Myanmar Cyclone Nargis: OCHA Situation Report

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Source: paraaussies

A volunteer's account

Excerpt translated from YMG's post

The 6 year old girl wouldn't let go of her father's hand. They were among the cyclone refugees taking shelter in a camp in Mawlamyaing Kyun. The cyclone had left them bruised from top to toe. The father, a marine worker, told me:

"We heard about an approaching storm on the radio. To us, it's nothing new; we get storms all the time. So that day, I didn't go out into the sea."

"When the house started to shake, we ran to the coconut trees. I heaved my 2-year old son onto my shoulders, and pushed my two older children up the tree and hugged them tight. Somewhere along the way, I lost my wife. Piece by piece, the wind whipped away our house. The water level rose, it came up to my waist.. with me on the coconut tree."

"As time passed, the sky grew darker. We could hear people's cries for help. My arms were giving way.. my toddler was also holding so tight onto my neck that I could hardly breathe. Next thing I knew, he had fallen off but I couldn't save him. Moments later, my 5 year old son fell off the tree. My daughter was very frightened. She thought I let go of them on purpose. Why would I do that?"

"She told me not to let go of her. I promised her I would not, and I told her over and over again that I didn't mean to let her brothers fall. When the tides receded, we climbed down. I saw my two sons among the debris. My wife was crushed by a fallen coconut tree. I don't know how long I held them and cried.. I only remembered that some of the villagers tried to console me and took the bodies away."

I looked at the little girl and saw her tears. I asked her if she was hungry. She shook her head. She told me she was crying because she missed her brothers.

Volunteers act to give the cyclone victims a decent burial

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to a group of volunteers who have been doing a great service to men, women and children who perished during the cyclone. These volunteers have purchased one acre of land, and they are dedicated to giving a decent burial for all the cyclone victims who lost their lives.

Please click here to see a pictorial of their activities.
Warning: Link contains disturbing images.

Activity Updates

Project 7

The team has successfully completed another project today. They delivered aid today to an offshore village at the southern tip of Pyapon Township. We will update with photos when we manage to upload them.

Project 6
We have uploaded:
1. 13 photos - more to come depending on the connection
2. Project report (minus the names of volunteers)
3. Project costing for both main and reserve funds

Outstanding:
1. Project receipts

We apologise for the delay as we are rather short of manpower, and our priority is to get aid to the victims. Recently, there have been reports that many private donor groups are unable to continue due to lack of funds, and we're one of the few groups remaining. This makes it all the more important for us to reach the remote villages before rebuilding is complete.

Also, internet connection is hampering uploads for the time being.

A child's depiction of Cyclone Nargis

Source: Myo Chit Myanmar

Updates for 1.June.2008

Private donors reported that in many areas, all donors have been asked to hand over the supplies to a central donation centre located in that area. We received the news a few days ago, but we are unable to verify if this applies to all places or only larger towns.

Meanwhile, we have been informed that two container loads of clothing sent by collection centres in Peninsula Plaza, Singapore, are currently stuck at the Yangon International Airport due to customs issues. The clothes are donated by well wishers from Singapore. As a result, the coordinators have stopped accepting collection for the moment.

However, it is still possible to send aid items to Yangon at reduced freight charges. Please make inquiries at Peninsula Plaza.

Aid distribution: Challenges

We are currently auditing all our accounts. To date, we have remitted:
Main fund: Ks 5,128,850.00
Reserve Fund: Ks 413,400.00

Once we have closed accounts for Project 4 (pending), we will have about 1.8 Million Kyats left for Project 5.

As we only use Main Fund for purchase of aid distribution items, where receipts are issued, it is easily accounted for. However, for Reserve Fund, many hidden costs (e.g. toll charges, extra charges for rental cars etc) have to be accounted for, and it takes a lot of effort on the part of the team to keep accounts. Project 4, being a bigger project, in terms of logistics, it is taking us some time to close the accounts, and we ask for your understanding.

