Cyclone Nargis Update

May 11, 2008

 

 

Note: New content has been inserted in red, italicized, bold font.

 

Current Status

 

Tropical Cyclone Nargis struck southwestern Myanmar (Burma) around 16:00 Friday (May 2) local time, packing sustained winds of 120 mph (190 kph) causing widespread damage to buildings, infrastructure and swaths of farmland. Yangon (Rangoon), Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) Division, Bago (Pegu) Division, Kayin (Karen) state and Mon state have all been declared disaster zones. Twenty-four million of the country's 53 million people live in these five regions. Some 6 million live in Yangon alone. Entire villages in the delta are reportedly still submerged. (AP, May 8). A majority of the 40 townships in Yangon and seven townships in Irrawaddy division remain on the government’s list of disaster zones. Many delta areas have not been reached since the cyclone struck. Water and power have been restored in some areas. (OCHA, May 9). Myanmar’s official death toll as of May 10 has climbed to 28,458, while 33,416 remain missing. (AFP, May 11). UN official figures are considerably higher. UN estimates 1.2-1.9 million people have been severely affected by the cyclone. A UN million Flash Appeal of US$187 launched May 9 covering the next six months is using 1.5 million people for its initial planning. Some US$77 million has been pledged by countries around the world in response to the UN Flash Appeal and in bilateral assistance. International relief efforts continue to be hampered by the Myanmar government’s reluctance to allow international aid workers into the country. As of today (Sunday, May 11), access for international humanitarian personnel remains unresolved. (OCHA, May 11). As of May 10, only two of the four members of the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team had been allowed to enter the country, while the 3 other team members were still in Bangkok awaiting visas. The UNDAC team is strongly advising all international relief teams deploy only if they have pre-arrival visas. (OCHA, May 8). According to the WFP spokesperson in Bangkok, Paul Risley, aid workers in Bangkok will have to wait at least four more days to get into Myanmar because the Myanmar embassy took a local holiday on Friday. “This is a four-day wait which just should not happen.” Several relief flights have been flown into Myanmar since last week. However, the Myanmar government took control of control of the relief goods temporarily. The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) continued its consultations with the government on issues of relief aid arriving into Myanmar. All WFP and WHO cargo has been cleared and handed over to the respective agencies for distribution. Relief aid distribution through government and in-country humanitarian actors is now reaching more people in affected population (OCHA, May 10). With a sizable amount of population affected combined with a lack of local response capacity, contaminated water, poor hygiene and warm weather conditions, major health threats are looming, especially water-borne diseases such malaria, dengue, cholera, diarrhea, dysentery. Health experts have warned that further delay in accessing the affected population with major humanitarian relief could turn into a major catastrophe. Food, water purification supplies and receptacles, sanitation facilities for temporary camps, shelter materials, fuel, and essential medicines and treatment are all critical needs. Some people are now migrating outwards from the most affected areas in search of basic necessities while others are stranded in areas of the delta without drinking water, food or shelter. Damaged infrastructure and communications, as well as flooding, pose challenges for relief efforts, which may be exacerbated by heavy rainfall that has been forecast over the next seven days. (OCHA, May 10).

 

Despite all the devastation and misery facing the nation, the country’s military government carried out a constitutional referendum on Saturday (May 10) except in those areas declared disaster zones. (OCHA, May 10)

 

Impact

 

The official death toll has now climbed to 28,458, while 33,416 remain missing. However, both figures are expected to climb as aid workers gain access to remote areas. The majority of deaths, according to Myanmar's government, were caused by the 12-foot (3.5-meter) tidal wave (storm surge) that hit the coastline rather than by the storm itself. (IHT, May 6). Save the Children estimates as many as 50,000 may have died, while a US diplomat in Yangon expects the toll to exceed 100,000. About 24 million people out of Myanmar's 53-million population live in the five regions that have been declared disaster zones - Yangon city, Irrawaddy Division, Bago (Pegu) Division, Kayin (Karen) state and Mon state. Assessments now have been made in 38 townships, with response efforts ongoing in a further 28. (OCHA, May 10). Based on these assessments, the UN estimates that 1.2 to 1.9 million people have been affected by the cyclone, the number of deaths could range from 63,290 to 101,682, and 220,000 people are reported to be missing. (OCHA, May 9)

Several sources report that 95 percent of structures along the delta were destroyed. In the Irrawaddy town of Bogalay, about 90 miles (145 km) southwest of Yangon, an estimated 10,000 people died. According to the government, at least 57 ships sunk in the Irrawaddy River and dozens of smaller boats were also lost. The delta’s population is estimated at 6 million and about 1.8 million people live below 16.4 feet (5 meters) in elevation. (UNOCHA, May 6) Entire villages in the delta are reportedly still submerged. (AP, May 8)

 

Electricity and communication lines were taken out in the storm and UNOCHA says it will be several days before either are repaired. Landlines remain down, but some cell phones are functioning. (UNOCHA, May 6) Water and power have been restored in some areas. (OCHA, May 9)

 

Officials say an insufficient supply of potable water will be a major problem as very little running water is available in Yangon. Aid agencies fear the widespread destruction could yield epidemics of food- and water-borne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea, as well as hinder efforts to fight tuberculosis, malaria and other diseases that require frequent vaccination and medication. The UN's World Health Organization (WHO) says damage to health facilities and loss or displacement of health care workers pose another major problem for access to health services. (WHO, May 6) The WHO said it has received reports of malaria outbreaks in the worst-affected areas, and fears of waterborne diseases were increasing. (AP, May 8)

 

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported May 7 that Nargis may have affected the 2007 secondary rice paddy crops, which are harvested between April and June, but the extent of damage is not clear without an assessment. The five affected states are primarily agricultural societies occupied by the rural poor. They produce 65 percent of the country’s rice, 20 percent of rubber plantations, 50 percent of poultry, 40 percent of pigs and 80 percent of fish aquaculture ponds and 26 percent of shrimp aquaculture ponds. There is a risk that rice stored by farmers might have been affected by flooding. (FAO, May 7) The already severe food insecurity situation looks set to become more acute. (UNOCHA, May 6).

 

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, according to Reuters.

