Sector Status

Logistics

WFP is the designated lead for the logistics cluster. (May-8, OCHA)

All chartered flights require landing permission at Yangon International Airport (RGN) from the MOFA. The template for all procedures is available at http://www.logcluster.org/mm08a. (May-11, OCHA) The Cluster Lead continues to call upon partners to provide (even estimated) cargo forecasts. (OCHA, May 16)

Relief flights continue to land at Yangon International Airport, and the Government and humanitarian partners are reaching an increasing number of affected persons. (OCHA, May 16)

Yangon Airport remains the primary hub although capacity is stretched to the limit with the current number of flights. Offloading equipment is scarce or not suitable. Myanmar officials have requested one day’s notice be given for clearance of airlifts through the airport. (OCHA, May 15)

The cluster met with Thai officials May 16 to finalize the agreement for the long-term staging area in Don Muang airport and is awaiting final approval from the government. (UNJLC, May 16) In the meantime, Agility, TNT and UPS have provided a temporary 4,000 MT warehouse space at the Suvanabhumi airport. (OCHA, May 15)

Persistent rainy conditions are hampering the off-loading of planes at the airport and making road access in some areas extremely difficult. There is also an urgent need for cargo handling equipment to accelerate the off-loading of aircraft. A key limitation on flights in Yangon is that there is no refueling capacity at the airport, making the proposed air bridge from Bangkok of even greater importance to the relief efforts. (OCHA, May 16)

The logistics cluster in Yangon signed a warehouse agreement for storage facilities for interagency use. DHL will be in charge of managing the warehouse on behalf of the cluster. (UNJLC, May 16)

World Vision reported the following traveling times to reach population centers in some affected areas:

Yangon – Kyaiklat: 3 hours by road

Yangon – Bogale: 4.5 hours by road

Yangon – Pyapon: 3.5 hours by road

Pyapon –Mawlamyinegyun: 1.5 hours from Pyapon by river by motorized boat (OCHA, May 16)

UNDP is continuing to assist UN agencies and INGOs with its field delivery capacity. Together with WFP, it is still delivering rice to affected village communities, as part of a concerted effort to use UNDP offices in Yangon and the field to aid and coordinate logistics. (OCHA, May 16)

UN opened a logistics hub in the southern town of Labutta, which has two mobile storage units. Similar hubs are planned for Pyapon and Bogale. An additional four warehouses will be set up in Labutta. Additionally, WFP is also working on contracting warehouse space in the industrial area of Yangon near the airport with the intention of bringing in enough ready-to-eat meals (composed mainly of rice and beans) for 7,000 people. These will be prioritized for the areas most acutely affected by the cyclone where cooking is difficult or impossible. (OCHA, May 16) Both Yangon and Pathein ports have been opened, allowing boats carrying a maximum of 250 MT through. The cluster is looking into the availability of an airfield in Pathein as well as rail links for distribution outside of Yangon. It is also pursuing options for a staging point outside Myanmar. (OCHA, May 15) The logistics cluster finalizing contracting of 3 barges and pusher for inland waterways operations. Main road from Yangon to Pathein is reported to be in good condition. (UN, May 15) The Kyayklat – Bogale and the Myaungmya – Labutta roads are reported to be in poor condition. (UNJLC, May 15)

The UN Designated Official has decided to restrict all UN missions to Myanmar to those involved in relief operations. All non-essential travel to the country is postponed immediately until further notice. (OCHA, May 15)

UNDP and its implementing partner, PACT, have 19 field offices and some 500 national staff and project staff stationed in the Irrawaddy delta area. UNDP continuing to assist NGOs with its field delivery capacity. (UNDP, May 15)

Road conditions on the border crossing at Mae Sot/Myawaddy are said to be good for 25 MT trucks, and the Cluster reports that the road will be passable throughout the rainy season. The road to Labutta may be closed during the rainy season, due to seasonal flooding and is unrelated to the disaster. (OCHA, May 15)

IFRC says 180 tons of international relief delivered by May 16. (IFRC, May 16)

Two bridges reported damaged in the way to Bogale have been repaired but road conditions still not good. (UNJLC, May 15)

Reports from Myanmar indicate that as many as 90 percent of boats in the affected area may have been destroyed by the cyclone. WFP has contracted several boats from the outside for the delivery of food assistance and has also requested clearance from the Myanmar Civil Aviation Authority for one helicopter, which will be used for the delivery of food in isolated areas. (OCHA, May 16)

