News from AMDA Myanmar Relief. Also see www.AMDA.or.jp

May 08, 2008

Myanmar Cyclone Disaster I

Early morning of the 2nd of May a powerful cyclone, Nargis hit the central and southern part of Myanmar. According to the state owned TV station there are 22,000 people confirmed dead and more than 41,000 are missing. The assessment of damaged has been faced with delays and the number of victims is more likely to increase. According to some latest unconfirmed reports the death toll might rise up to 100,000.

According to the Government of Myanmar 5 regions, Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Bago divisions and Mon and Kayin States have been affected by the Cyclone and as a result are decreased as disaster areas. It is also reported that there are more than 100,000 people are facing lack of evacuation centers and drinking water. Many of them are seeking shelters at their relatives or friend’s house and temples.

Because of the scale of disaster and AMDA’s presence in the country for more than ten years, there have been a lot of inquiries and interest from the media, general public as well as from our partners and donors. The safety of AMDA-MINDS staffs (2 Japanese and 9 local staffs) is confirmed and there are no injuries. However it was reported that some of the local staff’s home were damaged by the cyclone and water.

Because of the damage to the infrastructure communication was quite difficult to establish and fallen trees and roofless houses can be seen everywhere. Cost of living has soared since the disaster. Cost of food has doubled and the bus fare has gone up by 20 times. Markets and banks have partially opened in Yangon. Public hospitals have suffered considerable damages from the cyclone and some of them are not in operation. Infrastructure has broken down and most of them are still not in operation. Especially water is causing a lot of concern. Many of the victims are drinking lake water which may result in greater health problem. Myanmar Government’s national disaster center is asking the world community for the following items: funding, medicine, tent, blue sheets, instant food, construction material, blankets, and summer clothing.
Considering the scale of damage AMDA is planning to mobilize local doctors and medical staff from the current office location in central dry area to the affected areas.

Head quarter plans to organize mobile clinic with AMDA Myanmar office and its local staff and has already given instruction to get the approval from the government.
UN, its agencies and other big organizations are sending in relief goods to Myanmar. AMDA could act as a coordinator in distributing these goods to the people in need. The instruction has been also given to look into the possibilities.
Latest news:
Early this morning (8th May) one of the head quarter staff has left Japan for Bangkok to purchase relief items for the victims.