 

 

Government Response

 

 

State media is reporting that four infantry divisions have been deployed to the affected areas, where seven helicopters, 60 fiberglass boats and 10 ships have been carrying out operations. (OCHA, May 9)

 

The Government has pledged approximately US$ 5 million for relief. (OCHA, May 9)

 

Significant progress has been made in clearing roadways and the piped water supply and some electricity has been partially re-established to areas of Yangon city. (OCHA, May 9)

Helicopter relays of bilateral aid arriving at Yangon are being made to Pathein, and two large barges of aid have left Yangon for the most affected areas. Airlifts of international bilateral aid arrived from Thailand, Japan, and China, while India announced that it would send two naval vessels with supplies. (OCHA, May 9)

 

Myanmar Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brigadier-General Kyaw Myint said at least five helicopters were airlifting supplies to the disaster-hit regions, and plying between the Irrawaddy delta and Yangon. (Xinhua, May 9)

 

OCHA reports that it has been confirmed that the government’s approval for importation needs to be obtained prior to arrival of cargo. The Ministry of Revenue and Finance is the contact point. (OCHA, May 9)

 

Myanmar Health Ministry officials are working with WHO in-country staff to carry out health assessments and distribute health kits. (UN. May 8)

 

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement is coordinating the response to the disaster. An Emergency Committee has been established, headed by the prime minister. The committee has declared Yangon, Irrawaddy Division, Bago (Pegu) Division, Kayin (Karen) state and Mon state all disaster zones. The committee has also 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 activities (UNOCHA, May 6)

 

Myanmar's Minister of Information, Kyaw Hsan, said Tuesday in a press conference that the government is trying to stem profiteering as prices of food, fuel and building materials soared in Nargis' aftermath.

 

 

National Response

 

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has agreed to deploy UN national staff in support of national emergency relief efforts, initially to four locations: Pathein, Labutta and Bogale and Yangon. The liaison officers will work closely with the national Disaster Management Teams and assist in coordination, planning and information sharing. These national UN liaison officers will be physically co-located in government facilities. They will also be briefed by UNDAC and the UN country coordination team on their terms of reference prior to deployment. (OCHA, May 10)

 

An International NGO Forum was held on May 10. It was highlighted that delivery of aid will most likely be facilitated through national NGOs, community based organizations (CBOs) and community leaders. In order to improve the capacities of national and local NGOs and CBOs, a resource center will be set up by international NGOs in Yangon with the aim of providing information, tools, training and technical assistance. Further details will be available in the course of the week. A forum with national and local NGOs is planned for May 14. (OCHA, May 10)

 

The Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS), working as an auxiliary to the national response, has been distributing emergency relief supplies to beneficiaries in Yangon and Irrawaddy Divisions through its established logistic system and network of local volunteers. MRCS currently has five operational assessment teams in Irrawaddy, Yangon and Bago Divisions, Mon and Kayin States. (OCHA, May 9)

 

Myanmar's Red Cross planned to dispatch five assessment teams May 5 to Yangon, Irrawaddy, Bago East, Bago West, Mon and Kayin. The agency is distributing 5,000 liters (1,321 gallons) of drinking water to schools and pagodas where people have sought temporary shelter in Yangon.

 

 

International Response

 

United Nations

 

The Flash Appeal was launched May 9 at 13:30 in New York by USG John Holmes. In the Appeal, humanitarian organizations ask for US$ 187 million for emergency relief in Myanmar. During the launch, member states announced US$ 58.4 million in pledges for the Flash Appeal and bilateral aid to the Myanmar government. The USG pledged a funding window of US$ 20 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for the Flash Appeal. (OCHA, May 9)

 

The UN continues to consult closely with the Government about the need for international support, which is available across all key priority areas. The UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ms. Catherine Bragg, will arrive in the region next week. The UN and Myanmar’s regional partners continue consultations for issuance of Visas for international humanitarian personnel. Very few visas have been forthcoming in recent days. UNHCR has received one visa and WFP has been promised 3 visas to be released on Monday evening. (OCHA, May 9). Thailand’s Prime Minister has announced that he will dispatch an envoy to Myanmar this weekend to discuss access for international aid workers. A statement by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday suggested that the Myanmar authorities ‘establish a coordinating mechanism that could work with the international community and aid agencies, to assess the damages and needs in the affected areas, as well as facilitate in-country distribution of humanitarian assistance, and entry and deployment of rescue and medical personnel and equipment (OCHA, May 10)

 

An UNDAC team is now present in Myanmar and is working with the office of the Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) for now to strengthen cluster coordination and information flow both inside Myanmar, and between the Humanitarian Country Team and the broader international community. An On-Site Operations Coordination Center (OSOCC) has been set up and the team is working closely with the Myanmar Information Management Unit. (OCHA, May 10)

 

An OCHA chartered A300 plane with contributions from Norway and Ireland will depart today at 8 UTC/GMT from the UN Warehouse in Brindisi to arrive May 11 at 6 UTC/GMT in Yangon. The plane carries 30 MT of water and sanitation, shelter, and NFI stocks which will be confined to the RC/HC in the interim for distribution by partners on the ground. (OCHA, May 10)

 

The UN said that it has released US$10 million from its Central Emergency Relief Fund. (AP, May 8)

 

The UN on Thursday said that only two UNDAC team members were granted access to Myanmar, while the 3 other team members were still in Bangkok awaiting visas. UNDAC team is strongly advising all international relief teams deploy only if they have pre-arrival visas. (OCHA, May 8).

 

A United Nations Disaster Management Team (UNDMT) with assistance from an Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) developed a cluster system for the Myanmar relief effort on Monday (May 5): The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) leads the water/sanitation, education and protection clusters. The World Health Organization (WHO) leads the health cluster. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) heads the shelter cluster. The World Food Program (WFP) heads the logistics cluster. The UN Development Program (UNDP) heads the early recovery cluster. The telecommunications cluster has not yet been assigned a leader. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has offered to lead an agricultural cluster, but initially will assist food security efforts. The IASC has already carried out initial preparedness and coordination activities and hopes that the cluster system will facilitate the preparation of a Flash appeal, should one be needed. OCHA hosted a second meeting of regional cluster leaders on Tuesday in which leaders were urged to prepare to fully support their IASC country team counterparts and seek the inclusion of NGO partners. (UNOCHA, May 6) The cluster approach has been activated by the Humanitarian Country Team to support government efforts. Cluster lead agencies held meetings in Bangkok. (UN, May 8)

 

UNDP has established a relay system using road transportation of personnel and supplies into Ayeyarwaddy Division, as communication networks are still seriously compromised. (OCHA, May 9)