Food

WFP’s Emergency Operation for Myanmar with a budget of US$69.5 million aims to deliver a complete food basket to a total of 750,000 people in need of immediate food assistance. (WFP, May 16)

The daily ration will meet a minimum daily requirement of 2,100 kilocalories, composed of rice, pulses, vegetable oil, and salt. Ready-to-eat food (e.g. high energy biscuits, rice-lentil mix and supplementary foods for young children) will be distributed in the initial weeks to support people without access to cooking facilities. WFP is setting up a distribution system with other UN and NGO cooperating partners. There is also a plan to distribute cash on a limited basis for food purchase in urban areas where food markets are functioning. (OCHA, May 16)

So far, WFP's operation has received US$8.5 million in confirmed contributions, including over US$5 million from the UN’s CERF. This is in addition to contributions from Spain, Greece, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Australia, Italy and private donors. (OCHA, May 16)

WFP reports having dispatched more than 1,195 tons of food to affected areas, and distributed 571 tons of food. WFP now estimates that close to 160,000 people have actually received food since the cyclone struck. However, it is difficult to determine the exact number of people reached by WFP as reports from remote areas are slow to arrive. Furthermore, food rations are being divided up between families so the number reached is almost certainly higher. (OCHA, May 16)

Three additional aid flights organized by WFP have landed in Yangon. The first flight carried water, sanitation equipment and medical supplies from the German government; the second flight - from the Swiss government - contained food and other relief materials; and a third -from the UK government - contained plastic sheeting. (OCHA, May 16)

WFP is preparing to buy quantities of rice and beans inside Myanmar to support its response to cyclone victims. This is in addition to a purchase of rice already made within the country. (WFP, May 16)

WFP has now received four additional visas for key staff members – two of whom have been on standby in Bangkok. This is the first time WFP staff have received visas through the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok. They will proceed immediately to Myanmar, bringing the number of WFP staff deployed to the country since the cyclone to 10. (WFP, May 16)

WFP is establishing three sub-offices in the Ayeyarwady delta region and has relocated national staff members from the north to the affected areas in the south to step up its response capacity. WFP is also recruiting new national staff. So far two sub-offices have been established in Labutta and Bogale. (WFP, May 16)

The Food Cluster is currently finalizing its Response Plan. It delineates the estimated beneficiary caseload, cooperating partners, and total food tonnages required by township. A simplified version of the plan, along with a request to facilitate the operations of the cluster partners in the affected areas, has been shared with concerned Ministries, including the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs (NATALA – WFP’s current Government counterpart), the Ministry for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, the Ministry for National Planning and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (OCHA, May 16)

WFP has 220 local staff and 15 foreigners on the ground.

WFP is seeking 55,000 MT of rice to feed some 750,000 people over the next three months. Only 50 percent of the needed rice is available in-country meaning the remainder will have to be imported into the country pending approval. (May-11, OCHA)

WFP estimates that it will need to move 390 tons of food every day if it is to reach the 750,000 people it is targeting over the next 30 days. (OCHA, May 15)

WFP is delivering by road and using up to 30 local trucks for delivery. 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 is working on procuring small trucks and exploring best method of delivering food by boat. WFP would prefer to use helicopters, given conditions on the ground. (WFP, May 14)

WFP is exploring cash options with NGOs as an interim solution in areas where the market is functioning. (May-11, OCHA)

An Indian Air Force IL-76 airplane left carrying 12,000 packets of readymade meals. (GoI, May 15)

Swiss government sent an IL76 cargo plane to Yangon on May 15 carrying food. (UNJLC, May 15)

The US military has made 21 C-130 airlifts into Yangon with about 500,000 pounds of aid. (AP, May 17)

Welthungerhilfe’s first trucks carrying 20 tons of food and relief arrived in Bogalay on May 15 to provide for 10,000 people. (Welhungerhilfe, May 16)

Shelter

UNHCR is the designated lead for the shelter cluster. UNHCR will support the IFRC, which has been designated as the in-country lead for the Shelter Cluster.

