Cyclone Nargis Update

May 18, 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 mp h (190 kph) and causing widespread damage to buildings, infrastructure and swaths of farmland. The official death toll remained at 77,738 Sunday (May 18), with the number of missing at 55,917. The UN says the number of dead could reach 102,000 and the Red Cross estimates as high as 127,990. Yangon (Rangoon), Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) Division, Bago (Pegu) Division, Kayin (Karen) state and Mon state have all been declared disaster zones. The UN estimates between 1.6 and 2.5 million people were severely affected by the storm and only about 500,000 have been reached. (OCHA, May 17)

The UN updated its Flash Appeal to US$201 million on Saturday (May 17). US$41 has been contributed so far, including US$20.4 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund. According to OCHA’s Financial Tracking System, US$94.8 million total has been committed to relief operations, with a further US$107.5 million pledged. (OCHA, May 17)

Myanmar’s government welcomes aid from any nation, but due to logistics constraints, import restrictions and the junta’s reluctance to grant visas to international relief workers, the arriving aid is still far below what is necessary. Foreign experts say Myanmar cannot handle the response on its own and hundreds of tons of supplies and high-tech equipment are sitting in warehouses in Yangon bottlenecked by logistical problems and restrictions. (AFP, May 18) Myanmar has restricted importation and use of communications equipment, impairing inter-agency communications. (OCHA, May 17)

The British Foreign Office Minister for Asia said Myanmar may be negotiating the use of Asian intermediaries to open the country to foreign aid, including allowing Western ships to deliver aid. (AP, May 18)

The UN’s top disaster official, John Holmes, began a three-day visit to Myanmar Sunday, hoping to convince the junta to allow greater international assistance. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is expected to visit Myanmar soon. (AFP, BBC, May 18) All five UNDAC team members are now in-country assisting ASEAN’s Emergency Rapid Assessment Team.

Nargis caused major damage to agricultural land and infrastructure in the rice-bowl delta and with heavy monsoon rains arriving, Myanmar’s main planting season, which began at the beginning of May and would normally wrap up five to seven weeks from now, could be disrupted. If that is the case, the main November rice harvest could be lost and food assistance would be required for months, the local economy would be affected and livelihood opportunities would be reduced. The Early Recovery and Agriculture clusters are working with the government on this issue. (OCHA, May 17) Save the Children warns that thousands of children will starve to death unless food aid reaches them within two to three weeks. (AP, May 18)

The IFRC says a lack of clean water will be the biggest killer in Myanmar in coming days, primarily because of the spread of disease. The UN also lists food, shelter and medical supplies as critical needs. The IFRC lists limited communication, few transportation options, unknown local procurement capacity and limited information on beneficiaries as the key challenges to relief operations.
Impact

The official death toll remains at 77,738 with 55,917 reported missing. State media reports 19,359 people are injured. The majority of deaths, according to Myanmar's government, were caused by the 12-foot (3.5-meter) tidal wave (storm surge). About 24 million people out of Myanmar's 53-million population live in the five regions that have been declared disaster zones - Yangon city (population 6 million), Irrawaddy Division, Bago (Pegu) Division, Kayin (Karen) state and Mon state. The UN estimates that 1.6 to 2.5 million people have been severely affected by the cyclone and reports 220,000 as missing. A majority of the 40 townships in Yangon and seven townships in Irrawaddy division remain on the government’s list of disaster zones. Assessments are completed or under way in 58 townships, including the priority areas of Dedaye, Pyapon, Kyaiklat, Mawlamyinegyun, Wakema and Bogale in the Irrawaddy Delta.

Several sources report 95 percent of structures in the delta were destroyed. In the Irrawaddy town of Bogalay an estimated 10,000 people died. About 1.8 million of the delta’s estimated 6 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. Agencies are mapping temporary shelters believed to be housing 550,000 in Yangon and Irrawaddy.

The storm took down electricity and communication lines while landlines remain down, some cell phones are functioning. Water and power have been restored in some areas.

Widespread destruction and lack of running water could yield epidemics of food- and water-borne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea. Damage to health facilities and loss of health care workers pose another major problem for access to health services.

About 2.3 percent (718,400 MT, including 585,000 MT in storage) of Myanmar’s annual rice crop was lost in the storm. (Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, May 16) However, damage to the agricultural sector may prevent seeding for the main crop and result in the loss of the November harvest, which would lead to Myanmar requiring major food assistance for many months. It would also disrupt the local economy and eliminate many jobs. (OCHA, May 17) The five worst-hit states produce 65 percent of the country’s rice, and have about half of all irrigated areas. They produce roughly half of the country’s poultry and 40 percent of pigs.