UNICEF deployed five teams to assess damages in Yangon, Pathein (the capital of Irrawaddy Division) and Bago. UNICEF has water, school, nutrition and medical kits prepared for delivery. UNICEF has begun delivering relief supplies to the Irrawaddy Delta, including medicine, first-aid kits and oral rehydration tablets. (UNICEF, May 6) UNICEF and Save the Children are currently leading on education. (UN, May 8). UNICEF is in contact with the Ministry of Education. (OCHA, May 9) 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. (UN, May 8) UNICEF also launched an appeal for an initial US$8.2 million. (DPA, May 8) UNICEF and ACF plan to carry out nutrition surveys in three townships in Irrawaddy division. (OCHA, May 9) UNICEF expressed concern over unaccompanied children and the protection of women and girls in crowded shelters. Members of the protection cluster have agreed to set up Child Friendly Spaces in selected villages. (OCHA, May 9) UNICEF has 134 staff in-country. UNICEF reported that as of May 7, inter-agency assessment teams visited 17 of 47 affected townships in Yangon, Irrawaddy and Bago Divisions in coordination with MRCS. UNICEF said authorities have agreed to an inoculation campaign in the near future. “We want to get safe water and sanitation out, but measles is a deadly disease in a situation like this. We usually try to do injections as quick as possible,” said UNICEF spokesperson Shantha Bloeman. (AFP, May 9). UNICEF is ready to support 100,000 children with an essential learning package when school starts on 1 June. Early Childhood Development emergency kits are being distributed for young children in affected areas by UNICEF partners, and Save the Children has started to use these to ensure child-friendly spaces in shelter camps around Yangon. (OCHA, May 9)

 

The UNHCR will support the IFRC, which has been designated as the in-country lead for the Shelter Cluster. UNHCR has been authorized to transport shelter materials, including plastic sheeting and tents across the Mae Sot (Thailand) – Myawaddy (Myanmar) border crossing. Two trucks crossed the border the afternoon of May 10. (OCHA, May 10). The agency says it hopes to deliver 22 tons of relief from Thailand starting Saturday (May 10). (UN, BP, May 8) UNHCR is working with Myanmar officials to get shelter supplies into Myanmar from Thailand and is exploring possibility of sending more shelter materials to Yangon by air from Dubai. (OCHA, May 9).

 

The WFP reported that 77 MT of food relief were provided to 13,400 people in Yangon yesterday. This was achieved in partnership with AMI, ACT, WVI, AZG and WFP’s own teams. A total of 160 MT of WFP food aid has now been distributed since the disaster, with 24,000 beneficiaries reached. Another 37 MT of high energy biscuits (HEB) are due to arrive by air on Saturday (10 May), and distribution of stocks already in the country will continue. (OCHA, May 10). WFP is undertaking an Immediate Response Emergency Operation of US$500,000 for an estimated 40,000 beneficiaries as an initial response, is expected to be exhausted quite shortly. WFP is planning an Emergency Operation to reach approximately 630,000 beneficiaries with a complete food basket. A total of 90 MT of rice has been dispatched to camps in Yangon, distributed by cooperating partners, and 40 MT to Labutta. The WFP is in the process of establishing sub-offices in Labutta, Bogale and Mawlamyinegyun. An office building has been identified in Labutta (to be shared with other agencies). Construction of two temporary warehouses began yesterday (capacity of 400 MT; one for food, the other for nonfood items for other agencies). (OCHA, May 10). WFP currently has a total rice stock of 690 MT in Yangon. WFP is leading logistics cluster. A four-person support team has arrived in Bangkok. WFP has 3,900 MT of food commodities in-country, 980 MT of which are in Yangon. WFP’s Logistics Response Team (LRT) is in Bangkok awaiting deployment. WFP’s regional Logistics Officer has joined WFP in-country. (OCHA, May 9).

 

The WHO has received guarantees that its shipments will be able to be passed directly to its own Regional Surveillance Officers (who are Myanmar nationals). The Government has set up a technical office in Yangon General Hospital. International staff has so far been unable to travel to affected areas. WHO dispatched 30,000 surgical masks and 30,000 pairs of gloves to the affected areas in Bogalay and Labutta through UNICEF trucks on 10 May 2008. The supplies will be used for dead body collection and by health workers at health facilities in the affected areas. There have been no reports of major disease outbreaks, but the risks remain high. (OCHA, May 10). WHO has mobilized 10 Interagency Emergency Health Kits, 100 body bags, 35,000 chlorine tablets and five tents. (WHO, May 7) WHO has ordered its in-country polio surveillance network team to begin initial assessments. WHO has opened a temporary crisis health center in its Yangon office. The agency estimates it will need US$1 million to address initial health concerns in the coming days. (WHO, May 6) WHO in-country staff working with Ministry of Health officials to carry out health assessments and to distribute health kits. (UN, May 8) The World Health Organization (WHO) said it has received reports of malaria outbreaks (endemic to the region) and diarrhea in the worst-affected areas, and fears of waterborne diseases were increasing due to poor sanitation and dirty water conditions. Local media has also cited some deaths due to cholera in Bogalay and Laputta. Teams of national surveillance officers have been deployed in-country to assess the risk of disease outbreaks. A WHO epidemiologist is waiting for a visa to assist. (OCHA, May). WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health for rumour verification, outbreak investigation and rapid response. Unconfirmed reports are being received of diarrheal disease outbreaks. (OCHA, May 9). WHO and UNICEF are mobilizing essential drugs. In the meantime, UNICEF's existing stocks of essential drugs (provided in normal situation for regular program) are being redeployed for distribution by UNDP and MRCS networks. IEC materials have been translated and at least 200,000 will be printed and distributed to address the misconception that dead bodies cause disease, while educating on the need for basic hygiene measures including clean water, sanitation, hand washing. (OCHA, May 9)

The FAO has released figures of the potential impact to agriculture (see IMPACT section above). It is carrying out a joint assessment of food needs with the WFP. (FAO, May 7) 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. (OCHA, May 9)

 

UN Joint Logistics Center (UNJLC) says an LRT team arrived in Bangkok on May 7 and is awaiting approval of visas. Logistics cluster meeting held in Yangon on May 7. Bangkok Logistics Cluster meeting held in Bangkok on May 8. (UNJLC, May 8)

 

 

NGOs / IOs

 

ActionAid is delivering emergency relief in 276 villages with its local partners -- KDN, Pact Myanmar and Myanmar Egress. Relief focuses on food, non-food supplies, temporary shelters and emergency rescue and first aid. (ActionAid, May 11) ActionAid is mobilizing staff from other Asian countries to help its team in Myanmar respond to the cyclone. (ActionAid, May 6)

 

Action Against Hunger/Action Contre la Faim (ACF) has a team of six additional staff to arrive in Yangon on May 10 to join 15 international ACF experts already in Myanmar. A plane is planned to follow carrying 40 tons of relief items, including 25 tons of protein biscuits and water purification kits, motor pumps and water provision equipment. The first ACF convoy of relief supplies, including seven tons of rice, arrived in Bogolay on May 9, with three more truckloads transporting 18 tons of rice and water purification equipment on the way to Bogolay. (ACF, May 10) is assessing the immediate needs in the Yangon area and is planning an emergency operation to distribute water purifying tablets and water, rehabilitate water points, distribute essential non-food items and emergency shelters, promote basic hygiene, perform environmental clearing and clean up, and provide food, cash and/or vouches depending on local market accessibility. (ACF, May 8)