OCHA says early estimates suggest that temporary settlements may now be sheltering over 550,000 people in Irrawaddy and Yangon Divisions. Agencies on the ground are in the process of mapping the locations of these sites and the numbers of people in each. (OCHA, May 16)

A Temporary Settlements Working Group, chaired by IOM, is now active and met on May 16 for the second time. An assessment tool has been developed. (OCHA, May 16)

Emergency Shelter Cluster coordination teams are now in place in both Yangon and Bangkok. IFRC has taken over the coordination role in Bangkok, with support from partners including CHF International. Until IFRC can deploy its team to Yangon, UNHCR will continue to lead the in country group. IFRC will deploy an additional person to support the cluster in Yangon in the coming days. (OCHA, May 16)

The Emergency Shelter cluster is developing minimum package shelter kits that include other non-food items. Basic packages are being designed for families and for individuals. (OCHA, May 16)

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.

UNHCR plans to have 304 additional staff in Myanmar this week pending entry visas. (May-11, OCHA)

Plastic sheeting and other shelter materials are badly needed. UNHCR is in the process of distributing through NGO partners, 9,000 plastic sheets, 16,000 blankets, 1,000 kitchen units and 9,000 locally produced insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). (May-11, OCHA) AT least 40 tons of UNHCR shelter supplies have reached Yangon.

Two databases are under development. One database will contain data on destruction/damage based on assessments carried out by MRCS and UNICEF. The second database will have medium term disaster count data at the village level. (May-11, OCHA)

The 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)

More is known about the situation in Labutta, Ngapudaw, Maungmya and Yangon, but less about south Bogale, Mawlamyinegyun, Dedaye, Kyaiklat, Pyapon and camps in Wakema. The main camps for homeless are in Maubin, Mawlaminegyun, Wakema and Labutta. Inland waterways are reportedly open to boats with capacity under 150 MT. (IFRC, May 14)

Canada will airlift 2,000 emergency shelter kits from Canada on May 14, to Myanmar via Bangkok. (CIDA, May 15)

DFID’s first aid flight arrived Wednesday (May 14) in Yangon with shelter equipment for 43,000 people. A second UK flight was due to leave Dubai on May 14 with additional shelter supplies for 35,000 people. A third flight is being loaded in Paris. Another three UK aid flights are planned later this week, to be loaded with boats, plastic sheeting and heavy-lifting equipment to aid unloading at Yangon airport. (DFID, May 14)

The Emergency Shelter Cluster’s immediate response plan for the coming two weeks is now being rolled out. UNDP plans to deliver UNHCR tarpaulins and other relief items to Ngapudaw in Ayeyarwady Division this week. (OCHA, May 15)

According to Malteser International, early estimates may now be sheltering over 550,000 people in the Irrawaddy and Yangon Divisions. (MI, May 16)

US military delivered 160 rolls of plastic sheeting, to serve 8,000 people. (USAID, May 15)

The French ship, Mistral is carrying mosquito nets and shelter for at least 60,000 people, has left the Indian port of Chennai. It has yet to receive authorization to enter Myanmar’s waters. (Reuters, May 15)

CHF is currently supporting Emergency Shelter Cluster. (CHF, May 15)

UNICEF says the government has moved around 12,000 people by truck and boat from Labutta to 24 resettlement camps in the Myaing Mya area, where conditions are reported to be much better. (UNICEF, May 15)

UNHCR landed a third plane in Yangon Friday with 40 tons of supplies from Dubai stocks, including 4,000 plastic sheets, 3,000 blankets, 5,200 kitchen sets and 10,000 mosquito nets. (UNHCR, May 15)

In Ngaputaw, 46 percent of the population in the township was affected by the cyclone and 49 percent of houses suffered some damage. Sixteen temporary shelters were opened near affected areas in Ngaputaw township and four in Pathein. (WHO, May 17)

Health

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, including 11 international staff. Cluster projects submitted to the CERF amount to US$4 million. (OCHA, May 15)

Participation in the Health Cluster continues to grow, with 60 representatives of 30 international NGOs and UN agencies present at the last meeting in Yangon. The Cluster has now developed a “Who, What, Where” matrix, to facilitate a more efficient and coordinated response by health sector partners. (OCHA, May 16)

Medical supplies such as emergency health kits and water and sanitation equipment continue to be the priority public health requirements. WHO and partner agencies are bringing these supplies to supplement national efforts. (WHO, May 17)

Fogging machines are being used in spraying the temporary shelters in some affected townships. (WHO, May 17)

Disease surveillance efforts have been further strengthened and revitalized to increase the pace of information flow and establish that daily reporting is in place. (WHO, May 17)