Myanmar’s Ministry of Education says 3,000 primary schools were destroyed or damaged, affecting 500,000 children. UNICEF says children account for 40 percent of the hardest-hit population and are the most likely to die in disease outbreaks. Children who have lost homes and families are now vulnerable to exploitation, child soldier recruitment and trafficking. UNICEF says 1 million children need urgent assistance. (AFP, IHT, May 16)

Response Coordination

Myanmar’s government is coordinating disaster response with the UN Resident Coordinator and UN officials leading the cluster system established by the UN Disaster Management Team with assistance from an Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC). Most aid delivery is facilitated through national NGOS and community-based NGOS with the Myanmar Red Cross Society the key agency.

Myanmar’s Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement is in charge of national relief efforts, with the Information Management Unit (MIMU) taking the lead in information management. Myanmar Deputy Foreign Minister U Maung Myint is the designated officer for all relief assistance and the Ministry of Revenue and Finance is the contact point for cargo arrival.

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has agreed to deploy UN national staff to support national emergency relief efforts initially in Pathein, Labutta, Bogale and Yangon. National UN liaison officers stationed in government facilities work closely with the national Disaster Management Teams to assist coordination, planning and information sharing. The officers are briefed by UNDAC.

A coordination center has been established in Labutta where multi-sector meetings are taking place daily, currently lead by the UN Development Program. Operation centers are opening in Pathein and Bogale as well. Cluster leads are developing a communication system between Yangon and the delta. (OCHA, May 17)

OCHA has launched a Humanitarian Information Center (HIC) Web site for Myanmar at http://myanmar.humanitarianinfo.org to improve collaboration between agencies.

OCHA has set up an On-Site Operations Coordination Center (OSOCC).

An NGO Resource Center has been formed to focus on funding, training and information management needs for national NGOs and CBOs and will promote information sharing between the cluster system and local NGOs. An interagency mission of Myanmar NGOs, INGOs and UN staff will deploy to worst-affected townships this week to improve coordination among stakeholders, including town governments.