 

Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA) is continuing its response in Myanmar (Burma) with food assistance and emergency response personnel. In partnership with the World Food Program (WFP), ADRA Myanmar is coordinating the delivery of up to 250 metric tons of rice to the Labutta area, which will provide for 20,000 people for 30 days. (ADRA, May 8) Immediate aid is expected to include water, water purification tablets, food distribution, and shelter materials. (ADRA, May 7)

 

AmeriCares Foundation had an emergency relief expert arrive in Myanmar on May 10 to assess the situation and continue efforts to obtain clearance for an AmeriCare airlift of 15 tons of medicines and medical supplies to Yangon. The organization is working with the WHO and mobilizing additional disaster relief experts to the region. (AmeriCares, May 10)

 

Anglican Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM) has established a relief committee that has sent three teams to assist and assess three affected areas. The teams area expected back in Yangon by May 16 to report. CPM is the local partner of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). (ERD, May 8)

 

Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) is planning to mobilize local doctors and medical staff from the current office location in a central dry area to the affected areas. AMDA plans to organize a mobile clinic with the agency’s Myanmar office and its local staff, and has already given instruction to get approval from the government. Early Thursday morning (May 8) a staff member from AMDA Headquarters left Japan for Bangkok to purchase relief items. AMDA has been present in Myanmar for more than ten years. (AMDA, May 8)

 

Air Serv International, Air Serv is conducting a needs-assessment and has helicopters ready to deliver supplies and relief workers. Air Serv has already mobilized its Rapid Response Team. (Air Serv, May 7)

 

Amnesty International (AI) calls on the Myanmar government to ease visa restrictions and customs procedures that have hampered access by international relief workers over the past few days and slowed the delivery of desperately needed aid. (AI, May 7)

 

The British Red Cross Emergency Response logistics team will arrive in Yangon Friday evening (May 9). (Disasters Emergency Committee, May 8) The British Red Cross has released US$59,100 (30,000 pounds) from its disaster fund.

 

CARE emergency assessment teams have returned to Yangon from the Irrawaddy Delta with reports of massive destruction on a level far worse than seen in Yangon, including whole towns and villages completely wiped out. CARE had previously stated it was assessing Pathien, where 250,000 survivors were expected to need urgent relief. CARE is purchasing supplies in Yangon to ensure the distribution of food and water to the Irrawaddy Delta happens immediately. (Care, May 10) Thaketa Township, where their assessment found more than 24,000 people affected, with 3,000 people living in seven temporary camps. (CARE, May 9). Survival kits for 50,000 people are being assembled in Thailand and expected to be delivered next week. (CARE, May 9) CARE delivered relief targeting 50,000 families in South Dagon, Thaketa and Patone. CARE is distributing: Non food items, including distribution of plastic sheeting and family kits (basic household items for cooking), Food, Water, and ensuring access to clean water through the supply of water purification tablets and safe water storage containers for families. CARE has worked in Myanmar for 14 years and has 500 staff members and offices in 11 of the 14 states. (CARE, May 7)

 

Caritas has assembled an initial team drawing on staff from across the memberships with a strong representation from the local region. Caritas is coordinating the relief efforts of its162 national members and working in support of the Catholic Church in Myanmar. (CI, May 8)

 

Christian Aid is distributing water purification tablets, blankets and medicines to 100,000 people. Supplies are being sourced from within Myanmar, but this will become more difficult over time. Christian Aid partners urgently need more supplies of water purification tablets, medicines including salt solutions, mosquito nets, blankets, clothing and materials to rebuild homes. They report that people are asking for rice seeds, as their supplies have been damaged and unless they plant in the next month will not have any rice supplies until May 2009. (CA, May 10) CA has already committed US$98,000 (50,000 GBP) for local partners to carry out relief work. (CA, May 8) Christian Aid partners in Myanmar are assessing the situation. (CA, May 6)

 

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) is making travel arrangements for an International Relief Manager to assess needs, begin early response coordination, and plan future response activities. A conference of North American faith-based organizations took place May 7 to continue planning and coordinate responses within the Myanmar delta region. A Burmese government assessment mission involving UN representatives was also scheduled for May 7. CRWRC is awaiting clearance from the Burmese government to bring immediate, emergency assistance into areas of Burma destroyed by Cyclone Nargis last weekend. While there are about 40 international NGOs working within Burma, CRWRC staff in the area report that there are few local high- to medium-capacity civic organizations or NGOs in the country. (CRWRC, May 7)

 

Church World Service (CWS) acting Asia Pacific Regional Coordinator Marvin Parvez, will arrive in Yangon on Friday (May 9). Other CWS team members were scheduled to arrive at the agency's Bangkok offices May 7, and as soon as their visas are cleared will follow Parvez. On May 9, the CWS regional office in Bangkok will host a coordination meeting of members of the international Action By Churches Together (ACT) Alliance who are intending to work in Myanmar. CWS surpassed its first fundraising appeal of Monday (May 5) for $50,000 in less than a day, and the appeal is now expanded to address the enormous scope of immediate aid needed. (CWS, May 7)

 

Concern Worldwide is trying to secure visas for two Emergency Response Team members to enter Myanmar and support their European Alliance 2015 partners, CESVI and Welthungerhilfe. (Concern, May 9) Staff members from operations in Bangladesh and India are on stand-by. Concern launched an emergency appeal and will channel funds through partners on the ground (Concern, May 7)

 

Direct Relief International postponed its initial shipment of aid on May 8 due to the widely reported reluctance of the Myanmar government to accept outside aid. An emergency conference call with fellow members of the Partnership for Quality Medical Donation confirmed all aid groups, as well as governments, are encountering the same obstacles. With direct aid thus impeded, DRI approved an immediate investment of US$25,000 to a long-time, established partner clinic that operates on the Thai side of the border and is scaling up relief operations to the maximum extent possible. DRI’s Asia program officer will coordinate efforts from Thailand starting May 10. (DRI, May 8)

 

Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) member agencies’ teams are arriving in Myanmar along with emergency relief items. See Merlin, British Red Cross and CARE for details on individual agencies. DEC will broadcast a national appeal to the UK for the DEC Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Appeal on Thursday (May8). (DEC, May 8)

 

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is providing emergency assistance through its partner, the Anglican Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM). ERD is sending funds to secure shelter, food water and other relief needs for people displaced. (ERD, May 6)

