Sector Status

Logistics

WFP is the lead of the logistics cluster and is supported by the UNJLC.

Coordinated In-Country Response: (For more detailed Situation Reports for each cluster please check the HIC website http://myanmar.humanitarianinfo.org/ )

Yangon Airport remains the primary hub. The template for all procedures is available at http://www.logcluster.org/mm08a.

Air-bridge flights from Bangkok’s Don Muang (former international) Airport to Yangon are now underway daily as the main staging area for foreign relief to Myanmar. The operations hub is managed by WFP. The Cluster has secured the use of the hub for 3 months. (LC, May 22) The UN has chartered three planes to carry the aid into Myanmar. (BBC, May 24) Currently, one Ilyushin 76 and two Antonov 12s will serve the air bridge. The first flight was on May 24, two followed on May 25 and one more on May 26. The capacity can be increased quickly if required. (WFP, May 27)

UN says flights are currently arriving at the rate of around 10-15 per day, and these still need to be stepped up further to meet the need. (OCHA, May 26)

According to DFID, officials say that relief supplies on board US and UK ships can be received into port of Yangon only if transported by small local boats. (May 27)

To date the following items are stocked in the interagency warehouse in Yangon: Shelter: 105 MT, WASH: 1.5 MT, Education: 4 MT, Health: 1.9 MT, Logistics Support Equipment: 11 MT. (LC, May 27)

The Logistics Cluster in Myanmar is offering five types of services to the UN and NGOs: 1) Air cargo facilitation, 2) Temporary storage facilities, 3) Common transport service, 4) Logistics hubs and 5) Logistics information management. (UNJLC, May 26)

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with Sen. Gen. Than Shwe in the new capital of Naypyidaw on May 23 and the junta leader agreed to allow “all” aid workers into Myanmar. (MSNBC, May 23) Three international staff from Save the Children were authorized to travel today to the affected areas. They first travelled today to Pathein, from where they will continue to affected townships of the western delta by boat tomorrow. Médecins sans Frontières Switzerland has received permission for 8 international staff to travel to the most affected areas. UNICEF reported that it had received permission for 6 international staff to travel to the delta. (OCHA, May 27)

ASEAN has agreed to lead the international assistance effort. ASEAN has established a mechanism to coordinate assistance into Myanmar. A Core Group chaired by the government and also comprised of the UN and ASEAN, will deal with operational issues regarding international assistance. (WHO, May 26) An ASEAN Emergency Rapid Assessment Team (ERAT) in collaboration with the UN, has been working on assessments. (WHO, May 26)

Two interagency teams comprising UN, INGO and national NGOs returned from an assessment mission to Bogale and Labutta Districts, visiting a number of townships to assess the current status of coordination. The two groups presented their findings including recommendations. These findings will feed into current planning to operationalize five coordination centers in Labutta, Bogale, Pyapon, Mawlamyinegyun, and Pathein. (OCHA, May 26)

Based on available assessments, 2.4 million people are estimated to have been affected in the 40 most-affected townships (including urban Yangon townships). Of the 2.4 million people affected, an estimated 1,017,000 (42%) people have been reached with some kind of relief support to date, through the combined efforts of MRCS (96,000), UN and INGOs (793,000), and local NGOs and civil society groups (128,000). However, the majority of this assistance has been delivered to people living in Yangon Division. Of the estimated 2 million people in the 15 worst-affected townships, it is estimated that only 470,000 (23%) have been reached. (OCHA, May 24)

The logistics cluster is now operating a 4,000 square meter warehouse in Yangon (managed by DHL), along with a fleet of 30 trucks, four barges (200-800 MT) with four barge pushers (total capacity = 2,150 tons), and two boats (300 and 600 MT). One jetty has been identified in Yangon.

A boat left for Bogalay on May 25 with four tons of ready-to-eat meals, 19 tons of high-energy biscuits (for 42,000 children) and 170 tons of rice (enough for a one-week ration for 60,000 people), as well as non-food items for UNDP. (WFP, May 27)

UN using four barges to distribute goods from Yangon to the delta. Transit time is between 3 and 6 days. Each can carry some 700 tons. (DFID, May 26) Cluster says barge operation proceeding well, with 983 tons moved on May 25. (LC, May 27)

A barge headed for Labutta is loading in Yangon 33MT of NFIs for MERLIN, 12 MT of food for WFP and 18 MT of logistics support equipment for the Logistics cluster. It is scheduled to depart on May 29. (LC, May 27)

The cluster has identified 20 small boats that can be rented: 10 with 2 MT capacity and 10 with 1 MT capacity. The boats are currently based in Pathein but can be sent to Labutta and Bogale. (LC, May 27)

Cluster says port in Yangon is operational but there is no container offloading equipment, although there is container handling equipment (container and forklifts) on ground. (LC, May 27)

Logistics hubs storage updates:

Mawlanyaingyun: WFP has agreed with MAPT for the use of their 5,000 tons w/h. 2,500 tons allocated for the Logistics cluster.

