Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Myanmar

Myanmar cyclone crisis update 24 Jun 2008

A cyclone hit the Myanmar delta region in the early hours of Saturday 3 May. State media in Myanmar have reported a death toll of 78,000 to date.

Oxfam's response

Since the cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar on May 3, Oxfam has worked through both local and international partners to provide survivors with both immediate needs and recovery. In our initial response, we have reached nearly 250,000 affected people including those living with HIVAIDS, with either one-off emergency relief items or more comprehensive relief and recovery interventions.

Apart from technical advice, we have also provided our multi-level partner networks with financial assistance in which a total of 3.8 million USD has been distributed to them so far.

Oxfam realizes how important agricultural recovery is to affected farmers especially those living in the Ayeyawaddy Delta. With the new rice planting season starting in June, our partners therefore are working with farmers in the affected areas, where rice stocks, seeds and paddies have been damaged by the cyclone, to assist them with necessary means to grow rice. For example, one of our partners sent tractors to help people in 30 villages resume farming activities so that they can produce their own food sources.

Sanitation and hygiene support has also been given to thousands of affected people. This includes toilet construction, and provision of family and hygiene kits such as soap, cooking utensils, clothing, water container, plastic sheeting and blankets.

In addition, our partners have continued to provide a large number of survivors with clean water and water baskets-an inexpensive, highly portable container made from locally-available plastic material.

To help homeless families building new homes, our partner have provided them with temporary shelter materials such as heavy duty plastic sheeting. Food and other basic items have also been distributed to communities in both Yangon and the Delta areas.

Working with partners means the response builds on their existing strength and capability. They have teams of professional and dedicated staff working on the ground with established local contacts and experience.

How you can help

Oxfam Canada is part of the Humanitarian Coalition that has joined together to respond to the growing needs after Cyclone Nargis. We urge Canadians to support the relief efforts in this critical time.

Call 1-800-464-9154, or mail your donation to:

THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION
P.O. Box 1221, Station K
Toronto, ON, M4P 3E4
Canada