Sector Status
Logistics	WFP is the designated lead for the logistics cluster. Yangon Airport remains the primary hub although capacity is stretched to the limit with the current number of flights. Myanmar officials have requested one day’s notice be given for clearance of airlifts through the airport. 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. The Cluster Lead continues to call upon partners to provide (even estimated) cargo forecasts. *Restrictions on importation and use of communications equipment are impacting communication between agencies. (OCHA, May 18)* Transport and storage networks of the Logistics Operations Plan are being put in place. Contracts for boats and trucking fleets to access the delta have been issued and coordination of clusters’ plans for aid arriving in Yangon and distribution beyond are under way. (OCHA, May 17) The establishment of three operational centers in Labutta, Pathein, and Bogalay in the delta region to support the current multi-sectoral coordination is underway. Cluster Leads are working together to develop a common plan and communication mechanism between Yangon and the delta. (OCHA, May 18) The process to obtain warehouse space close to the airport in Yangon was completed and the facility has now been set up. The 3,000 square meter facility is being managed for the Logistics Cluster by the DHL Disaster Response Unit, which has hired 10 local staff, and obtained forklift and generators. The warehouse will operate from May 17. DHL is supporting with clearing and inventory control. (OCHA, May 17) *The Government stated on May 16 there would be no expedited process for the importation of vehicles by humanitarian agencies. (OCHA, May 17)* *Heavy rain continues to affect conditions for road transport, and roads are reported to be very slippery. (OCHA, May 17)* An estimated 500,000 people have been reached with emergency relief from the international community. However there are gaps in information of people reached by government-provided services, and relief provided locally by communities and charitable benefactors. (OCHA, May 17) 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) 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) 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) Two bridges reported damaged in the way to Bogale have been repaired but road conditions still not good. (UNJLC, 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) 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. 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. (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) 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.
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) 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) 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). WFP is setting up a distribution system with other UN and NGO cooperating partners. (OCHA, May 16) The Food Cluster still awaits the approval of the Government to import rice, pulses and oil. No response has yet been received to WFP’s official request of May 8 for the importation of food and a follow-up request has been made. (OCHA, May 18) WFP dispatched 44 MT of food on May 16 to Irrawaddy Division. WFP has dispatched more than 1,240 MT of food to affected areas, and distributed 635 MT of food (rice and beans) to approximately 208,450 beneficiaries. (OCHA, May 18) WFP now estimates that close to 160,000 people have actually received food. 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. Aid flights organized by WFP carrying water, sanitation equipment and medical supplies have arrived in Yangon. (OCHA, May 16) WFP is preparing to buy quantities of rice and beans inside Myanmar to support its response to cyclone victims. WFP has now received four additional visas for key staff members. The number of WFP staff deployed to the country since the cyclone is 10. WFP has 220 local staff and 15 foreigners on the ground. WFP is establishing three sub-offices in the Irrawaddy region and has relocated national staff members from the north to the affected areas in the south. Two sub-offices have been established in Labutta and Bogale.
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. (OCHA, May 16) Shelter cluster has standardized three types of kits among partners. The high number of affected households cannot all be covered with traditional kits that include tools. There is close coordination with the WASH cluster to avoid duplication. The first kit is primarily a tool kit. This will contain tools needed for fixing or rebuilding a shelter. This kit is to be distributed to a group of 10 or more households, to be shared among the households. The second kit is a basic building material kit and will consist of tarpaulin, rope etc. This is to be distributed one per household. The third kit will be a Non-Food Items kit. A list of standard IFRC and UNICEF Non-Food Item kits were distributed and cluster members were asked if any additional items should be included. It is estimated that 100,000 units of plastic sheeting have been distributed, and more material is urgently needed. Distribution is also being carried out by CBOs, many of which are new, nontraditional partners for UNHCR. (OCHA, May 17) *Tarpaulin and blankets are priority items. (SC, May 17)* The strategy until now has been to get as many supplies out to affected areas as quickly as possible, but henceforth more attention will be paid to planning and to reach areas that are underserved. An assessment to map an overview of the degree of destruction at the township level is being finalized with a view to identifying gap areas for planning. (OCHA, May 17) Shelter cluster has use of a warehouse at old International Airport in Bangkok, one warehouse outside the airport and one warehouse in Yangon. By May 20, planes will be ready to be used at these locations. (SC, May 17) Monsoon season is arriving and farmers will urgently need shelter. Shelter cluster says it will keep in contact with the Agriculture cluster so that priority could be set for the farmers when distributions occur. (SC, May 17) *UNHCR is receiving five flights over next few days from Dubai with shelter materials for some 50,000 families. (SC, May 17)* *Japan donated tents, generators and water tanks worth US$380,000 on May 18. (DPA, May 18)* *Canada has sent 2,000 shelter kits to Bangkok. They will be sent to Yangon to IFRC and be distributed by MRCS. (SC, May 17)* *World Vision continues to distribute shelter kits and procuring materials locally and internationally. (SC, May 17)* Cluster coordination teams are in Yangon and Bangkok. 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) 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. (OCHA, May 14) *UNHCR says a total of 93,412 pieces of tarpaulin have been distributed to Irrawaddy and Yangon Divisions. (SC, May 16)* 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. (IFRC, May 14) 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) 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) 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 partners are bringing these supplies inside the country to supplement the efforts of the Myanmar health authorities. (WHO, May 18) Health authorities have requested the health cluster to provide medical supplies such as basic antibiotics, Oral Rehydration Salts, normal saline, dextrose saline, bandages, gauze, plaster and syringes. (WHO, May 18) *A joint action plan and charting of activities for the Health Cluster for the next 3 to 6 months is being finalized. (WHO, May 18)* Five out of six station hospitals in Ngaputaw township are reported destroyed. However, the township hospital is functional. Referral cases are being sent to Pathein township hospital. (OCHA, May 17) UNICEF has deployed 5 additional public health experts to Myaungmya, Maubin, Wakema, Pyapon and Mawlamyinegyun in Irrawaddy Division. UNICEF now has 11 public health specialists working on the ground in seven townships in Irrawaddy 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. (OCHA, May 16) MSF-Holland is in Ngapudaw and Labutta townships, with 25 medical teams and 200 staff. 12 boats are transporting teams southwards into the most affected areas. The three main health issues reported are injuries, acute-respiratory infections and diarrhea. More than 250 Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) staff in Myanmar are working in 20 different locations. (WHO, May 18) IOM is establishing emergency clinics. IOM will also focus on mental health assessment of the affected population. The Red Cross is distributing hygiene kits, water purification equipment and mosquito nets. The hospital in Maubin is being used as a referral hospital for Pyapon, Bogale, Kyaiklat and Dedaye townships in Irrawaddy Division. WHO dispatched emergency supplies to Pathein hospital for the management of diarrhea. Some cases of snakebite have been reported. In Ngaputaw township the most common conditions reported after the cyclone are injuries, followed by acute respiratory infections (ARIs), gastroenteritis, dysentery and malaria. Local authorities have alerted the population on larvae control to control dengue. (OCHA, May 16) Disease surveillance has been intensified, particularly for diarrhea, cholera, measles, dengue hemorrhagic fever and malaria. WHO will verify any rumors of disease outbreaks. The health cluster has established three operations centers 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) Seventy-seven medics and relief experts – 47 from India and 30 from Thailand, arrived in Yangon on 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. WHO reports 50 percent of rural and township health centers in affected areas have been damaged. 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. (OCHA, May 15) 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)