The Health Cluster lead reports that UNICEF has deployed 5 additional public health experts to Myaungmya, Maubin, Wakema, Pyapon and Mawlamyinegyun in Ayeyarwady Division to assist with health sector coordination, to provide necessary technical support, to supply medicines and to assist with field monitoring and implementation of the emergency response. UNICEF now has 11 public health specialists working on the ground in seven townships in Ayeyarwady Division. In Yangon Division, 7 UNICEF public health doctors have been visiting Hlaingtharya, Dala, Kyauktan, Kungyangon, Kawhmu, Kayan, Thongwa and Kyeemyindaing daily since the day after the Cyclone, carrying out ongoing assessments of the public health situation and needs, as well as monitoring implementation of the emergency response. (OCHA, May 16)

MSF-Holland is providing relief services in Ngapudaw and Labutta townships, with 25 medical teams and 200 staff (including 28 medical doctors) redeployed. 12 boats are transporting teams southwards into the most affected areas. The three main health issues reported are injuries, acute-respiratory infections and diarrhea. IOM is establishing emergency clinics with medical equipment, drugs and supplies in cyclone-affected areas. IOM will also focus on mental health assessment of the affected population, and support for survivors. The Red Cross is distributing relief items including hygiene kits, water purification equipment and mosquito nets, as well carrying out hygiene promotion activities in settlement areas. WHO has sent one Emergency Health Kit to the hospital in Maubin, which is being used as a referral hospital for Pyapon, Bogale, Kyaiklat and Dedaye townships in Irrawaddy Division. On May 16 WHO dispatched emergency supplies to Pathein hospital for the management of diarrhea, which has been reported around Pathein. Some cases of snakebite have been reported, including in Yangon division. (OCHA, May 16)

In Ngaputaw township the most common conditions reported after the cyclone are injuries, followed by acute respiratory infections (ARIs), gastroenteritis, dysentery and malaria. Key health equipment such as X-ray machines and medical stores were lost in the damaged health centers and hospitals, and there is a need for medical supplies. Township health and local authorities in Ngaputaw have also alerted the local population on larvae control to prevent and control dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). (OCHA, May 16)

The health authorities have requested the health cluster group to provide medical supplies such as basic antibiotics, Oral Rehydration Salts, normal saline, dextrose saline, bandages, gauze, plaster and syringes. (OCHA, May 16)

MSF reported that they have flown in four cargo planes with emergency items including water and sanitation equipment, medical supplies, therapeutic food and other relief supplies. (OCHA, May 16)

WHO has kept the following medical supplies in stock to meet the future emergency health needs: Thirty thousand ringer lactate solutions, Fifty thousand doxycycline tablets. (WHO, May 17)

Disease surveillance has been further intensified, particularly for diarrhoea, cholera, measles, dengue haemorrhagic fever and malaria. Disease cases are being reported on a daily basis in response to the Health cluster partners’ need for a more rapid flow of information. WHO as health cluster lead will verify any rumors of disease outbreaks in collaboration with the agency from which the report originated. (OCHA, May 16)

More than 250 Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) staff in Myanmar are working in 20 different locations. (WHO, May 17)

The health cluster has established three operations centres in the townships of Pathein, Labutta and Bogale. (WHO, May 17)

Psychosocial support is likely to be an important issue in the next few weeks, and WHO guidelines and protocols in the local language have been sent to Myanmar. (OCHA, May 16)

German government/THW sent an IL76 to Yangon on May 15 carrying medical equipment. (WHO, May 15)

To assist in preventing any potential outbreak of vector-borne diseases, 13,000 insecticide treated bed nets have been sent to Myanmar, with another 20,000 due to be dispatched shortly. 500 dengue test kits have also been sent to the country to help detect dengue cases in cyclone-affected areas. 40,000 tablets of the insecticide deltamethrin are also being dispatched for use in preventing the spread of diseases due to vectors and pests. Two cholera testing kits, sufficient for 100 samples each, are being procured to help detect and confirm potential cholera cases. UNICEF has procured 30 additional basic units of Interagency Emergency Health Kits and other medical supplies including ORS and zinc for the treatment of more than 80,000 cases of diarrheal diseases, and these have now arrived in Yangon. Inventory and pre-positioning of medical supplies needed for cholera treatment and water treatment are underway. (OCHA, May 16)

The Health Cluster Lead has confirmed that there is adequate stock in country to deal with potential outbreaks of severe diarrhea. Stocks held by WHO and UNICEF include 30,000 i/v fluid drip packs, 50,000 ORS sachets, and 500,000 doxycycline tablets (with an equal number in reserve). (OCHA, May 16)

About 30 health groups are trying to get medical aid into the delta, where cholera is endemic. (Reuters, May 16)