 

European Commission - Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) held a coordination meeting Thursday (May 7) in Yangon to assess the first evaluations of needs. ECHO’s representative in the Yangon office, Bernard Delpuech, is coordinating the humanitarian response with their partners and evaluating the immediate needs with them. (ECHO, May 7)

 

Gates Foundation, founded by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, will donate US$3 million, to be channeled through independent aid groups such as CARE and World Vision. (AFP, May 9)

 

Global Hope Network International (GHNI) is working with their partners in Southeast Asia to help send immediate humanitarian assistance. They are also preparing to send 6 containers of disaster relief supplies. (GHNI, May 7)

 

Global Refugee International will provide an airplane shipment of WHO-approved medical supplies to be flown into 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 preparing to send essential medicines. HPIC is working closely with Canadian healthcare companies, the WHO and aid agency partners on the ground to provide needed medicines and supplies to the people who need it most. (HPIC, May 7)

 

HelpAge International is coordinating an emergency response team to assess the situation of the estimated 170,000 older people in Myanmar affected by Cyclone Nargis. The team will arrive in the city of Yangon over the next few days. (HelpAge, May 7)

 

Human Rights Watch (HRW) calls on the Myanmar government to postpone to constitutional referendum scheduled for Saturday (May 10) to focus on cyclone relief and save lives. (HRW, May 9)

 

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – An ICRC-chartered aircraft landed early Sunday (May 11) in Yangon carrying 35 metric tons of supplies for medical care, drinking water and sanitation, and the safe disposal of bodies, which were transferred to the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS). The medical supplies can treat some 250 trauma patients and provide basic health care to 10,000 people for three months. The water and sanitation items, including a mobile water-treatment plant, can provide drinking water for 10,000 people. In accordance with a request from Myanmar authorities, the supplies will go to several detention facilities that were hit by the cyclone. The water treatment plant will be immediately deployed in a location determined by the MRCS. (ICRC, May 11) The ICRC has six foreign and 90 local staff in Myanmar and hopes to bring more in. (AP, May 10) ICRC plans to deliver aid to various places of detention affected by the cyclone. At the request of the Myanmar authorities, the ICRC will provide temporary shelter, emergency household items, and enough food, drinking water and essential drugs to last two weeks. In addition, it will support efforts to restore the water and sanitation systems to working order. It has drawn up an initial budget of (US$1.9 million) two million Swiss francs for this operation. The ICRC has already donated medical supplies to the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and it has provided a generator for a Ministry of Defence hospital. The ICRC has made four vehicles with drivers available to the MRCS to enable it to assess needs in the worst-hit areas. The ICRC and the IFRC are coordinating their efforts to support the MRC as it assesses and responds to the needs. (ICRC, May 7)

 

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) - A Red Cross boat delivering relief supplies for over 1,000 people sank near Bogalay on Sunday (May 11) after hitting a submerged tree trunk. The four Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) relief workers and all crew aboard got to safety, and the few relief supplies they were able to save will be transported by foot, bicycle and any other means to the nearest town for onward shipment. MRCS volunteers on Sunday started distributing 600 bags (5 metric tons) of rice donated by the WFP. International staff are still unable to travel beyond Yangon city limits, but on May 11 the IFRC head of country office left Yangon by road with the MRCS president to assess Labutta, Bogalay (Bogale, Bogaley), and Pyapon, the Irrawaddy Delta townships where IFRC/MRCS are currently trying to focus operational attention. They are due back in Yangon on May 13. By Monday (May 12), six IFRC flights will have landed in Yangon with a total of 35 metric tons of shelter materials, jerry cans, mosquito nets, and water/sanitation equipment for the French Red Cross water/sanitation emergency response unit. (IFRC, May 11) The IFRC has been designated as the lead for the shelter cluster, and will be supported by UNHCR. (OCHA, May 10) Three planes already arrived May 8 and 9 carrying 14 metric tons of shelter material, with all goods clearing customs and then distributed by Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS). An estimated 220,000 people had been supported by the overall humanitarian effort as of May 10, including 80,000 helped by the Red Cross. (IFRC, May 10)

 

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 is appealing for an initial US$8 million in donations to fund relief. (IOM, May 9)

 

International Medical Corps (IMC) is deploying an emergency response team that will address urgent health needs as well as distribute medical supplies, water purification tablets, sanitation items and hygiene kits. IMC had identified local partners through which it will initially channel its assistance. IMC is also working to identify logistical supply lines to affected areas as many roads are impassable. (IMC, May 8)

 

International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) will provide cash support to its ecumenical partners toward emergency relief supplies for the survivors in Myanmar, as well as issuing an Emergency Appeal for the crisis. (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 in cyclone-hit villages. In addition to aid workers on the ground, the IRC also has medical, water, sanitation, operations and logistics experts already 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) The IRC team was scheduled to begin assembling in Yangon Tuesday (May 6). (IRC, May 6)

 

Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS): Based on needs assessment done by the IFRC Field Assessment Coordination Team (FACT), relief and health items will be provided through MRCS. Through the IFRC, the MRC is going to deploy 10 of its personnel that will consist of Medical, Relief and Logistic skills to support the MRCS. The Malaysian Red Crescent has transmitted US$10, 000 to the Myanmar Red Cross Society. (MRCS, May 7)

 

Malteser International will send a medical team to the coastal town of Labutta on Sunday (May 11) to start the operation of a health center in one of the houses there that endured the storm, as “the hospital of Labutta has been almost completely destroyed.” Staff on May 9 distributed water purification tablets to 8,000 households in Dawbon, Tantabin and Thongwa districts around Yangon, enabling families to have safe drinking water for one week. Also, 850 plastic sheets for shelter and 750 “family kits” with cookware, hygiene articles and water cans are being distributed. (Malteser, May 9) Malteser ordered further water disinfection tablets to distribute them to the population in the district of Dawbon and in the poor rural settlement of Tantabin. A medical team is also providing first aid for the survivors in the Yangon Division. Malteser is planning the distribution of plastic covers for the construction of temporary shelters, cookware, mosquito nets and the construction of further water tanks that catch between 1,000 and 2,000 liters (264 and 528 gallons) and can provide safe drinking water for hundreds of people. Malteser is providing US$15,490 (10,000 Euros) in assistance and an additional (US$78,000) 50,000 Euros for emergency relief activities. Malteser has received (US$78,000) 50,000 Euros from Caritas International and financial support from the German Federal Foreign Ministry for relief work. Malteser has worked in Myanmar since 2001. (MI, May 6)

 

