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 cargo forecasts. Capacity at the airport to receive, process and clear flights still limited. (DFID, May 18).

The government of Thailand has approved the use of the Don Muang former international airport as a staging area for cargo going directly to Myanmar. The operations hub will be managed by WFP. WFP is taking Cargo Movement Requests (CMRs) from other agencies and NGOs for cargo handling as a staging post into Myanmar. (UNJLC, May 19)

Requests with the Government for the approval of international staff to travel to the affected region are still pending. Although access to the delta is challenging, some elements of the Logistics Cluster Operations Plan are in place. Maximum efforts are being made by partners to utilize national structures existing prior to Nargis to provide assistance to the affected areas. Relief arriving on commercial flights is being transported to the affected areas. However, this is not of the quantity or frequency required to meet the needs of the affected populations. Access is also compounded by the weather conditions as heavy rains prevent cargo from moving along some roads to the delta. (OCHA, May 18)

According to the figures of the Yangon office of the UN Department of Safety and Security there are currently 109 national UN staff present in the cyclone-affected areas, and 72 international UN staff in Yangon. No international UN staff have been authorized to work in the affected areas. (OCHA, May 18)

Cluster Leads are now discussing the possibility of developing a single multi-sectoral assessment tool to suit the situation in Myanmar. This would be based on lessons learned from the tsunami, and the tools developed by Global Cluster Leads. Such a tool would inform an operational, scenario-based work plan for each cluster, following ad hoc assessments and inconsistent formats used in the first two weeks of the emergency. (OCHA, May 18)

Heavy rains continue to affect conditions for road transport of supplies, including medical supplies. (OCHA, May 18)

The complex terrain of the delta, the state of the road infrastructure in the region and the need to move large amounts of food mean WFP is looking to expand its inland waterway operation by contracting barges and tugs to work between the main ports in the delta and from Yangon. Three boats with a total transport capacity of 570 tons have been contracted for WFP food delivery from Yangon. Another barge and tug have been identified in Pathein. (WFP, May 18)

A number of key roads are reported to be in bad condition, including Kyayklat to Bogale and Myaungmya to Labutta. The two bridges previously reported as damaged between Yangon and Bogale have been repaired. (WFP, May 18)

According to UNJLC, in Labutta, the public works department is planning to construct bailey bridges for the replacement of the wooden bridge. They are also repairing the Nyaumg Chaung bridge which is currently in disrepair. (UNJLC, May 19)

A third aircraft full of relief supplies including blankets, sleeping mats, plastic sheeting, jerry cans and water tanks reached Myanmar form JICA’s warehouse in Singapore. (JICA, 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. DHL is supporting with clearing and inventory control. (OCHA, May 17)

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. (OCHA, May 18)

An estimated 500,000 people have been reached with emergency relief from the international community. (OCHA, May 17)

Agility, TNT and UPS have provided a temporary 4,000 MT warehouse space at the Suvanabhumi airport. (OCHA, May 15)

There is 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. (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. (OCHA, May 15) Two bridges damaged on 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, 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. (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. (OCHA, May 15) The logistics cluster finalizing contracting of 3 barges and pusher for inland waterways operations. Main road from Yangon to Pathein is in good condition. (UN, May 15) The Kyayklat – Bogale and the Myaungmya – Labutta roads are in poor condition. (UNJLC, May 15)

As many as 90 percent of boats in the affected area may have been destroyed. WFP has contracted several boats for the delivery of food 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. (OCHA, May 16)

By the end of the weekend, WFP had dispatched enough food to feed over 250,000 people in affected areas since the cyclone hit. (WFP, May 18)

Since Nargis struck, WFP has purchased enough rice inside Myanmar to feed over 1.5 million people with a two-week ration of rice (8,500 tons). A further 1,050 tons of beans have also been purchased. (WFP, May 18)

WFP staff continue to report from the field of finding entire communities with every building destroyed and the survivors living without any outside assistance. Of most importance are food, drinking water and shelter. (WFP, May 18)

WFP has so far managed to organize a total of 13 air cargo shipments into Yangon airport. These shipments have included high-energy biscuits, medical kits, tarpaulins and other vital humanitarian material such as temporary warehousing, office space and accommodation, communications equipment and even small boats to facilitate staff movement around the worst affected parts of the Irrawaddy delta. (WFP, May 18)

WFP has managed to establish two field offices in the Irrawaddy – in Laputta and Bogale – which either have been or are being equipped with both internet and HF radio connectivity. A logistics hub is being set up in Pyapon another hub may be established in Pathein. (WFP, May 18)

Several agencies report that movement of people towards less affected areas is continuing, driven by food shortages in the most affected villages. (OCHA, May 18)

Food is available in Laputta proper, but insufficient, although the situation is improving, with the presence of food agencies and food supplies steadily increasing. (UNICEF, May 18)

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). (OCHA, May 16)

The Food Cluster awaits the approval of the Government to import rice, pulses and oil. 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 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.