Below are a list of other issues faced by our team (and other private donors):

1. Unstable pricing
The price for lentils have gone up since Project 1, and you will see that for Projects 3 and 4, we have had to pay a higher price. Also, for Project 4, we managed to source for rice of better quality, and it costs about 20,000 more for each 50kg pack.

2. Hidden charges
In Burma, there are many uncertainties. There did not used to be any toll charges for the road into the delta. But on the 26th, the team had to pay not only road tax but also toll charges for passing a bridge.

3. Changing regulations
From 22nd to 25th of May, many private donors and their cars were detained on their way back from the delta. Car licenses were confiscated and drivers faced one year ban. However, on the 28th of May, the national newspaper published an article that said that the government has decided to allow all forms of aid to be freely distributed. Yet, yesterday's paper said that the people of the delta could live off the land and did not need any aid. This means that we have to be constantly on our toes to make sure that we do not breach any regulations.

4. Internet access (or the lack of)
It is extremely difficult to get data out of Burma as connections are very slow. The public have to rely on dial-up or broadband connection at the Internet cafes. For each project, it takes us at least 10 hours (2 nights with 5 hours spent on the Internet; day time access is even slower) to receive the photos from the team. There are times when the team is unable to log in at all, or the connection may get cut off and the file transfer aborted.

Free emails such as gmail and yahoo are blocked in Burma, and bypasses do not always work. The team usually uses websites such as Send6 to file zipped files of photos in batches. However, access to Send6 is no longer possible as of 27th of May. For Project 4, the team in Yangon somehow managed to access another photo page and upload the photos there. But when we downloaded these photos for editing, the dates reflected are that of the download date, and did not match the project date. We are still unable to solve the problem at the moment as the only way is to resend all the pictures again, and the team in Yangon is busy preparing for Project 5.

xxx

We would like to seek your understanding on the constraints that we have; we are doing what we do out of goodwill and compassion for the cyclone victims, and while we try our best to keep everything in order, delays may be inevitable.

Thank you very much for your continued support. Should you have any questions, please direct them to cyclone.aid@gmail.com

Updates from the field

Earlier, we had discussed about building a school for village children in one of the cyclone hit areas. However, after the last expedition, we realised that people are still desperately in need of food and clothing.

One villager from Bogale township told the team:
"Some days, we don't have any rice to eat. Private donors give us bread. So we wash it down with water."

Many were very hungry when the team reached them; they immediately opened the biscuit packets to eat.

Meanwhile, the police are keeping a close watch on private donors. Our team was followed closely by a few policemen on motorbikes as they passed a stretch of road filled with refugees. While the refugees looked on hopefully, the team was unable to distribute any food as they have been warned repeatedly not to do so.

The local authorities say they want the refugees to return to their villages instead of camping by the roadside. However, many survivors say that it is impossible as their houses and farms have been destroyed and they have no way of making a living.

On the international aid front, UN and other NGO's are expanding their operations to accessible areas. The team witnessed packages of aid being brought in to Bogale, including farming equipment. However, small villages off the main road remain isolated.

Project 4: Mission Accomplished

The team returned this morning from Project 4. We will try to upload the pictures and expenditure within 2-3 days.

There are restrictions being imposed on private donors. They are not allowed to distribute aid along the road, but they must enter the villages proper. Yesterday's arrests were linked to such acts of giving aid to survivors stationed along the road. Any vehicle caught doing so faces a 1-year confiscation.

However, private donors may find it difficult to follow these new rules as many of the survivors are camped out by the highway. Access to the villages are also difficult due to flooding.

Updates from Yangon

Source: Myo Chit Myanmar

According to a report on Myo Chit Myanmar, many private donors who distributed aid to survivors from KunChanKone Township were arrested and detained by the police on 25th May 2008.

One volunteer told Myo Chit Myanmar that the group was stopped by the police at the PanHlaing Bridge (HlaingTharYar) after being spotted giving food packets to survivors who were stationed by the roadside. The volunteer added that there were many other vehicles at the bridge that had been stopped by the police. The volunteer was detained in InSein GTI compound, and was only released after midnight.