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) currently has 35 staff in the Irrawaddy Delta with another 40 on the way. MSF teams in Twantey and Daala, townships south of Yangon, observed 80 percent housing destruction in some areas and up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) of flood waters. MSF teams distributed food rations to 2,000 people in Twantey. MSF also did medical consultations in areas homeless are sheltering, such as pagodas and schools, and rehabilitated latrines, wells and water pumps. Other MSP teams are assessing locations further south in the delta by boat, including hard-hit Bogalay (Bogaley). A relief flight is scheduled to depart from Bordeaux, France, on May 9 carrying 40 tons of medical material, plastic sheeting, therapeutic food, and water and sanitation material. Four further shipments, totaling 160 tons of supplies, are ready to be dispatched from Europe, Dubai and Jakarta, and area expected to leave in a few days pending Myanmar authorization. (MSF, May 9) MSF teams have distributed food and plastic sheeting, and have begun treating water in Yangon. On the outskirts of Yangon, MSF organized the distribution of plastic sheeting, jerry cans and fuel for water pumps to some 5,000 people. MSF is planning to distribute mosquito nets in the coming days. An additional 20 international staff, all experts in emergency interventions are ready to join the MSF teams in Myanmar. A cargo plane containing 40 tons of first aid materials, plastic sheeting, therapeutic food and sanitary materials, is ready to leave from Europe. (MSF, May 7)

 

Mercy Corps (MC) European Headquarters Executive Director Mervyn Lee should arrive in Myanmar by Monday (May 12), after securing a visa from Myanmar’s embassy in London. MC is applying for additional visas for emergency response team members. (MC, May 9) MC is working with partners on the ground to determine the most helpful response. MC is not registered to work in Myanmar, but has worked with organizations on the ground there in the past year. (MC, May 7) MC is accepting donations to help partners on the ground bring relief to the affected. (MC, May 6)

 

Merlin, a member of Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), had an emergency medical team just arrive in Yangon, which will join the hundreds of local Merlin staff who have been established in Myanmar since 2005. Merlin has permission to use a river cruiser to deliver medical aid to tens of thousands in the Irrawaddy Delta. Merlin teams are on the ground now in Laputta townships, treating trauma patients and doing rapid health needs assessment. (DEC, May 8)

 

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) staff is in place and on standby, awaiting visas and permits that would allow it to enter the country. (MAP, May 7)

 

Muslim Aid is communicating with partners, such as Christian Aid and Oxfam, about how best to deliver aid. (Muslim Aid, May 9) They will be working with their partners Global Medic providing clean water, medicine and emergency healthcare. Muslim Aid is appealing for US$2 million worth of funds to help the thousands of survivors left homeless by the disaster. US$200,000 has already been allocated as Muslim Aid prepares its 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 in order to respond in the most effective and direct manner possible. (MHI, May 7)

 

New Zealand Red Cross (NZRC) donated US$100,000 through its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, and will be sent directly to the IFRC emergency appeal. NZRC has received over US$20,000 in individual Kiwi donations. (NZRC, May 9)

 

Operation USA announced today that it has deployed staff already stationed in Asia to assess the needs. (Operation USA, May 6)

 

Oxfam International is committed to helping NGOs meet immediate needs in Myanmar through a mixture of funding, technical expertise and equipment. (Oxfam, May 10) Oxfam has committed US$800,000. Oxfam currently does not run operational programs in the country, but is responding to the crisis through a handful of partner organizations. Oxfam is also providing funds to other international aid groups already established within Myanmar and is exploring other options for offering assistance including assigning staff members to work with UN agencies. (Oxfam, May 7)

 

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has committed $100,000 from One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds to support humanitarian relief. The response is focused on food first, from $40,000 to $50,000 in food aid, then shelter. PDA is responding in Myanmar as a member of and in partnership with Action by Churches Together (ACT) International and Church World Service. Both entities have local partners in Myanmar and will have representatives to help in the provision of relief items to cyclone survivors. (PDA, May 8)

 

Project HOPE is moving to gather medical supplies. (PH, May 7)

 

Refugees International (RI) urges the governments of China, India, and ASEAN countries to facilitate Myanmar acquiescence to increased international involvement and to also insist that visas be granted as quickly as possible to international aid workers and that import procedures be waived for humanitarian goods entering the country. Because of its experience with the tsunami response, RI urges Indonesia to play a constructive role by emphasizing the importance of strong collaboration between central government, local governments, UN agencies, and local and international NGOs. (RI, May 7)

 

Save the Children (SC) has delivered aid to 72,000 people (including 24,000 children) as of May 9, and will reach a further 42,000 people in the next four days. SC has locally purchased 50 metric tons of rice, distributed water, oral rehydration tablets and other relief, and initiated child protection activities for children in shelters. (SC, May 9) On May 8, SC returned to affected peri-urban townships in Yangon for a fourth day, covering an additional 25,000 new beneficiaries and bringing total coverage to 63,000 people across the four townships of Shwe Pyi Tar, Thin Gan Gyun, Insein, and North Okkalapa. Trucks containing 1,000 bags of rice (30 tons), 20 rolls of tarpaulin, sugar and salt reached Pathein, SC’s operations base for response in the western Irrawaddy Delta region). SC is negotiating with authorities to distribute in Haing Gyi (pre-emergency population of 92,707) and Nga Pu Taw (pre-emergency population of 335,936, with reports of collapsed hospital), and expects to send boats with relief supplies by May 9, with authorities to provide a security escort as there are reports of fighting over arriving supplies. SC is helping repair a Yangon center for HIV positive girls and young women to provide them with basic necessities. SC is working with CARE in Bangkok to ready family kits for 100,000 people, and with SC US to bring in a plane with health and household kits from Sumatra. (OCHA, May 8) SC launched a global emergency appeal for US$9.8 million (£5 million). SC on May 6 provided food, plastic tarpaulins, water purification tablets and rehydration salts to 50,000 people. (SC, May 7) From May 5-7, SC distributed 2 metric tons of food, plastic sheeting, water purification tablets, kitchen equipment, re-hydration salts and other non food items to over 30,000 children and families. (SC, May 7) SC, the largest NGO presence in Myanmar, and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are leading on education, aiming to resume schooling on June 1. (OCHA, May 8)

 

Tearfund partner agencies inside Myanmar are responding to the thousands of people that were affected. Partner’s programs are providing response in the form of shelters, food and clean water through a network of churches in the region. Through its partner staff Tearfund is 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)

 

Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF) team is on stand-by and ready to deploy to Burma. TSF and its regional office in Bangkok are closely monitoring the situation, ready to deploy as soon as the government requests for International support. (TSF, May 7)

 