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. (OCHA, May 16)

Initial estimates indicate 150,000 people in about 120 settlements in the delta. This is a mixture of both official and unofficial temporary settlements. (OCHA, May 18)

Increases in the numbers of displaced persons in population centers were reported including in temporary settlements Labutta and Pathein. Local officials have told aid workers that they have started sending villagers back to their villages. (OCHA, May 18)

As part of yesterday’s tour of the affected areas, UNDAC staff visited Maubin, Mawlamyinegyun, Labutta and Hlaingbon as part of the ASEAN team. In Mawlamyinegyun there are 15 Government-organized relief camps sheltering 6,749 persons. The population of Mawlamyinegyun before the cyclone was 346,000 and 4,463 persons were killed, 6,075 are still missing, and 76,277 have been made homeless. 125 tons of rice and 450 tons of other supplies have been distributed to survivors. (OCHA, May 18)

Initial assessments were hampered by limited access, including difficult weather conditions. In some areas, estimates are still difficult to obtain. It is clear from analyzing the assessments received that further evaluation of temporary settlements where access has been limited, is required. This includes Wakema township where there are also official settlements and Mawlamyinegyun township where flood waters are still high.

Areas were classified by priority in four categories by partners:

a. Areas most severely affected by the cyclone where the levels of damage exceed 75%.

b. Areas severely affected but where the cyclone’s intensity was less and access to services is slightly better.

c. Areas less affected but where there are official and unofficial temporary settlements of displaced people

d. Areas less affected in Yangon Division.

There are varying needs within these categories, with those for example in most severely affected areas lacking access to adequate shelter, clean water and sanitation. This is the case in most of the Irrawaddy Division. South of Yangon the intensity of the cyclone was less and access to services slightly better, while the temporary settlements are found in the townships north of the Irrawaddy Division. (OCHA, May 18)

UNICEF reported that as of May 17, n Laputta, there are around 33,000 people living in 49 camps, which remain messy and disorganized. People are continuing to sleep on the streets, in schools and in the monastery without bedding and frequently without protection from the rain. However, the camps have begun to be reorganized, along village lines, with new camps starting to open using donated tents and equipment. (UNICEF, May 18)

The team also report that the government has moved a considerable number of people (the current estimate is 12,000), by truck and boat, to Myaing Mya, which was unaffected by the cyclone and is around two hours drive from Laputta proper. The team report that once in Myaing Mya people seem pleased that they have been moved, as conditions within, at least, some of the 24 resettlement camps that have been established are significantly better than those in Laputta. (UNICEF, May 18)

In Bogalay proper (the capital of Bogalay Township) the team report that people are living in six camps in six separate locations. However, the authorities only officially recognize the existence of 1 camp. UNICEF has been providing supplies to people in those camps, who do not have access to government food and water. (UNICEF, May 18)

The authorities in Bogalay have been moving displaced persons to two unaffected towns: Ma Au Bin and Phur Pon. Over 3,000 people have been moved from Bogalay to new camps in Ma Au Bin. (UNICEF, May 18)

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. (OCHA, May 17)

Tarpaulin and blankets are priority items. (SC, 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. (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)

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 plans to have 304 additional staff in Myanmar this week pending entry visas. (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, May 18)

As of May 18, the Health Cluster has made available more than 350 metric tons of medical supplies and equipment for the cyclone-affected areas. These include three million water purification sachets, 90 000 water containers, more than 50 000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets, shelter equipment, emergency health kits and essential medicines as requested by the national and local health authorities. (WHO, May 18)

Myanmar health authorities are striving to provide daily reports on disease cases from the affected townships. These are being shared by the Divisional Health Director office with the Central Epidemiological Unit (CEU). (WHO, May 18)

Three UNICEF staff health professionals, who are internationally posted in Indonesia, East Timor and Tanzania have arrived in Yangon to assist emergency relief activities. They are preparing for deployment to the affected areas. Two more are expected to join on Monday from Eritrea and PNG. (UNICEF, May 18)

UNAIDS reports that in spite of the cyclone, all anti-retroviral therapy (ART) services are functioning and providing the necessary services to the HIV-positive community. Most service points delivering ART are taking special measures to track and assess patients' needs and drug supplies. The Myanmar Positive Group in collaboration with local community organizations such as Phoenix group and with support from HIV/AIDS Alliance and UNDP and other organizations working with self-help groups such as AFXB are tracking all their members and organizing to ensure that relief supplies, including shelter rehabilitation, are being provided. (WHO, May 18)

The Health Cluster is supporting, with medical supplies, 200 extended first-aid posts run by doctors from the Myanmar Ministry of Health and Myanmar Red Cross volunteers in the cyclone-affected areas. (WHO, May 18)