Labutta 7 Mobile Storage Units (MSUs) (1 dedicated to UNICEF and 4 to WFP). All heavy cargo moving by barge.

Pathein: 4 units of 400 MT each

Pyapon: 2 MSUs up, 150 pallets received. Easily accessible by truck.

Bogalay: 2 MSUs up (1 for UNICEF use), 3 MSUs will be erected May 28 and operational as of May 30. 150 pallets received. Road conditions are difficult, the 22 miles from Pyapon took 1.5 hours. Max weight on bridges is 7 tons. Barge operation considered better option for this stretch. (LC, May 27)

Cluster says hubs are moving slowly because of lack of personnel to set up assets. Places identified are crammed as government using for landing zones for helicopters or camps. (LC, May 27)

According to the Logistics Cluster, the following cluster movement occurred in Yangon from May 20-25: Food: 793 MT, Health: .253 MT, Logistics: 40.025 MT, Nutrition: 83.298 MT, Shelter: 41.668 MT, WASH: 24.805 MT for a grand total of 983.186 MT. (LC, May 26)

Myanmar has allowed 10 WFP helicopters to deliver emergency supplies. The first helicopter was sent to Yangon May 22, but the remaining nine may face delays as they are flown in from various locations. The helicopters are capable of carrying 3 MT of relief into the delta. (DPA, May 21) Canada will deliver up to five helicopters to Myanmar via Bangkok. (WFP, May 24) One helicopter in Yangon is now cleared for use. Three ground crew to support the helicopter operation arrived in Myanmar on May 24. (WFP, May 27) Two more expected to arrive May 27, while another three expected May 28 in Bangkok. (LC, May 27)

The fleet of trucks is set up at the inter agency warehouse set up by the cluster. The fleet consists of: 5 trucks of ten feet capacity, 10 trucks of 14 feet capacity, 10 trucks of 22 feet capacity and 5 trucks of 32 feet capacity. (UNJLC, May 26)

Heavy rains are continuing and the conditions for road transportation remain poor in delta areas. UN cautions that roads affected by the cyclone will deteriorate as monsoon rains increase. (OCHA, May 22) The NGO Concern says 70 percent of the rods are now accessible again. (Concern, May 27)

The 22-mile long road from Pyapon to Bogalay is narrow and in poor condition. Trucks carrying relief cargos were recommended not to travel at night. (OCHA, May 21) 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) Bridges on the road to Labutta are reported to be in bad condition and only passable for maximum 12 ton trucks. (LC, May 26)

World Vision reported the following traveling times:

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 boat

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. 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)

Thus far, WFP has dispatched food to eight townships in and around Yangon and eight (Bogalay, Labutta, Pyapon, Kyaiklat, Maubin, Ngaputaw, Dedaye and Pathein) in the Irrawaddy delta. (WFP, May 27)

WFP has now dispatched enough food to the affected areas to feed 570,000 people with a two-week ration of rice. WFP estimates that nearly 485,000 people have received a first ration of food since the cyclone struck. High-energy biscuits for over 107,000 children and ready-to-eat meals for about 2,500 people have also been dispatched. (WFP, May 27)

One flight carrying high energy biscuits for WFP arrived today in Yangon. (OCHA, May 27)

FAO says the already severe food security situation is further worsening due to food shortages and high food prices. With regular access to food disrupted, sharply rising food prices in the other parts of the country are posing a risk to food security. However, there still seems to be plenty of food available in markets outside the delta. Poor people in Myanmar spend on average 60 to 70 percent of their household budget on food, and they can not afford to buy the same quantities of food at the present high prices. (FAO, May 23)