Seventy-seven medics and relief experts – 47 from India and 30 from Thailand, arrived in Yangon on May 17 at the junta’s request. It is one of the first significant foreign aid worker deployments to the disaster zone, although the doctors only have permission to work in the Yangon area. India also sent 15 tons of medicine, while Thailand sent 10.5 tons of medical supplies. (AFP, May 17)

UNAIDS is coordinating partners focused on HIV to ensure that they are accessing the cluster system, and to integrate HIV strategies into the response. (OCHA, May 16)

WHO reports 50 percent of rural and township health centers in affected areas have been damaged. The majority of centers have lost their roofs. (OCHA, May 15)

Medical care is now being focused on survivors staying in shelters. Local NGOs, through their volunteers, are now in position to access remote areas. (OCHA, May 15)

The Norwegian government has agreed to provide 20 Interagency Emergency Health Kits, each of which provides for the health needs of 30,000 people for one month, as well as five Interagency Diarrheal Disease kits. (OCHA, May 15)

Update on supplies: 500 boxes of surgical gloves, 2000 boxes of surgical masks and 100 fogging machines were dispatched to Myanmar on May 14. A WFP plane carrying three WHO Interagency Emergency Health kits and one supplementary malaria module left Dubai on May 14. 2000 vials of anti-viper venom have been procured from Thailand. (OCHA, May 15)

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has begun measles vaccination campaigns for children in relief camps between the ages of 9 months to 5 years. Those injured are being immunized by tetanus-toxoid (TT) vaccine. The MoH has reported that the country has enough supplies of antitetanus serum. (OCHA, May 15)

A Google sharing site has been set up for better information sharing among partners. (OCHA, May 15)

MRCS volunteers are getting emergency relief through to those in need despite logistical problems and distributing tarpaulins, mosquito nets, and water purification tablets. (IFRC, May 16)

The WHO has reported confirmed cholera cases among some survivors, but says the number is in line with normal monsoon season levels in areas where the disease in endemic. (MSNBC, May 16)

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.

UN Population Fund (UNFPA) 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)

WHO teams returning from Labutta and Bogale have reported that Labutta hospital is functioning. (OCHA, May 15) Two teams of WHO consultants handed over medical supplies to hospitals in the townships of Labutta and Bogale. (WHO, May 15)

There are currently four mobile UNICEF teams in the six Irrawaddy Delta townships and another seven teams in 17 Yangon townships. (UNICEF, May 15) UNICEF is supplying hospitals in affected areas and 13 NGOs with medicines and health commodities. UNICEF sent additional essential drugs, ORS, clean delivery kits and essential health kits to seven affected townships in Irrawaddy (Labutta, Bogale, Pyapon, Myaung Mya,Maubin, Wakema, Dedaye) and 12 affected townships in Yangon (Kungyangon, Kawhmu, Dala, Kyimyindine, Kyauktan, Hlaingthayar, Shwepyitar, Kayan, Thongkwa, South Dagon, Dagon Seikkan, Dagon East). On May 14 UNICEF sent a shipment of antibiotics to Bogale. Two new UNICEF teams, each with two medical doctors, have been deployed to Labutta and Bogale to support the MoH and Disaster Management Committee with coordination and response in the health sector. UNICEF has also sent an immunization specialist to Labutta, where 632 children under 5 years old have been immunized against measles. UNICEF is arranging for a road shipment of 400 drums of chlorine (HTH) from Bangkok. (OCHA. May 15)

Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) opened its first mobile clinic in Yangon on May 11 with local medical professionals and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. (AMDA, May 15)

Malteser International landed three Emergency Health Kits in Yangon May 14 to help 30,000 for three months, and expect to deliver them Friday (May 16) to Labutta, where they estimate 100,000 IDPS are living in 58 camps. (MI, May 15) Malteser staff members have treated cholera patients in Labutta.

India is sending 50 medical personnel, including paramedics, with equipment. The group will be divided into two groups of 25 members each and will fly to Yangon May 17 with a consignment of 5-6 tons of medical aid. (DPA, May 15)

The IOM will distribute 13 tons of emergency drugs donated by AmeriCares to be delivered in Yangon May 18 in cooperation with the WHO and MoH.

Nutrition

Before Cyclone Nargis, the hard-hit Irrawaddy region had around 30 percent chronic and 9 percent acute malnutrition. (May-11, OCHA)

A joint assessment carried out by UNICEF and Action Contre la Faim has been completed and data is being analyzed.