Nutrition	Before Cyclone Nargis, the hard-hit Irrawaddy region had around 30 percent chronic and 9 percent acute malnutrition. (May-11, OCHA) Health cluster partners will also focus on screening for malnutrition. (WHO, May 18) The Food and Nutrition clusters are currently planning a joint food and nutrition survey in affected areas. (OCHA, May 17) The distribution plan for therapeutic feeding supplies is being finalized between UNICEF and NGOs including Action Contre la Faim (ACF), Save the Children, Population Services International (PSI) and Merlin, as well as with the Ministry of Health for the three hospitals which have trained pediatricians in the affected areas. (OCHA, May 17) Concern is arising on the use of infant formula as a substitute for breast milk. Milk powder has already been distributed in some areas, and its misuse in situations without a safe water supply is known to do more harm than good. A joint statement cautioning of this danger has been circulated to all clusters. (OCHA, May 17) MSF-Switzerland has been carrying out nutritional screening of under-five children in Twantay township. Results 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) 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, Sanitation and Hygiene (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 chlorine solution sufficient to disinfect 6 million liters of water per day. Challenges have been encountered in the construction of sanitation facilities due to high water table in the delta areas. 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. The WASH Cluster met on May 16 and the participants agreed, in this phase, to adopt the following indicators: Safe drinking water: 3 liters per capita per day, “Clear and fresh” water (bathing, general purpose, not necessarily bacteriologically pure): 10 liters per day in temporary settlement settings. Latrines (or safe excreta disposal facility): 1/100 people in 60 days time, 1/50 in 90 days, 1/36 persons per day after 120 days, and thereafter at a rate of 5,000 latrines provided per month until the target of 1 latrine for 20 persons is reached. Hygiene promotion: 1 community per Hygiene Promoter per 2,000 persons in 60 days, and 1 per 500 persons in 90 days. (OCHA, May 17) PSI is producing and distributing 3,000 liters of WaterGuard per day. As each liter of WaterGuard can disinfect 2,000 liters of water, enough disinfectant to treat 6 million liters a day is being distributed. Although this amount exceeds the total planning figure of 5.5 million liters per day, without including other disinfectants that are being distributed (e.g. 4 Aquatabs, bleaching powder), it is recognized that the affected population is not yet being reached evenly by distributions. (OCHA, May 17) *25 water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 50 cubic meters per hour are on standby to be deployed, pending staff visas. (OCHA, May 17)*
Agriculture	The rice planting season starts in a few weeks and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates need for 50,000 tons of rice and 15,000 tons of fertilizer, covering 250,000 hectares. (OCHA, May 14) OCHA reports time is of the essence with the fast approaching monsoon season. Extensive damage to the agriculture production risks the loss of the November harvest given the planting season ends within five to seven weeks. If this planting season is lost then assistance would be required for some months to come. In addition this could also potentially disrupt the local economy and livelihood opportunities for the communities in the delta. It is estimated that over US$10 million worth of seeds is needed. The Early Recovery and Agriculture clusters are working closely with national authorities to address this issue. (OCHA, May 18) The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation reports that the current loss of rice is only 2.3% (718,400 MT) of total production in 2007/2008. Wet season rice production will be seriously and significantly affected due to urgent need of seeds, fertilizers, farm machinery, draught animals, the loss of labor in rice farming communities, and salt water intrusion. Ministry says detailed assessment is in progress and a significant reduction of rice production could be expected unless wet season rice crop can be grown in a timely manner. (MAI, May 16) *130,000 farming households were affected in Irrawaddy Division and 117,000 in Yangon Division. (MAI, May 16)* FAO estimates agriculture rehabilitation will cost $243 million plus $20 million to replace livestock. 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. The FAO estimates that 20 percent of rice fields – 650,000 of 3.2 million hectares – in the five disaster zones were damaged. FAO has confirmed that there are enough seeds for wet season planting in-country, though fertilizers will need to be imported.
Child Protection	UNICEF leads the protection cluster. A Child Protection Working Group meeting was held on May 16. Reports from staff currently in the field indicate that the situation in Labutta is of extreme concern, particularly regarding the numbers of unaccompanied and separated children, their injuries, emerging diseases, and the precarious situation in temporary settlements. (OCHA, May 17) All Child Protection partners have been asked to provide an update on the situation and activities in the townships they are working in by May 19. This information would then be collated for all partners into a 3W matrix to facilitate coordination amongst partners and serve as a planning tool at the next meeting on May 21. Monitoring indicators have been finalized so that information can be captured at field level and fed into national, regional and global reporting mechanisms. (OCHA, May 17) WVI are currently running 36 Child Friendly Spaces (18 in South Dagon, 18 in Hlaingtharyar townships), 150 children are participating in each CFS. Volunteers are teaching hygiene practices through poems. A WVI team is assessing separated and unaccompanied children returned to Yangon from Bogale and findings are currently being analyzed. (OCHA, May 17) 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. 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. Save the Children has 43 staff in the field, and has undertaken basic assessments in Dala, Kungyangon, Seikgikanaungt in Yangon, as well as Wakema and Maungmya in Irrawaddy Division. It has received unofficial reports of 2,000 separated children and of sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the affected areas. 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. Other aid groups say children are vulnerable to abuse and recruitment as laborers, sex workers or child soldiers.
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. 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. UNICEF says an unknown number of teachers were killed or missing and focus is on training volunteer teachers, providing as many as 300,000 school kits and setting up temporary schools. UNICEF provided the first round of supplies to 39 primary schools in three townships in Yangon. A partner NGO distributed 7 Early Childhood Development Kits to seven temporary relief.
Telecommunication	The Cluster coordinator arrived in Yangon. Communications equipment is being held by customs authorities in Yangon while clearance is sought. UNICEF is preparing IPSTAR VSATs for deployment to two offices in Irrawaddy Division. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, which is spearheading the national relief response, has confirmed that no communications equipment could be imported, and as an alternative offered to provide CDMA SIM cards and phones for sale through the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. A maximum of ten units per agency could be provided immediately, at the cost of 1,500 USD each, if requested through the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator. The CDMA system is reported to have good coverage in affected areas. (OCHA, AP, May 17)
Early Recovery	UNDP leads the early recovery cluster. It has established a relay system using road transportation of personnel and supplies into Irrawaddy Division. UNDP has assembled a technical team to arrange recovery assessments from 1,700 villages. Baseline information for most sectors has already been collated. 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. The Early Recovery cluster has identified the following recommendations and framework based on comparison of post-cyclone reports with available pre-cyclone baseline data: In preparing for early recovery the most likely scenario guides intervention planning: namely that the situation is currently fragile but holding, and that no major natural disaster occurs other than the seasonal monsoon (which will exacerbate the current infrastructure and capacity issues). (OCHA, May 17)

