on May 11. DFID will provide a team leader in Bangkok for the UNDAC team, per OCHA’s request. (DFID, May 11) The first aid flight is leaving for Yangon May 12 with plastic sheets for over 9,000 families, and four more plane loads are on standby. (DFID, May 12) The British navy frigate HMS Westminster was ordered to stand by off Myanmar with emergency aid. (The Irrawaddy, May 13)

 

The United States has provided US$16.3 million in aid through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) for water/sanitation, emergency food assistance and shelter through the UN, UNICEF, WFP and UNHCR. (USAID, May 12) The government and private sector together have committed over US$1.5 billion in aid. (AP, May 8) The US also has a 10-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) on standby in Bangkok, awaiting approval to enter Myanmar. (USAID, May 9) The US Treasury is expediting approvals for aid groups to provide money and services although Myanmar has been under US sanctions since 2003. (AFP, USAID May 6, Reuters May 7) The Navy has three ships participating in an exercise in the Gulf of Thailand that could help in relief efforts. Helicopters are being sent from the USS Essex to the staging area. The USS Essex and USS Juneau were expected to move closer to Myanmar, while the USS Harpers Ferry and a destroyer, the USS Mustin, were expected to head towards Myanmar on May 9. (AP, May 8) Five more C-130 transport planes loaded with relief supplies arrived in Myanmar on Wednesday (May 14), bringing to eight the total number of US military planes allowed into Myanmar since the cyclone hit. (AFP, May 14) The eight planes carried a total of 197,080 pounds (89,395 kg) of provisions, mostly blankets, mosquito nets, plastic sheets and water. (AP, May 14)