Over 460,000 people have benefited from 3150 MT of food delivered to date. Cluster partners are operating in 11 townships in Irrawaddy Division and 8 townships in Yangon Division. (OCHA, WHO, May 26) A WFP boat with rice and high-energy biscuits has left for Myanmar. (WHO, May 26)

To feed the 750,000 people for 3 months, as planned in the Flash Appeal, will require 55,000 MT of rice of which only 50 percent may be procured in country. (OCHA, May 21)

WFP emergency food assistance rations will be composed of:

Rice 400g per day per person

Pulses 100g per day per person

Vegetable oil 30g per day per person

Iodized salt 5g per day per person

The monthly relief food basket for a family of five includes 60 kg of rice, 15 kg of pulses, 4.5 kg of oil and 0.75 kg of iodized salt. High-energy biscuits are to be provided for children under five years of age. (OCHA, May 20)

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 partners and plans to distribute cash on a limited basis to victims for food purchase in urban areas where markets are functioning. (WFP, May 27)

WFP has been able to purchase 10,000 tons of rice on the local market in Myanmar. A further 1,000 tons of beans have also been purchased in addition to 200 tons of salt. WFP is seeking to provide a full basket of rice, beans, cooking oil and salt. For the time-being, rice and high-energy biscuits are being prioritized. (WFP, May 27)

WFP is currently setting up a logistics base at Pyapon, in addition to the field offices at Labutta and Bogalay. (WFP, May 27)

WFP has established two sub-offices in the Irrawaddy delta region - in Labutta and Bogalay -and has relocated national staff members from the north to the affected areas in the south to step up its response capacity. WFP has 37 staff currently deployed in the affected areas outside Yangon. (WFP, May 27)

More than 140,000 refugees and IDPs displaced by military-ethnic rebel conflicts in eastern Myanmar are facing a drastic cut in aid and the Thailand Burma Border Consortium has issued a US$6.8 million emergency appeal to maintain aid to refugees in camps across the Thai border. (Irrawaddy, May 23)

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 cluster. IOM is chairing a temporary shelter working group. (IOM, May 24)

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.

IFRC said May 26 that at least 1.5 million people remained homeless in the delta. (AP, May 26)

Of the 2.4 million affected by Cyclone Nargis, it is estimated that 1.4 million are located in the most severely affected townships of the delta region. However, Yangon was also badly hit with some 680,000 living in severely affected areas. (OCHA, May 21) In the delta, 150,000 people are living in 120 temporary settlements. (DFID, May 22)

The cluster continues to target 40% of the affected population over the next four to six weeks, which will involve cluster partners delivering at maximum capacity. (OCHA, May 26)

DFID says the first of 11 UK flights set to leave over the next nine days landed in Yangon on May 26. Each flight will carry between 9,000 and 9,500 units of plastic sheeting and blankets. Altogether it will provide shelter for 250,000 people. (DFID, May 27)

IOM Bangkok will receive 15,000 plastic sheet tarpaulins this week. (IOM, May 27)

Some residents say they were forced out of schools where they had sought shelter so that class rooms could be used as polling stations for the referendum vote. (AFP, May 24) There have been other scattered reports of forcible displacement by security troops and local officials. (Irrawaddy, Swissinfo, May 24) The New Light of Myanmar reported that 9,200 displaced from 84 villages in Mawlamyinegun who were moved to camps in Wakema Township in the delta have been sent back to their villages as part of a resettlement plan.

An independent source estimates that 110,000 persons are living in temporary settlements in 14 townships. Of these, 70% are sheltering in monasteries, 28% in public buildings and 2% in tented official government camps. The highest numbers of homeless people in temporary settlements are in Labutta (34,000), Bogale (15,500), Myaungmya (12,000) and Pyapon (9,700) townships in Irrawaddy, and Kungyangon township (20,000) in Yangon Division. (OCHA, May 22)

Additional assessment data reinforce previous assessments informing of an estimated 239 temporary formal and informal settlements in the worst affected areas of Yangon and the delta region. It is important to note that the majority of temporary settlements are in Buddhist monasteries, while the minority are in tented camps. Official tented camps are in Labutta, Bogale, Pathein, Maubin, and Myaungmya. The remainder of settlements are in other public buildings, including schools. In the Irrawaddy delta, it is estimated that 91,000 people are sheltered in settlements in their townships of origin, while 25,000 have been displaced to settlements in other townships. In such cases, movements are from Labutta to Myaungmya and Pathein, from Bogale and Pyapon to Maubin, and from Ngaputaw to Pathein. (OCHA, May 21)