The most recent cluster meeting was attended by 18 partners, including the food and health cluster leads. Many agencies are providing general rations only. (OCHA, May 15)

ACF and MSF are distributing Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF). New partners, e.g. Malteser, are interested in initiating a therapeutic response. Difficulties identified include therapeutic feeding and related supplies, logistics and transportations, and access/authorization. UNICEF is updating partners on supplies in the pipeline. A first draft Cluster Response Plan has been discussed, with a second draft expected on May 19. UNICEF and ACF have discussed a monitoring plan for nutrition action and will develop a protocol by the end of the week. UNICEF and WFP plan to carry out a nutrition and food security survey jointly. MSF-Switzerland has been carrying out nutritional screening of under-five children in Twantay Township using mid-arm circumference measurements. Results received indicate an approximate 3 percent rate of severe malnutrition. (OCHA, May 15)

The National Nutrition Center and Ministry of Health have planned a Vitamin A supplementation campaign for all children aged from 6 to 59 months in cyclone-affected areas, in collaboration with UNICEF. (OCHA, May 15)

Since many children are malnourished, their immune systems are weaker and if they are hungry or thirsty, they are really at risk, particularly as victims of a potential epidemic of water-borne diseases, says SC spokesperson Kate Conradt. (IHT, May 15)

Health cluster partners will also focus on screening for malnutrition. (WHO, May 17)

The most recent Nutrition Cluster meeting was attended by 18 partners, including from the Food and Health Clusters. The Cluster lead has confirmed that emergency nutrition supplies procured by UNICEF have now arrived in Yangon. These include Vitamin A, anthropometric measurement equipment, therapeutic vitamin and mineral mix, Resomal (ORS for extremely malnourished children) and therapeutic food. A distribution plan is being prepared for these supplies. “Who, What, Where” mapping among Nutrition Cluster partners is ongoing. UNICEF is using MUAC to collect rapid-assessment data on the nutritional status of children under five in cyclone-affected areas. (OCHA, May 16)

Once one of the largest rice exporters in Asia, Myanmar currently faces difficulties in providing adequate food to poor and vulnerable families. Despite being a food-surplus country, one-third of children remain malnourished; one-fifth are born underweight. High chronic malnutrition rates indicate a worsening of the food security situation due to insufficient nutritious food, poor access to health facilities, inadequate water and sanitation facilities, poor maternal and child care and limited livelihood opportunities. In the 2007/08 UNDP Human Development Index, Myanmar is placed 132nd out of 177 countries. (WFP, May 16)

Water and Sanitation (WASH)

UNICEF leads the water/sanitation cluster and has launched an appeal for an initial US$8.2 million. The agency is carrying out needs assessments in water/sanitation with 16 NGOs.

Cluster partners are distributing quantities of chlorine solution sufficient to disinfect 6 million litres of water per day, which is enough to provide the minimum survival quantity to 2 million people. Logistical constraints have been flagged, however. Substantial technical challenges have been encountered in the construction of sanitation facilities due to high water table in the delta areas. (OCHA, May 16)

The Cluster has finalized a 4-month initial response action plan based on an assumption of 1.5 million affected people, including 0.5 million in temporary relief settlements. (OCHA, May 16)

On 15 May, PSI supplied 5,000 250ml bottles of Water Guard to UNICEF, and a further 2,860 litres to NGOs for distribution in Yangon and Ayeyarwady Divisions. UNICEF distributed 1,000 litres of Water Guard in Kungyangon Township and PACT distributed a further 2,000 litres in Ngaputaw Township. PSI had provided 18,820 litres in 20 litre units for distribution in Yangon and Ayeyarwady Divisions up until 14 May. CARE has provided 1,600 gallons of water per day to a temporary relief settlement in Thaketa Township in Yangon Division, as well as carrying out health education on hand-washing. ThirstAid is reported to have distributed 290,000 water purification tablets and two water filters in Kungyangon and Pyapon. (OCHA, May 16)

Muslim Aid delivered water purification tablets for 17,171 gallons (65,000 liters), and two water purification systems. (Muslim Aid, May 15)

The Norwegian Government has agreed to donate water purification equipment for use in 4 hospitals and 20 health centers in affected areas. They are likely to reach their destination in the coming days. (OCHA, May 15)