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

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement is 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. At least five helicopters are airlifting supplies to the disaster-hit regions. Four infantry divisions have been deployed to affected areas. An Emergency Committee headed by the prime minister has been established and 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.

The government is struggling to manage the volume of relief coming through the primary hub at Yangon International Airport.

The government has pledged approximately US$5 million for relief. State-run media reported the government has spent US$2 million on relief work and received million of dollars of relief supplies from donors. (AP, May 18)

The government says all equipment used by foreign agencies must be purchased through the Ministry of Posts and Communications, with a maximum of 10 telephones per agency. (AP, May 18)

Myanmar Health Ministry officials are working with WHO in-country staff to carry out health assessments and distribute health kits and has deployed doctors and nurses to staff hospitals reopening in Bogalay and Labutta.

Myanmar’s top leader, Sen.-Gen. Than Shwe, made his first visit to affected areas Sunday, touring survivor camps on the outskirts of Yangon. (AFP, May 18)

The junta toured 60 diplomats and UN and ASEAN staff through the delta May 17 by helicopter. (AP, May 18)

National Response

An interagency mission of Myanmar NGOs, INGOs and UN staff will deploy to worst-affected townships this week to improve coordination among stakeholders, including town governments. (OCHA, May 18)

More than 100 Myanmar organizations, companies and benefactors have donated relief items and more than US$1.5 million to national organizations. More than 40 Myanmar NGOs are participating in a local NGO Resource Center. (OCHA, May 18)

Buddhist monks are playing a major role by housing victims in monasteries and distributing rice and shelter materials delivered by aid agencies.

The Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS), working as an auxiliary to the national response, is one of the key agencies responding to the disaster with large numbers of people on the ground. MRCS has distributed emergency relief supplies to 47,000 people in Yangon and Irrawaddy Divisions through its established logistic system and network of local volunteers, and is expected to receive US$4.5 million (5 billion kyats) from the government. (Reuters, OCHA, May 17) MRCS has five operational assessment teams in Irrawaddy, Yangon and Bago divisions, Mon and Kayin states. MRCS is helping UNICEF distribute supplies.

Knowledge and Dedication for the Nation (KDN), Pact Myanmar and Myanmar Egress are delivering food in partnership with Action Aid. KDN has set up four relief camps providing food, medical aid and temporary shelter to survivors in the delta.

Anglican Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM) has a relief committee that has sent three teams to assist and assess three affected areas.

International Response

United Nations

All five members of the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team are now in Myanmar. The team will assist the ASEAN Emergency Rapid Assessment Team (ERAT) and is working with UNRC to strengthen coordination.

The UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) is liaising with government representatives.

Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes arrived in Myanmar on Sunday.

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 launched May 9 was updated on May 17, requesting US$201 million to support survivors for at least six months. US$41 million has been contributed so far, US$20.4 million of which has been provided by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support 11 projects in seven clusters. The CERF further earmarked up to US$2 million for emergency aspects of the agriculture cluster. (OCHA, May 17)

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

UNDP leads the early recovery cluster and has established a relay system using road transportation of personnel and supplies into Irrawaddy Division. UNDP and its implementing partner, PACT, have 19 field offices and some 500 staff stationed in the Irrawaddy Delta. UNDP continues to assist UN agencies and INGOs with its field delivery capacity. Together with WFP, it is still delivering rice to affected village communities, with a concerted effort to use UNDP offices in Yangon and the field to aid and coordinate logistics. (UNDP, May 15) 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. A SURGE Team requested by UNDP is expected in Yangon May 18 to support the coordination, assessment and strategic planning for early recovery.

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. There are four mobile UNICEF teams in six townships of the Irrawaddy delta and another seven teams in 17 townships in the Yangon area. UNICEF and WFP plan to carry out a nutrition and food security survey jointly. (OCHA, May 15)

The UNHCR will support the IFRC, which is 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 119 tons of shelter supplies and other relief items. The shelter cluster plans to reach 200,000 of 300,000 affected households within three weeks.

WFP leads the logistics cluster. So far, WFP's operation has received US$8.5 million in confirmed contributions, including over US$5 million from the UN’s CERF. The agency has 220 local staff and 15 foreigners. WFP has dispatched more than 1,240 MT of food to affected areas, and distributed 635 MT of food to approximately 208,450 beneficiaries. (OCHA, May 18) 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.

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 include 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 continues to mobilize the donor community to provide stronger support to the health sector emergency response. Australia donated US$2.3 million (2.4 million Australian dollars) and DFID will increase its contribution US$493 000. The Flash Appeal will be revised and readjusted during the following weeks as assessments bring in more clear information on needs. (WHO, May 18)

The FAO is lead of the agricultural cluster. 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. A team of three FAO international experts and one local staff member will visit Bogale.

UN Joint Logistics Center (UNJLC) is working on logistics issues, including supply storage and transportation.

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is distributing reproductive health kits.

A United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Program Specialist on Assessment for the Education Sector is working with UNICEF on education assessment and setting up a pre- and post-situation analysis database. (OCHA, May 15)

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

At the request of the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit (JEU), an environmental emergencies expert is on standby in Bangkok as part of a bi-lateral agreement between Sweden and Myanmar. The JEU is liaising with Swedish Rescue Services Agency (SRSA), OCHA ROAP, and the UNEP Regional Office. (OCHA, May 16)

NGOs / IOs

ActionAid is delivering food, water, medical aid and temporary shelters in 276 villages with its local partners – Knowledge and Dedication for the Nation (KDN), Pact Myanmar and Myanmar Egress. (ActionAid, May 11)

Action Contre la Faim/Action Against Hunger (ACF) has one plane carrying 40 tons of relief and WASH materials arriving in Yangon May 15 and another plane arriving Friday (May 16) with 2,400 10-liter jerry cans, 120 tarpaulins and 1,440 WASH hygiene kits. (OCHA, May 15) ACF delivered 25 tons of rice, water purification equipment and technical expertise to Bogolay. ACF has 21 international and over 300 national staff responding in Myanmar. (ACF, May 12)

Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA) is committing US$265,000 in emergency funds, complemented by an additional US$100,000 from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. (ADRA, May 14) In partnership with the WFP, ADRA Myanmar is coordinated the delivery of up to 250 MT of rice to Labutta, which provided for 20,000 people for 30 days. (ADRA, May 8)