In Labutta, the authorities announced that there are now 12 tented relief settlements, which plan to operate for 6 months, and that all other temporary shelters in Labutta town would be closed down by 9 June. (OCHA, May 21)

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. (OCHA, May 18)

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 and four in Pathein. (WHO, May 17)

Shelter cluster has standardized three types of kits among partners. 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)

Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) leads the health cluster, which comprises 22 international NGOS and other UN agencies. The Health Cluster has nominated the INGO Merlin as cluster co-lead with WHO. (OCHA, May-23). 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)

MoH reports that 90,000 outpatients and 10 000 inpatients have been treated in affected areas till May 18. There have been 2887 mild and 124 severe diarrhea cases. In a population of 1.5 million, approximately 200 diarrhea cases per day is within the range seen in previous years. (WHO, May 20)

The government would like to focus efforts on aiding pregnant women and young children, and requested medical supplies and equipment. (OCHA, May 27)

No disease outbreaks have been confirmed to date, and investigation of outbreak rumors is ongoing. WHO Epidemiologist introduced a two-track system for early warning to the Cluster. The system relies firstly on a telephone contact point for each agency, to be contacted daily by WHO for any reports of potential outbreak. This will be fed into the daily Situation Report. Secondly, a reporting form and case definitions were agreed and circulated to all agencies. A technical group (Merlin, Save the Children, Médecins du Monde) will develop a framework for reporting. The system will include weekly reporting on Sundays with a surveillance bulletin available by Tuesday. Laboratory support for specimen collection will be established in each township, with Yangon Central Reference Laboratory providing support. All agencies providing clinical services discussed the framework (AMDA, SCF, MSF CH and AZG, WV, PACT, AMI, Merlin, IOM, PSI, MDM, Relief International, IMC). (OCHA, May 27)

A sub-group being established that will focus on Malaria. (WHO, May 26) WHO organized a technical update on malaria and dengue fever focused on the cyclone-affected areas, with the participation of UN agencies and 12 NGOs. The update addressed interventions to prevent and contain outbreaks and requested medicines and diagnostic test kits. A joint plan of action for prevention and control of malaria and dengue is in preparation. UNICEF will supply diagnostic test kits and malaria drugs on request from NGOs. WHO shared information on malaria prophylaxis for aid workers travelling to the affected areas. (OCHA, May 27)

Health Cluster partners will develop an in-depth assessment tool, which will be consolidated with MOH, to complement the multi-sectoral assessment tool being developed across the clusters. As Cluster Lead, WHO is inviting partners to submit information for consolidation on supplies they bring into the country. This information will improve accountability and transparency in the humanitarian response and is requested by donors. The information will be presented in a comprehensive supplies tracking database, which currently contains information for UNICEF, WHO, with some other agencies. (OCHA, May 27)

IOM now has four medical teams working out of Bogalay and plans to build up to eight by the end of the week. (IOM, May 27) On May 26 IOM received four Zodiac inflatable boats, 2,400 10-liter jerrycans and 768 hygiene kits donated by the US. The boats will allow access to outlying settlements accessible only by water. (IOM, May 27)

Five international medical teams are providing medical care and support to national health-care staff in the affected areas of Irrawaddy and Yangon Divisions. The Thai team is in Myaungmya, the Indian team in Bogale and Pyapon, the Chinese team in Kungyangon and Dedaye, the Bangladeshi team in Wakema and the Lao team in Kyauktan. (OCHA, May 22) There are now 198 health-care workers from Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. (OCHA, May-23) The Thai team treated more than 2500 patients in the past week. Most cases were for diarrhea, and a third of patients were children. Indonesia, Japan, Belgium will send teams in the next few days. (WHO, May 26). A Philippines team is due to arrive on May 26. The 30-strong team is expected to be deployed to Pathein. (OCHA, May 24)

More than 2000 medical experts from the government and NGOs, plus 39,000 Red Cross and private health workers have been deployed. (WHO, May 24).