Trócaire today (May 6) launched an emergency appeal. Trócaire has been working in Myanmar since 1995 and spent US$ 2.5 million (€1,585,222) there in 2006 – 2007. (Trocaire, May 6)

 

Tzu Chi Foundation on May 10 had volunteers from Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan arrive in Myanmar to further assess the situation. Relief items are on standby, including food, blankets, tents, first aid kits and body bags. (Tzu Chi, May 11) It was previously reported that Tzu Chi sent 100 Thailand-based members and volunteers to distribute relief material and medicine. (DPA, May 7)

 

United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Authority (UAE RCA) has a humananitarian team that will leave soon for Myanmar to conduct emergency relief operations. Volunteers are loading a cargo plane carrying relief supplies, including food, water, blankets and medicine. UAE RCA will coordinate with the Myanmar Red Cross and will locally purchase further supplies after arriving in Myanmar. (UAE Government, May 8)

 

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is responding to the widespread need in Myanmar. UMCOR will work through partners such as Church World Service, one of the few agencies with permits to work in Myanmar. Additional avenues of response are being explored through Action by Churches Together and other partners. UMCOR continues to monitor the situation and expects to respond to help the people of Myanmar recover as opportunities become available. (UMCOR, May 7)

 

Welthungerhilfe is donating US$773,000 (500,000 Euros). They are initially distributing food for 5,000 survivors of Cyclone Nargis. From the project location in Yangon, Welthungerhilfe aid workers bought produce from local rice mills and immediately began distributing it. The agency’s aid operations are well under way in Htan Tabin, a rural outer district of Yangon, and one of the next deployment areas will be Dawbon, a slum area on the edge of the city with a population of some 70,000 people. In the devastated villages of Htan Tabin and Dawbon the residents are receiving seeds, agricultural equipment and mats woven out of palm leaves to repair their roofs. (Welthungerhilfe, May 8) Around 50,000 people will initially be supplied with food and temporary roofs for their destroyed houses. They began distribution of supplies on Wednesday (May 7), according to Angela Schwarz, the Regional Coordinator of Welthungerhilfe in Myanmar. Welthungerhilfe has been working since 2002 in Myanmar. (Welthungerhilfe – German Agro Action, May 7)

 

World Emergency Relief (WER) has launched an emergency appeal. WER is appealing for donations to provide emergency supplies to the region. WER is in close contact with local partner agencies in Yangon, to assess the immediate needs of victims. A WER team will leave Thailand for Myanmar on May 8 to deliver initial medical supplies. WER is also preparing further medical supplies for immediate airfreight to the country. (WER, May 7)

 

World Relief is working with partners from the Global Relief Alliance, and will channel vital aid to the people who need it the most. (WR, May 7)

 

World Vision announced a US$1 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to fund the purchase and distribution of food and water, as well as shelter, hygiene and cooking materials, as well as help with longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. (WV, May 10) World Vision has helped almost 78,000 people in the Yangon area, providing rice and water worth US$175,000 and other relief items. (WV, May 9) World Vision has delivered 35 metric tons of rice, 20,000 liters of drinking water and diesel fuel to allow generators to pump water. Clothing, blankets and tarpaulins have also been distributed to people living in and around Yangon. Their assessment teams have been deployed to five areas in the worst-hit Irrawaddy Delta division, including Bogalay. (WV, May 8) World Vision is appealing for US$3 million in global donations to support its relief efforts. Initial supplies handed out will include zinc sheets, tents, tarpaulins and medicines. World Vision has operated in Myanmar for some 40 years and more than 500 World Vision staff were in-country when the cyclone hit.

 

 

Foreign Governments

 

OCHA said that 47 teams specializing in search and rescue, medical teams, information management support teams, and others from 21 different countries are on stand-by in different parts of the world. (OCHA, May 9)

 

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) repeated calls May 6 for its member nations to provide urgent assistance to Myanmar. (Jakarta Post, May 6) ASEAN Secretariat established an emergency humanitarian relief fund for Myanmar. The first contribution of US$100,000 came from the Nippon Foundation. (ASEAN, May 8) ASEAN on May 8 appealed to the international community to keep sending aid through Thailand. (AP, May 8)

 

Argentina dispatched water purification tablets to treat 264,000 gallons (1 million liters) of water. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

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

 

Australia provided an additional (US$20.8 million) 22 million AUD in assistance. In addition to the initial US$2.8 million (3 million AUD) announced May 7, this brings the total assistance provided to US$23.6 million (25 million AUD), of which 12.5 million AUD will go to the UN Flash Appeal. (AusAID, GoA, May 11)

 

Bangladesh is sending a plane load of potatoes, clothes, medicines, water purification tablets, oral saline and a five-member military team. (Reuters, May 9)

 

Canada has set aside up to US$2 million to respond to help the cyclone-affected through UN agencies, the Red Cross and major NGOs. (Government of Canada, May 6) Canada has offered the services of its Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART). (GoC, May 9)

 

China said a plane carrying 60 tons (US$500,000) in relief aid arrived in Yangon on May 9 carrying the second batch of aid from China. (Xinhua, May 9), which included food, tents and blankets. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9) China will give US$500,000 in cash to Myanmar. (Reuters, May 5) China said it would give an additional US$4.3 million for relief efforts. (AP, May 8) China’s southwestern Guangxi province, where the Sino-ASEAN Expo is held annually, has donated US$250,000 via the Chinese embassy in Myanmar. China’s central government has so far donated a total of US$5.3 million in aid and cash to Myanmar. (Xinhua, May 10)

 

Denmark has indicated a donation of US$2.1 million. (OCHA, May 6)

 

The Czech Republic has offered US$65,000 in aid. (Irrawaddy, May 7)

 

France has given about US$320,000 (200,000 euros) in aid. (Reuters, May 7) France said it has sent a Navy ship with 1,500 tons of supplies that should arrive next Thursday (May 15). (AFP, May 9) France recently increased its emergency aid to Myanmar to US$3.1 million (2 million EUR). (DPA, May 10) After saying it will deliver aid to cyclone victims independently “without waiting any further” for permission, France said it will not send the warship Mistral into Myanmar’s territorial waters and distribute aid without permission from the junta. (The Irrawaddy, May 11)

 

The European Commission announced Tuesday that it will give US$3.1 million (2 million Euros) in fast-track aid. The funds will be managed by the Commission's Humanitarian Aid Department. (European Commission, May 6) Three humanitarian experts are due to depart to reinforce the Commission’s team in the field. (ECHO, May 8) ECHO held a coordination meeting May 7 in Yangon to assess the first evaluations of needs. ECHO’s representative in the Yangon office, Bernard Delpuech, is coordinating the humanitarian response with their partners and evaluating the immediate needs with them. (ECHO, May 7)

