Description:
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. The official figures for dead and missing have almost doubled in the last 24 hours and now
stand at 77,738 dead and 55,917 missing. Unofficial figures are considerably higher. The
number of injured rose steeply to 19,359, up from 1,403. The latest official figure for dead and
missing combined is 133,653. The Cluster Leads in country are working on the results
assessments and information received from the delta region to ascertain the number of affected....
2. An estimated 500,000 individuals have been reached with emergency relief from the
international community. However there are gaps in information of people reached by
government-provided services, and relief provided locally by communities and charitable
benefactors....
3. Time is of the essence with the fast approaching monsoon season. Extensive damage to the
agriculture production risks the loss of the November harvest given the planting season
ends within five to seven weeks, depending on the areas. If this planting season is lost then
assistance would be required for some months to come. In addition this could also potentially
disrupt the local economy and livelihood opportunities for the communities in the delta. It is
estimated that over USD 10 million worth of seeds is needed. The Early Recovery and
Agriculture clusters are working closely with national authorities to address this issue....
4. Restrictions on the importation and use of communications equipment in Myanmar are
impacting communications between relief agencies....
5. Transport and Storage networks of the Logistics Operations Plan are being put in place.
Contracts for boats and trucking fleets to access the delta have been issued and now work is
underway to coordinate the plans of the clusters for aid arriving in Yangon, and distribution
beyond. This will facilitate a clear understanding of capacities for the optimum use of
transportation and allow for forward planning to address possible gaps....
6. The establishment of three operational centres in Labutta, Pathein, and Bugale, in the delta
region to support the current multi-sectoral coordination in the most damaged areas is underway.
Cluster Leads are working together to develop a common plan and communication mechanism
between Yangon and the delta....
7. Food, shelter, medical supplies and water remain critical needs. The Food Cluster still awaits the
approval of the Government to import rice, pulses and oil....
8. The Government of Myanmar arranged a helicopter tour of the affected areas and temporary
relief settlements for diplomats, Heads of UN Agencies on Sunday 17 May. ASEAN team
members and UNDAC were also invited to participate.
Source/publisher:
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Date of Publication:
2008-05-17
Date of entry:
2008-06-03
Grouping:
- Individual Documents
Category:
Language:
English
Local URL:
Format:
pdf
Size:
55 KB