Mental health remains a concern. Based on WHO’s experience with disasters, 30-50% of the cyclone affected population could suffer psychological distress. (WHO, May 23) NGOs continue to collaborate on psychosocial issues and mental health, led by IOM. (OCHA, May 27)

Eight health cluster partners have established a working group to focus on disease surveillance for early warning and response to outbreaks. (OCHA, May 24)

The MoH is focusing on cross-sectoral prevention measures, such as ensuring clean water, food and shelter, to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, as water-borne diseases routinely peak in the months of May and June. (WHO, May 20) Immunization for measles and polio is ongoing in the relief shelters. Health care services are being provided by MOH staff at hospitals, in 12 relief settlements, and through mobile teams. Three medical boats with 34 doctors are now providing health services in the delta area, and 390 mobile teams are in the field to improve access to and coverage of health care. Government Health professionals are also providing services in 12 ‘forefront’, ‘middle’ and ‘rear’ relief camps. (WHO, May 20)

UNICEF currently has 12 public health professionals deployed in seven townships in Irrawaddy and seven public health professionals to eight townships in Yangon. (OCHA, May 22)

The national professional membership organizations the Myanmar Medical Association, Myanmar Nurse and Midwife Association and Myanmar Health Assistant Association are auxiliaries to the national response. (OCHA, May 21)

Myanmar health authorities are providing daily reports on disease cases from the affected townships, being provided by Divisional Health Directors to the MOH Central Epidemiological Unit (CEU). MOH has a team of high level officials working out of Yangon General Hospital responsible for planning, managing and coordinating the overall response in health. (OCHA, May 20)

At least 50% of health structures are damaged or destroyed and restricted access continues to hamper efforts. (OCHA, May 20)

There is an urgent need to provide safe delivery space within settlements for pregnant women. UNICEF is working to provide temporary safe delivery space and has already sent delivery kits to the affected townships. (OCHA, May 20)

WHO has supplied one emergency health kit to the Maubin Hospital, which is functioning as a referral hospital. MOH has redeployed 10 medical doctors and 12 nurses from Mandalay and Yangon General Hospital to Maubin Hospital as well as three Public Health Officers. (OCHA, May 20)

In line with IASC guidelines, a document on ‘Suggested Strategies for Integrating HIV into the Coordinated Cyclone Nargis Response’ was prepared by UNAIDS Myanmar and circulated to the Health Cluster. An informal HIV working group is meeting weekly. (OCHA, May 27)

UNAIDS reports that all anti-retroviral therapy (ART) services are functioning and providing the necessary services to the HIV-positive community. The Myanmar Positive Group is working with local community organizations such as Phoenix group and with support from HIV/AIDS Alliance and UNDP and other organizations working with groups such as AFXB. (WHO, May 18)

NFPA is today running an orientation on reproductive health in emergency settings. Population Services International (PSI) Myanmar has offered to make condoms available free of charge to interested cluster partners working in the field. (OCHA, May 27)

The Health Cluster is supporting, with medical supplies, 200 extended first-aid posts run by doctors from the MoH and MRCS volunteers. (WHO, May 18)

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

Polio and measles immunization in temporary shelters continue. Sufficient measles vaccines are in stock. The 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. In Labutta, UNICEF has vaccinated around 1,000 children between the ages of nine months and five years against measles. UNICEF says nearly 30 percent of the township are suffering from diarrhea or dysentery. (UNICEF, May 21)

Nutrition

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

Save the Children says that some 30,000 children under the age of five in 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)

The National Nutrition Center and MoH have planned a Vitamin A supplementation campaign for all children aged from 6 to 59 months 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 WASH Cluster has released technical guidelines on Rainwater Harvesting and Pond rehabilitation specifically for use in the Nargis emergency. They are available at:

http://myanmar.humanitarianinfo.org/water/default.aspx

(OCHA, May 27)

IOM will this week receive 147 portable water purifiers. (IOM, May 27)

Five employees of the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief has managed to get two water treatment plants to Bogalay. The plants are capable of purifying 6,000 liters an hour and can supply drinking water for around 20,000 people. (GoG, May 27)

An ICRC water purification unit was deployed to Dedaye on May 21, manned by five MRCS volunteers. The unit is producing 72,000 liters of water a day. (IFRC, May 27)

There are currently 27 mobile water treatment plants, with a total capacity of 3.288 cubic meters, that can provide clean water to approximately 1 million people. (WHO, May 26)

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.