The IFRC Emergency Response Unit is providing two water treatment units, one capable of producing 15 liters of clean water for 40,000 people per day, and a second that can provide for 15,000 people per day. On May 14, THW (Technisches Hifswerk) received four units capable of producing 10 liters for 10,000 persons per day. Two additional units, that can also purify saline water, are also expected in country. Both have a production capacity of 10 liters for 5,000 people per day. Combined, the eight units have the capacity to produce up 1,325,000 liters of potable water per day. A mobile lab is also being provided for water quality testing. Both organizations have been coordinating on where the units should be positioned. (OCHA, May 15)

A dedicated team from ACF are stationed in Yangon International Airport to coordinate ACF relief supplies with two vans capable of handling 38 tons of supplies per day. ACF are distributing relief items including WASH hygiene kits in Bogale through their local staffs. ACF has one cargo plane carrying 40 tons of relief and WASH materials arriving in Yangon and a C-130 plane will arrive in Yangon on May 16 with 2,400 10 liter jerrycans, 120 roll tarpaulins and 1,440 WASH hygiene kits. (OCHA, May 15)

US military delivered 2,880 hygiene kits which will serve 14,400 people for 2 weeks and 8,400 water containers which will serve 16,800 people.

Malteser will provide 100 latrines with UNICEF and rainwater harvesting tanks for the 8,000 displaced in Labutta’s biggest camp in Lay Htat Kyaung monastery. MI has supplied drinking water for 40,000 people in Yangon.

Swiss government sent an IL76 cargo plane to Yangon on May 15 carrying water supply equipment. (UNJLC, May 15)

German government/THW sent an IL76 to Yangon on May 15 carrying water and sanitation equipment. (WHO, May 15)

Agriculture

The rice planting season starts in a few weeks and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (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. Livestock estimated at $20 million. The five worst-affected areas account for 65 percent of rice production, 20 percent of rubber plantations, 50 percent of poultry, 40 percent of pigs and 80 percent of fish. (FAO, May 14)

FAO has obtained clearance from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and is preparing assessments. OCHA says local and international FAO staff have been allowed to move freely in affected areas. (OCHA, May 9)

The FAO estimates that 20 percent of rice fields – 650,000 of 3.2 million hectares – in the five disaster zones were damaged, a devastating blow as Myanmar’s dry-season rice harvest had just begun when Nargis hit. (Reuters, May 15)

40 partners were represented at a joint meeting of the Agriculture and Early Recovery clusters in Yangon on 15 May. The most pressing issue for both is urgently addressing monsoon rice planting. Relevant Government Ministries were well represented at the meeting, with senior-level staff present. They again welcomed the support of the international community. Short, medium and long-term action plans have been drafted. Two working groups are being established to address: The immediate response to address agriculture, livestock, fisheries and other complementary issues; and Assessment and infrastructure. (OCHA, May 16)

FAO has confirmed that there are enough seeds for wet season planting in-country, though fertilizers will need to be imported. As previously reported, significant financial assistance will be required. (OCHA, May 16)

Child Protection

UNICEF leads the protection cluster.

The most recent Child Protection Cluster meeting was held on 15 May. 18 participants attended, representing UN agencies, INGOs and NGOs. UNICEF and Save the Children will co-chair Child Protection Cluster meetings.

A Code of Conduct for staff, humanitarian workers and volunteers to prevent physical abuse, sexual abuse and the exploitation of children and women is being finalized. UNICEF will translate the Code into Myanmar for dissemination amongst other clusters and partners. Agencies will also disseminate the ‘Ethical Guidelines on Interviewing and Reporting on Children”. World Vision and other agencies will circulate documents produced on Child-Friendly Spaces. (OCHA, May 16)

The Child Protection Cluster is in the process of developing key points and common responses on child protection issues for media and advocacy purposes. The Child Protection Cluster Working Group is currently finalizing the Cluster Response Plan. (OCHA, May 16)

Save the Children has 43 staff in the field in total, and has undertaken basic assessments in Dala, Kungyangon, Seikgikanaungt in Yangon, as well as Wakema and Maungmya in Ayeyarwady Division. It has received unofficial reports of 2,000 separated children and of sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the affected areas. (OCHA, May 16)

World Vision is starting 37 “child-friendly spaces” to help children cope. (WV, May 14)

The UN reports some child traffickers are targeting young and vulnerable survivors. At least two suspects have been arrested at a relief camp. (AFP, May 13)

UNICEF estimates 40 percent of the hardest-hit are children. UNICEF estimates 2 million children need “urgent assistance.” The agency says that children are sleeping in the streets or in inadequate shelters which “contributes to an increased risk in diseases but also…to abuse, exploitation and risks of all kinds,” UNICEF spokesperson Veronique Taveau said. AFP, May 15) Other aid groups also say children are vulnerable to abuse and recruitment as laborers, sex workers or child soldiers. (IHT, May 15) UNICEF says situation of children remains difficult as result of physical and psychological trauma. UNICEF says the destruction of homes and schools as well as water and sanitation systems is posing a terrible threat to lives and the children’s well being. (UNR, May 16)

Education

UNICEF leads the education cluster. Immediate priorities have been assessing damages to schools and planning for education to resume on June 1.