AmeriCares Foundation has an emergency relief expert doing assessments, obtained clearance for a 15-ton airlift of medical supplies to Yangon, and is working with the WHO. (AmeriCares, May 10)

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)

Air Serv International has mobilized its Rapid Response Team and is conducting a needs assessment. Helicopters are ready to deliver supplies and workers. (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)

Australian Aid International has a team standing by in Thailand. (AAI, May 16)

Austrian Red Cross will send three Austrian and several German drinking water specialists to Myanmar for six to eight weeks setting up drinking water facilities. (AFP, May 12)

Baptist World Aid (BWAid) received visas for search, rescue and relief team members to enter Myanmar. They will be in-country by May 16, where they will make contact with Myanmar Baptists and coordinate relief efforts. (BWAid, May 15)

The British Red Cross has released US$59,100 (30,000 GBP) from its disaster fund.

CARE announced a US$1 million grant from the Gates Foundation for relief work. (CARE, May 13) CARE has 500 staff members and offices in 11 of Myanmar’s 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. (Caritas, May 13) Caritas has assembled an initial team, coordinating the relief efforts of its162 national members.

CHF International is working with partners to help organize emergency operations and is supporting the IFRC-led Emergency Shelter Cluster. (CHF, May 15)

Christian Aid is distributing water purification tablets, blankets and medicines to 100,000 people. (CA, May 10) CA has 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 and awaiting clearance from the government. It is supporting its local partner in Myanmar. (CRWRC, May 15)

Church World Service (CWS) raised more than US$50,000 and expects to deploy a team to Myanmar. (CWS, May 7)

Concern Worldwide is sending two emergency response team members that secured visas, who will link up with European Alliance 2015 partners CESVI and Welthungerhilfe in Myanmar. (Concern, May 14)

DanChurchAid (DCA) has local partners accessing the delta. Four trucks carrying rice, noodles, blankets, medicine and plastic sheets have, with the help of local monks who have registered families, just reached six monasteries. (DCA, May 14)

Direct Relief International committed US$500,000 in cash to the relief effort and sent an initial airlift of US$200,000 worth of medical aid. (DRI, May 12)

Dubai Cares delivered over 60 tons of relief supplies. (Govt. 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 300,000 people. (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 40 people 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 sending funds and providing assistance through its partner, the Anglican Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM). (ERD, May 6)

European Commission - Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) representative in the Yangon office is coordinating the humanitarian response with their partners and evaluating the immediate needs with them. (ECHO, May 7)

Gates Foundation will donate US$3 million, channeled through independent aid groups such as CARE and World Vision. (AFP, May 9)

Global Hope Network International (GHNI) is working with partners in Southeast Asia to send assistance and is preparing to send six containers of disaster relief supplies. (GHNI, May 7)

Global Refugee International will provide an airplane shipment of WHO-approved medical supplies to 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 working with Canadian healthcare companies, the WHO and aid agency partners on the ground to provide needed medicines and supplies. (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)

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has six foreign and 90 local staff in Myanmar and hopes to bring more in. ICRC has delivered aid to various detention facilities. At the request of Myanmar, the ICRC is providing temporary shelter, emergency household items and enough food, drinking water and essential drugs and is supporting efforts to restore water/sanitation systems. It has drawn up an initial budget of US$1.9 million (2 million Swiss francs). (ICRC, May 7)

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is leading the shelter cluster with support from UNHCR. The IFRC issued a Revised Emergency Appeal for US$50.8 million (52.9 million CHF) in cash, kind, or services to assist 100,000 families for 6 months. IFRC is 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. IFRC demobilized its FACT team, but three experts remain in-country to support operations.

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

The International Organization for Migration (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 has received US$1.88 million of funding to respond and has appealed for US$8 million under the UN Flash Appeal for shelter and medical projects. (IOM, May 16)

International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) will provide cash support to its ecumenical partners toward emergency relief supplies and issue an emergency appeal. (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. The IRC also has medical, water, sanitation, operations and logistics experts 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)

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) deployed 100 satellite terminals.