Agencies have agreed to be WASH cluster focal points for each township. For Irrawaddy Division: Bogalay (GAA), Dedaye (CESVI), Kyaiklat (MRCS/IFRC), Labutta (Merlin), Mawlamyinegyun (MRCS), Pyapon (CDA). For Yangon Divison: Dala (AMI), Dagon (WV), Khawmu (UNICEF), Kungyangon (CDA), Seikgyikanaungto (AMI), Kyauktan (CDA), Hlaingtharyar (WV), Twantay (AMI). (OCHA, May 21)

The WASH cluster has finalized the recommended contents for hygiene kits, which are designed for a family of five persons for one month. Two versions of the kits are proposed, depending on whether they are to be supplied in a village setting or in more densely populated temporary settlements. (OCHA, May 26)

French Red Cross is training the MRCS on the use of mobile water treatment units. Danish and Swedish Emergency Response Units, and THW will provide similar training in the coming weeks to their partners. (OCHA, May-23)

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): 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)

Agriculture

While Agriculture and Early Recovery remain separate clusters, they are collaborating doing strategic planning jointly.

UN emergency appeal includes US$10 million for agriculture. Actual requirements are much higher, and will be detailed and reflected in the revision of the appeal. (AP, May 24) A CERF grant of US$2 million has been approved for FAO. The project provides emergency support to restore food security in affected areas. (OCHA, May 24)

FAO is carrying out an impact and needs assessment for the fisheries and aquaculture sub-sectors in the cyclone-affected areas to inform further emergency and medium-term response. (OCHA, May 27)

The government estimates the costs of rehabilitation at US$243 million for agriculture and US$25 million for livestock. Additional resources are needed for the fishery sector for which the losses are difficult to estimate.

The Irrawaddy delta has an extensive fishery industry along its coast. The loss of crops, shrimp farms, fishing ponds, nursery hatcheries, fishing boats and other productive assets has led to increased unemployment of the extreme poor who depend on wage labor for their livelihood. (WFP, May 20)

Only a few weeks remain until the rice planting season begins. FAO has already sourced rice seeds for procurement from inside Myanmar.

Around 50 percent of cattle and buffalos in 10 surveyed townships perished during the storms. These livestock are essential to small rice farmers as draught animals for plowing the paddy fields. Their manure is the only source of nitrogen fertilizers used by farmers. (FAO, May 23)

Paddy fields intruded by sea water will need salt-tolerant rice varieties, in addition to water pumps for flushing out sea water. Land tillers are needed to repair embankments and prepare the fields for planting. (FAO, May 23)

UNDP Cash for Work programs are underway in the rice growing area of Kyaiklat in the Irrawaddy delta. Initial work includes clearing of ponds and land preparation to support farmers. Preparations are underway in Bogalay.

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, although rice stored for household consumption has most likely been lost in the most affected areas. Extensive damage to land and agricultural infrastructure risks the loss of the November harvest because planting must be done within five to seven weeks. FAO has confirmed there are enough seeds for planting in-country, but fertilizer is still needed.

130,000 farming households were affected in Irrawaddy Division and 117,000 in Yangon Division. As the affected area is the nation’s granary, food security in the country and especially in the affected area is of concern. The rice planting season is beginning and the FAO estimates a need for 50,000 tons of rice and 15,000 tons of fertilizer, covering 250,000 hectares.

FAO has launched a new website offering a wide range of data and information tools on agriculture in Myanmar. The site contains downloadable digital and printed atlases, maps from the FAO-maintained GeoNetwork digital library, agroclimatic charts and crop calendars, and related agriculture, forestry and fisheries publications. The site also includes the recently released 120-page Digital Agricultural Atlas of the Union of Myanmar, a collection of Geographical Information System (GIS)-derived maps, tabular data and related documents depicting political, physical and agricultural resources in Myanmar. (FAO, May 27)

Link: http://www.fao.org/nr/myanmar/myan-home_en.htm

Since nearly four-fifths of Myanmar's population earns its living from the land, raising crops, livestock and fish, reconstruction efforts will be crucial. (FAO, May 27)

Protection of children and women

UNICEF leads the protection cluster.