The health partners are supplying 80 basic health units to the health centers in rural areas. This is in addition to the basic malaria treatment module which is also being supplied. UNICEF has received 30 emergency health kits and therapeutic food. (WHO, May 18)

Currently all WHO Myanmar Regional Surveillance Officers have been deputed for relief operations and health care in most affected townships. (WHO, May 18)

IFRC has mobilized four basic health clinics (emergency response units). (WHO, May 18)

UNICEF and other INGOS are working with the Ministry of Health to finalize distribution plans for therapeutic feeding supplies for three hospitals in the affected areas that have trained pediatricians. (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)

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)

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 is 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)

Save the Children says that some 30,000 children under the age of five in cyclone-affected areas were acutely malnourished before the cyclone hit, of those the NGO believes several thousand are at risk of death in the next two to three weeks due to a lack of food. (DFID, May 18)

UNICEF is continuing to conduct rapid assessments for acute malnutrition in the affected areas. (UNICEF, May 18)

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)

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)

Some NGOs are planning to undertake a rapid assessment of the nutritional status of the people in the cyclone-affected areas and prepare draft plans for management of acute malnutrition. (WHO, May 18)

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.

In two days, IFRC will start operating a water and sanitation unit for 40 000 people. (WHO, May 18)

2 trucks filled with pipes of various sizes for the distribution of water were sent to Laputta. (UNICEF, May 18)

In Laputta, a portable water treatment plant was providing treated water to displaced people in 228 tents. The team report that the situation in outlying villages in Laputta Township, where reports indicate significant numbers of people remain, is even worse than in Laputta proper, where the team is stationed. (UNICEF, May 18)

The number of latrines is increasing, but is still insufficient and personal hygiene is poor, with a lack of soap and hand-washing facilities. Water continues to be available, as there is (at least, for the moment) sufficient water in 10 ponds, which can be effectively treated by water purification chemicals, which are being provided by UNICEF and the Disaster Management Committee (DMC). (UNICEF, May 19)

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 Cluster 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)

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. (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.

Of the affected populations across Yangon and Irrawaddy Divisions one third to 40% are estimated to be children. The teams stationed in both Laputta and Bogalay report that they have seen large numbers of children in the camps. (UNICEF, May 18)

At least, five UNICEF supported Child-Friendly Spaces are functioning, with 21 in the process of being established in Yangon Division, in partnership with Save the Children, EMDH, World Vision, MNMA, AFXB, Rattana Metta, YKBWA and other partners. (UNICEF, May 18)

Several UNICEF Child Protection staff members are still in the field, in Laputta, Myang Mya and Bogalay. The situation in Laputta is of serious concern. 648 children are reported as separated. In Pawain village, where 250 people (of which 100 are children) have been moved from Bogalay, a child-friendly space is being established, in partnership with MRCS. (UNICEF, May 18)

In Irrawaddy Division, at least, six UNICEF supported Child-Friendly Spaces are functioning and others are being established, in collaboration with MRCS, EMDH, Save, WV and local NGO partners (eg YKBWA). (UNICEF, May 18)

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. (OCHA, May 17)

UNICEF estimates 40 percent of the hardest-hit are children. UNICEF estimates 2 million children need “urgent assistance.” 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.

Data on the status of schools in the affected Townships in Yangon and Irrawaddy Divisions continues to be collected by UNICEF field and Yangon based staff. The Education team in Bogalay has contacted the Township Education Office and is currently compiling information regarding the requirements for roofing sheets for schools that can be repaired within the next 2-6 weeks. (UNICEF, May 18)

Yesterday, UNICEF staff made the first round of supply delivery to 22 affected primary schools in Shwepyithar Township and 17 schools in Hlaingthayar Township in Yangon Division. However, the truck carrying supplies was unable to reach 4 schools due to the condition of the roads. After consultation with the school heads, the supplies were placed at the nearest accessible school, which the school heads will arrange delivery for to their school when possible. One school in Shwepyithar Township had totally collapsed, so no roofing sheets were delivered. 70 ‘school-in-a box’ were delivered to the 39 affected schools. Almost 20,000 children will benefit from these supplies. The essential learning package will also soon be delivered to these schools. (UNICEF, May 18)

The Government has announced that schools will open on 2 June 2008. There is concern regarding those schools in both the delta and Yangon areas that are currently being used as temporary settlements.(OCHA, May 18)

Schools are being repaired. The team was told that those people living in schools will be relocated to camps to ensure that the new academic year could resume on 1 June as planned. (UNICEF, May 18)

Telecommunication

The Cluster coordinator arrived in Yangon. Communications equipment is being held by customs authorities in Yangon while clearance is sought.

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement 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 at a cost of US$1,500 each. 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 Cluster has identified the following recommendations: 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)