Irish Red Cross Society has sent US$155,000 (100,000 Euros). (IRCS, May 15)

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) is distributing relief and health items. Through the IFRC, the MRC is going to deploy 10 personnel skilled in medical, relief and logistic fields. MRCS has transmitted US$10, 000 to the Myanmar Red Cross Society. (MRCS, May 7)

Malteser International has about 200 staff on the ground. Two mobile medical teams in Labutta have installed an emergency health station. Malteser is planning to build water tanks and providing US$15,490 (10,000 Euros) in assistance and an additional US$78,000 (50,000 Euros) for emergency relief activities. It has received (US$78,000) 50,000 Euros from Caritas as well as funds from the German Federal Foreign Ministry. Malteser has aided a total of 50,000 survivors. (MI, May 16)

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF, or Doctors Without Borders) is distributing food, plastic sheeting and water containers in the Irrawaddy Delta. MSF has 201 staff working in delta townships and 28 medical teams. Some 30 international staff are mostly confined to Yangon. (MSF, May 17)

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. (Merlin, May 13)

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 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) director and three aid workers are in Myanmar. The agency is accepting donations to help partners on the ground deliver aid. (MC, May 15)

MERCY Malaysia sent a four-member relief team to Yangon and allocated an initial US$46,000 (150,000 MYR) for aid. (Government of Malaysia, May 16)

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) staff are still awaiting visas and permits to enter the country. (MAP, May 14)

Muslim Aid is working with partners like Global Medic to provide clean water, medicine and emergency healthcare. Muslim Aid is appealing for US$2 million. US$200,000 has already been allocated for 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. (MHI, May 7)

New Zealand Red Cross (NZRC) donated US$100,000 through its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to the IFRC emergency appeal. NZRC has received over US$75,000 in individual Kiwi donations. (NZRC, May 16)

Operation USA has deployed staff to assess 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 is working through local partner Metta, with a crew of 29 staffers and 62 volunteers, and has provided funds to other international aid groups already established within Myanmar. (Oxfam, May 7, 13)

Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) has dispatched the first two members of a three-man 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 US$100,000. The response is focused on food and shelter, with up to US$50,000 planned in food aid. PDA is responding in partnership with Action by Churches Together (ACT) International and Church World Service, which have local partners to help in the provision of relief items. (PDA, May 8)

Project HOPE has offered medical supplies and is preparing medical personnel for a possible assistance mission. (PH, May 15)

Refugees International (RI) urges China, India and ASEAN countries to pressure Myanmar to allow increased international involvement and to insist that visas be granted as quickly as possible to aid workers and that import procedures be waived for humanitarian goods. (RI, May 7)

Relief International (RI) is working with teams of local doctors and health personnel establishing mobile clinics and activating local resources to provide relief. RI has established an office in Yangon. (RI, May 11)

Rotary International flew 1,000 Shelterbox kits into Yangon.

Save the Children (SC) and 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)

Tearfund partner agencies in Myanmar are providing shelters, food and clean water through a network of churches in the region and 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)

Technisches Hifswerk (THW) has sent water treatment units.

Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF) has been on standby in Bangkok for 12 days, as of May 14, to deploy to Myanmar. (TSF, May 14)

Trócaire launched a US$1.5 million (1 million Euro) relief program and with its partners has provided aid to 100,000 survivors so far. (Trocaire, May 16)

Tzu Chi Foundation has volunteers from Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan in Myanmar to assess the situation. Relief items including food, blankets, tents, first-aid kits and body bags are on stand-by. (Tzu Chi, May 11)

United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Authority (UAE RCA) has a humanitarian team ready and has flown in food, water, blankets and medicine. (Govt. of UAE, May 15)

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

United Way International (UWI) created the Asia Disaster Recovery Fund to support recovery in Myanmar and China. (UWI, May 14)

Welthungerhilfe has donated US$773,000 (500,000 Euros) and distributed food and supplies in Yangon and the delta area. (Welthungerhilfe–German Agro Action, May 7-8)

World Emergency Relief (WER) has a rescue team providing aid on the Myanmar/Thai border. (WER, May 14) WER launched an emergency appeal and is in contact with local partner agencies in Yangon to assess needs. (WER, May 7)

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

World Vision (WV) will send 25 medical staff to support 580 permanent staff working on 31 projects in Myanmar. WV has helped almost 78,000 people in the Yangon area, providing rice and water worth US$175,000 and other relief items like blankets and tarpaulins. Its assessment teams have deployed to five areas in the delta, including Bogalay. WV appealed for US$3 million in donations and has received a US$1 million grant from the Gates Foundation for relief supplies and reconstruction.

Foreign Governments

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat established an emergency humanitarian relief fund. A nine-member Emergency Rapid Assessment Team (ERAT) is arriving in Myanmar to consult with the government on humanitarian issues and conduct field visits. All ASEAN foreign ministers will attend a May 19 meeting in Singapore on the humanitarian situation in Myanmar. (Yahoo Asia News, May 14)

Argentina dispatched water purification tablets. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

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

Australia provided 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.

Bangladesh is sending two planeloads of food, clothes, medicines, water purification tablets, oral saline and a five-member military team.