 

Germany will give around US$775,000 through German aid organizations to provide shelter, drinking water, utensils and mosquito nets. (Reuters, May 5) Germany on Wednesday doubled its aid to US$2.5 million (1 million Euros) but is channeling funds through German aid groups. (DPA, May 8)

 

Greece has pledged about US$300,000 in aid. (Reuters, May 5) A C-130 aircraft loaded with medical supplies and relief items is standing by, awaiting permission from Myanmar authorities. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

India sent two naval ships arrived on May 7, loaded with food, tents, clothing, blankets and medicine. Two aircraft dispatched on May 7 delivered four tons of medicines and four tons of tents to Yangon. A transport plane arrived in Yangon on May 8, carrying over 32 tons of relief items, including tents, blankets and medicines. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

Indonesia will give US$1 million and will send food, medicine and other humanitarian aid. (Reuters, May 5)

 

Ireland has donated relief supplies that are being airlifted to Myanmar from UN warehouses in Italy. The Irish Rapid Response Corps is also on stand-by for deployment if requested. (AFP, May 6)

 

Israel is mobilizing a monitoring team to address water/sanitation issues. (UN, May 7)

 

Italy delivered on May 5 plastic rolls, water storage containers, water purification units, jerry cans, tents, tarpaulins and mosquito nets, valued at US$240,000. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9) Italy has also given US$191,000 (123,000 Euros) to the IFRC. (UN, May 5)

 

Japan has decided to extend emergency assistance up to US$10 million through UNICEF, UNHCR and WFP. Japan has also provided relief supplies worth some US$570,000. (GoJ, May 9) Two planes arrived May 7 with tents, generators, blankets, plastic sheets, polyester tanks, water tanks and sleeping pads. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

Laos dispatched 2.5 tons of food and water. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

Malaysia has a Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team is on standby. (UN, May 7) Ministry of Foreign Affairs is activating the Tabung Bencana Kementarian Luar Negeri to enable the Malaysian public to channel funds to Myanmar. (GoM, May 8)

 

The Netherlands has made available US$1.55 million (1 million euros), but will not distribute the money until it determines which relief agencies are being allowed into Myanmar. (Govt of Netherlands, May 6)

 

New Zealand has given US$1.1 million for distribution via aid agencies/UN. (Reuters, May 9)

 

Norway will provide about US$2 million (10 million NOK) in emergency relief (Govt. of Norway, May 6) The Norwegian Emergency Preparedness System is ready with relief items to support the UN mission. (UN, May 7)

 

The Philippines plans to send a 15-member medical team to Myanmar within the next 48 hours. (Govt of Philippines, May 7)

 

Qatar is dispatching relief items and medical teams support. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

Russia's EMERCOM is delivering 135 tents, 2,000 blankets, 15 MT of sugar and canned meat, 10 MT of disinfectants and medical supplies and eight generators to arrive between May 10 and May 12. (UN, May 7, Virtual OSOCC, May 9)

 

Singapore dispatched US$200,000 in relief items, including medical supplies, water, water purification tablets, tents, groundsheets, blankets, sleeping bags and food. The medical supplies arrived on May 8. (Virtual OSOCC, May 9) Singapore’s Civil Defense Force is on standby to offer medical and rescue teams. (UN, May 7)

 

South Korea is providing US$100,000 as its initial response. (UN, May 7)

 

Spain has donated about US$775,000 (500,000 Euros) to the WFP for Myanmar. (Reuters, May 7) A plane carrying 13 tons of aid, including water, shelter and health supplies, was dispatched the evening of May 8. (GoS, May 8)

 

Sri Lanka will give US$25,000 to the Myanmar government. The government is also considering sending a team of doctors and nurses to affected areas. (Xinhua, May 6)

 

Swedish Rescue Mission Services is ready to deploy experts on logistics, telecommunications and shelter on short notice.

 

Switzerland, through its Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), has released a funding package of US$475,000 (500,000 CHF). An assessment team including a doctor, a drinking water and building specialists, two logistics experts and a Swiss Red Cross member was dispatched to Myanmar Tuesday. (SDC, May 6)

 

Thailand has donated an initial US$100,000 and on Monday used C-130 aircraft to airlift nine metric tons of food and medical supplies worth US$314,960 (10 million Thai baht) to its neighbor. Thailand's public health ministry along with the Thai Red Cross and foreign ministry is prepared to deploy 19 doctor teams to Myanmar with medicines if requested (Xinhua, May 6). Thailand has prepared 2,000 aid sets, containing 10 tons of food and bedding, to help cyclone victims. The US$34,840 (1.08 million THB) worth of aid was donated by the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation, Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorm donated 20 tons of food, relief supplies, electric generators and water purifiers. (Xinhua, May 10) Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will dispatch a special envoy to Myanmar on Saturday (May 10) to appeal to the junta leaders to permit foreign relief teams, especially from the US and UK. (The Nation, May 10)

 

United Arab Emirates will build 200 temporary schools in affected areas. (UAE, May 8)

 

The United Kingdom is contributing up to US$9.85 million (5 million pounds). The Department for International Development (DFID) will also send an additional field team to Myanmar to help with international relief efforts. One DFID team is already on the ground. (DFID, May 6)

 

The United States has offered an initial US$3.25 million through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) for water/sanitation, emergency food assistance and shelter through the UN, UNICEF, WFP and UNHCR. US$1 million will go through the American Red Cross and USAID/DART will allocate US$2 million to other partners. Funds are in addition to an initial US$250,000 to UN agencies. (USAID, May 9) According to AP, the government and US private sector has committed over US$1.5 billion in aid. (AP, May 8) The US also has a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) on standby. The 10-person DART is in Bangkok awaiting approval to enter the country. (USAID, May 9) The US Treasury is expediting approvals for aid groups to provide money and services although Myanmar’s has been under US sanctions since 2003. (AFP, USAID May 6, Reuters May 7) According to an Air Force spokesperson at the Pentagon, the US military will have available at least 3 C-130s and a C-17 transport plane available at a staging area in Thailand. The Navy has three ships participating in an exercise in the Gulf of Thailand that could help in relief efforts. Helicopters are being sent from the USS Essex to the staging area, according to an anonymous defense official who said he was not authorized to speak on the record. The USS Essex and USS Juneau were expected to move closer to Myanmar, while the USS Harpers Ferry and a destroyer, the USS Mustin, were expected to head towards Myanmar on Friday (May 9). (AP, May 8) The US announced that Myanmar will allow a US C-130 transport plane with US supplies to land on Monday (May 12). (BBC, MSNBC, May 9)