Cyclone aid

Myanmar emergency response continues


Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D) continues to provide emergency relief in Myanmar (Burma) through the Action by Churches Together (ACT) International network following the cyclone that devastated the Irrawaddy delta region in May. Relief efforts have been strategic and effective, and continue to reach an increasing number of people. While the need for food and shelter has been met in some areas, there are still many regions in need of support.

The resilience of those who have been most affected is inspiring. A surprisingly high proportion of the Delta's paddy fields have been planted despite the destruction created by Cyclone Nargis. Still, close to a million people will rely on food assistance for many months to come. In areas such as agriculture, fishing, health and education, an enormous recovery and rebuilding task lies ahead for the affected population as well as for those seeking to assist them.

With support from PWS&D and other member organizations, ACT International launched its full relief and recovery appeal for over $12 million US to provide assistance through the end of 2008. The ACT alliance has assisted approximately 400,000 people with emergency assistance and supplies, including food, water, shelter, basic household items, power tillers and seeds.

Despite widespread death and destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, the focus of relief efforts continues to be on empowering victims to regain the will and strength to rebuild their lives and move on from this disaster.

Specific activities and achievements:

- Water baskets used to collect rainwater have been supplied to 1,572 communities serving an average of 150 individuals in each location with drinking water.

- Over 24,000 tarpaulins are helping more than 100,000 people create temporary shelters.

- Four water purification systems are now available for emergency use, providing safe drinking water for approximately 10,000 people.

- More than 80,000 individuals have received food items.

- Small grants to village committees are allowing residents to purchase food and other relief items, helping an estimated 120,000 people.

- Power tillers, fuel and rice seeds are helping villages ensure a rice paddy harvest.

- Small-scale assistance is helping people deal with the psychosocial consequences of the disaster. ACT has provided assistance for funerals and staff continue to visit destroyed villages to help survivors cope with losses and suffering.

- ACT continues to coordinate with other non-governmental organizations and UN agencies to maximize relief efforts wherever possible.