Myanmar Cyclone Nargis

Cyclone Nargis, a Category 3 storm, hit Myanmar (Burma) on May 2, 2008. According to news reports, high winds, heavy rain and flood waters killed almost 100,000 people, and close to 50,000 were still missing. An estimated 1.5 million people are in need of emergency assistance.

Assessments describe widespread destruction of houses, especially in the Irrawady delta area. Haing-gyi Island on the country’s southwest coast is the hardest hit area. The towns of Bogaly, Labutta and Patnaw, along with many small villages in the delta area, have been almost completely destroyed.

Initial assessment data indicates that approximately 300,000 households have lost their homes. An estimated 75 percent of schools in the seven severely affected townships have collapsed while the remaining 25 percent have lost their roofs. The level of emergency shelter assistance being provided to the affected people is relatively small due to the many constraints humanitarian agencies are facing. Thousands of people are at risk in crowded camps and temporary shelters. Among the pressing needs are food, water, water purification supplies and receptacles, and sanitation facilities. Roofing and construction materials for shelter camps are greatly needed as well.

Habitat response
Although Habitat for Humanity does not have an active program in Myanmar, we are coordinating response actions with partner organizations in support of long-term shelter reconstruction efforts for those affected. Habitat representatives are participating in meetings in Bangkok designed to bring together all key United Nations agencies and international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) to provide coordinated humanitarian assistance to affected communities in Myanmar. Habitat played a major role in rebuilding efforts following the 2004 Asian tsunami and will contribute its considerable experience to the rebuilding of permanent housing in Myanmar.

Currently, there are restrictions on individuals and representatives of INGOs wishing to secure visas to enter the country. These restrictions will impact Habitat’s ability to initiate rebuilding programs immediately in Myanmar, including any possible need for, and placement of, volunteers.

Your Habitat gift today will support response initiatives around shelter and housing in Myanmar.

Donate to Habitat for rebuilding Myanmar.