Twenty Child-Friendly Spaces are now functioning in Irrawaddy and 43 in Yangon divisions. (OCHA, May-23)

40 percent of the affected population is estimated to be children. (UNICEF, May 26)

UNICEF and EMDH are running a one-day training for partners on interventions to protect children during emergencies on Tuesday 27 May. 110 participants from the MRCS, NGOs, CBOs and faith-based groups are attending the training. The Protection of Children and Women Cluster has been supported with additional expert capacity from Save the Children Sweden. UNICEF and Save the Children continue as co-Cluster Leads. (OCHA, May 27)

The cluster continues to advocate for the placement of separated children in interim family-like care, rather than orphanages. (OCHA, May 26) UNICEF trying to convince junta not to place at least 2,000 orphaned children into state-run homes. (Reuters, May 26)

The DSW asked UNICEF to help lead a national action plan for child protection in emergencies with direct involvement of DSW. A task force has been formed with representatives from DSW, UNICEF, Save the Children and World Vision. (OCHA, May 22)

MRCS will maintain a database on family tracing with technical assistance from the ICRC. UNICEF or SC will host a database on unaccompanied children and other child protection issues. (OCHA, May 21)

A local NGO cluster partner re-established 870 "Caregiver Circles" in Yangon to provide integrated early childhood development, including a feeding program for more than 9,000 children aged 0-3, and provide a support mechanism for the families. (OCHA, May 21)

Education

UNICEF leads the education cluster. Immediate priorities have been assessing damages to schools and planning for education to resume on June 2.

On Tuesday (May 27) the Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement travelled with the Humanitarian Coordinator, World Food Program Regional Director for Asia, Save the Children and representatives from other UN agencies, NGOs and donors to the affected areas in the delta. They were able to visit several locations in Labutta and Bogalay townships. During the visit the team viewed sample temporary classrooms erected by SDC. The Minister of Social Welfare informed that school would start one month later, July 2008, for those children in the Irrawaddy. (OCHA, May 27)

Cluster Lead UNICEF met with Ministry of Education (MoE) representatives from the Departments of Education Planning and Basic Education. The impact of the disaster on teachers, and teacher shortages due to the high death toll was discussed. According to MoE, there is a surplus of teachers, and if needed, teachers from training colleges could be brought to affected areas. School feeding was also discussed but at present there are no contributors in Myanmar. Prioritization of activities for the coming 3-6 months highlighted: 1) psychosocial counseling and activities for teachers and children; 2) supplies for schools and students; 3) school building repairs and reconstruction. (OCHA, May 27)

Cluster Lead UNICEF is developing a two-pager on ‘Tips for Teachers’ affected by the disaster. Once this is completed and translated it will be distributed with School Kits, and to cluster partners. UNICEF has also requested additional capacity in the form of a psychosocial specialist with experience in dealing with teachers. (OCHA, May 27)

UNICEF has received roofing sheets for rehabilitation of schools in Labutta, Bogalay and Pyapon soon. (OCHA, May 27)

People living in schools will be relocated to camps to ensure that the new academic year could resume on June 2 per the government’s plans

The Ministry of Education says 3,000 primary schools were destroyed or damaged, affecting some 500,000 children. OCHA estimates some 2,400 primary schools have been damaged, affecting the education of 360,000 students. UNICEF says 85 percent of educational buildings were damaged.

UNICEF says an unknown number of teachers were killed or are missing and is training volunteer teachers, providing as many as 300,000 school kits and setting up temporary schools.

Telecommunication

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement says no communications equipment can be imported, and as an alternative delivered to the Resident Coordinator’s office CDMA SIM cards and phones for sale through the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. A maximum of 10 units per agency are offered at a cost of US$1,500 each. (OCHA, May 22)

WFP and UNICEF continue to provide technical support to the humanitarian community in Bangkok and Yangon, and in sub-offices and logistics centers in Labutta, Bogale and Pyapon. (OCHA, May 26) UNICEF has now completed installation of the IPSTAR system for use in Labutta. (OCHA, May-23)

Early Recovery

UNDP leads the early recovery cluster. UNDP has assembled a team to arrange recovery assessments from 1,700 villages. UN says the emergency appeal includes US$4.8 million for early recovery efforts. (AP, May 24)

FAO is funding part of the early assessment from own resources (US$638,000), and has received funding of US$500,000 from an Italian emergency contribution. US$16 million is under consideration by donors. (FAO, May 23)

Early Recovery strategy will focus on two components: Immediate Activities, and Early Recovery. Immediate Activities are to organize assistance to help farming communities in the delta to prepare for the monsoon planting (early June to July). The Early Recovery component will provide a framework for a long-term recovery plan and will begin in 4-6 weeks. Planning, resource mobilization and programming will begin immediately.

The government has clarified that it is responsible for the rehabilitation of public buildings, but would welcome support.

The upcoming monsoon will exacerbate infrastructure and capacity issues.