Ministry of education says 3,000 primary schools have been destroyed or damaged affecting some 500,000 children. (May-11, OCHA) OCHA says that it is estimated that some 2,400 primary schools have been damaged, affecting the education of 360,000 students. UNICEF says 85 percent of educational buildings have been destroyed or damaged. (AP, May 15)

UNICEF says unknown number of teachers killed or missing. UNICEF says focus is on training volunteer teachers and providing as many as 300,000 school kits and setting up temporary locations for schools. (AP, May 15)

UNICEF supplies are being distributed by the MRCS and government. (OCHA, May 14)

UNICEF says education focus is on training volunteer teachers and providing as many as 300,000 school kits and setting up schools in temporary locations. (AP, May 15)

The Education Cluster’s draft strategy and response plan is currently under review. Data on where partners are working in the affected areas have been compiled. Additional assessment information provided by NGOs will be collected and compiled soon. (OCHA, May 15)

UNICEF’s first round of distributions to 22 schools in Shwepyithar and 17 schools in Hlaingtharya (roofing sheets, school-in-a-box and recreational kits) will start tomorrow. Save the Children has identified a staff member to work as the co-lead of the education cluster in Myanmar. A UNESCO Program Specialist on Assessment for the Education Sector is now working directly with UNICEF on education assessment and on the setting up of a pre- and post-situation analysis database. (OCHA, May 15)

The co-chairs of the education cluster met on 16 May to define their respective roles, and to prepare for a strategy and planning meeting to be held on 20 May with the Education Cluster group. On 16 May, UNICEF provided the first round of supplies to 39 primary schools in two townships in Yangon. The items supplied were: 40 school-in-a box kits, Recreational kits, 87 tarpaulins (distributed to the township education offices, for the setting up of temporary safe learning spaces and for immediate, temporary repairs to roofs). An additional 80 tarpaulins were also distributed to another township in Yangon where 80% of the schools have been severely damaged. A partner NGO yesterday distributed 7 Early Childhood Development Kits to seven temporary relief settlements, for children of up to five years of age. (OCHA, May 16)

Telecommunication

Thailand dispatched 100 satellite phones. (OCHA, May 14)

Telecommunications equipment to support the Cluster arrived and was cleared on May 14. An additional three ICT staff commenced duties in Yangon on May 15, where they will support the work of the Cluster. The Cluster lead is due to arrive on the evening of 15 May. (OCHA, May 15)

WFP and UNICEF continue to provide technical support to humanitarian partners in Yangon, Labutta, Bogale and Bangkok. UNICEF is also working to provide further data-connectivity in Labutta and Bogale. (OCHA, May 15)

The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster coordinator arrived in Yangon on 15 May. Recently shipped communications equipment is currently being held by customs authorities in Yangon while clearance is sought. UNICEF is preparing IPSTAR VSATs for deployment to two offices in Ayeyarwady Division. (OCHA, May 16)

Early Recovery

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)

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.

UNDP has assembled a technical team to arrange early recovery assessments, made up of field staff in the delta. Information will be gathered from the 1,700 villages in which UNDP is operational. Baseline information on the pre-cyclone situation for most sectors in the delta has already been collated and will feed into assessments and the preparation of an early recovery framework. (OCHA, May 15)

A SURGE Team has been requested by UNDP to support the coordination, assessment and strategic planning for early recovery processes. The four-member team is in Bangkok and is expected in Yangon on May 18. (OCHA, May 15)

As reported in OCHA Situation Report 11, technical teams have been organized to carry out early recovery assessments. Assessments will be carried out by many of the 500 UNDP and PACT field staff and project personnel in Ayeyarwady Division, in cooperation with other aid agencies working in the area. (OCHA, May 16)

The Early Recovery Cluster is working closely with the Agriculture Cluster, as reported above. (OCHA, May 16)