In the same report, a resident of Yangon described the paranoia surrounding the consumption of fish and other seafood. Rumours were rife that a housewife had found human fingers in the stomach of a fish she purchased. This has led to a drop in sales with many in the city steering clear from purchasing seafood. Hard hit fishmongers were heard complaining in dismay that they may no longer be able to earn a living.

Many residents are also still traumatised by their recent experience with Cyclone Nargis so much so that even a small drizzle could send them into a state of paranoia. They seem to still be living in fear of another storm or cyclone.

For the original article in Burmese, please click here.

The Plight of Survivors in Rangoon Division

We received more photos from Yangon yesterday evening from a group of private donors. The photos highlight the plight of the cyclone survivors in Rangoon division. While the death toll may not be as high as that in the Irrawaddy Division, the majority of families in some places are left totally homeless. We have also been informed that just beyond these areas, there are bodies floating in the paddy fields.

Unfortunately, the survivors in these areas have been 'ignored' as most of the attention from NGO's have been focused on Irrawaddy Division. What is inspiring though is that many are wearing smiles on their faces, and making the most of what they have. Neighbours share what little they have, putting up those whose houses have been swept away. People work rain or shine to patch up their houses, and in many cases, rebuild them from scratch.

U Kaung Gyi, from KunChanKone Township, with all his worldly possessions. He lost his entire family of 8 (and everything else) to Cyclone Nargis. He was wandering by himself by the roadside. He looked dazed and lost when the group met him.

A family of 7 calls this home after Cyclone Nargis


In contrast: one of the few government-run camps; at least 3 times as spacious, and 10 times as safe from the natural elements


A different type of baby seat..


This group of people are among those evicted from a monastery, after being left homeless by Cyclone Nargis.


On the left is what used to be the house of the Nominated Parliament Member of KunChanKone (a National League for Democracy candidate). On the right, is the make-shift home he's staying in as the house is being 'rebuilt'.


You can view the full album here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/cyclone.aid/SituationUpdate20080524?authkey=BpU_koAymVw

On the ground; this week's updates

Yangon
While damage inflicted by Cyclone Nargis is limited in Yangon, many residents are still having a hard time coping. Electricity is still not available in many areas, and as the price of zinc sheets have shot up, repair works have become too costly for low-income families.

Residents say it costs upwards of 50,000 kyats to clear a fallen tree. One neighbourhood coughed up 1 million kyats to repair their electric cables; each household put in 50,000. One sheet of corrugated zinc (we're checking exact measurements) costs about 6000 kyats.

Cyclone Victims
Travelers to the Irrawaddy Delta told Cyclone Aid that aid organised by local authorities had limited reach, and many refugees are reliant on private donors for their daily meals. This is especially so in areas such as Myaung Mya and Maubin, which are considered to have fared relatively better in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. NGO's seem to be focusing on places such as Laputta, which are the worst hit.

Many of the refugees in Rangoon Division seemed to have retained their fighting spirit, and are trying to reclaim their lives. Families have scraped together bits or tarpaulin, bamboo poles and other materials to build shelters for themselves. This has not been easy; 100 pieces of thatch are being sold for 22,000 kyats.

Elsewhere, there are stories both inspiring and heartbreaking. A woman saved lives by hanging on to a large tree, and asking 5 more people to hang on to her. All 6 of them lived, but the woman lost her arm in the process from prolonged trauma. Another committed suicide when she found herself to be the sole survivor; she had lost her husband and children to Nargis.

Democratic Voice of Burma reported last week that many refugees in camps are being told to return to their villages, despite having nothing to return to. Cyclone Aid also received news that the town of Bogalay is almost empty, as refugees have been asked to leave.

Non-government Organisations
According to our sources, the following NGO's are on the ground:
1. Red Cross
2. Save the Children
3. Unicef
4. World Food Programme
5. World Vision

Mercy Relief is not able to 'enter' yet as it is not able to release aid without the presence of its own personnel.

UNHCR currently has less than 10 people on the ground. According to a source in Yangon, even UNHCR's local staff are being restricted from entering the hard hit disaster zones in the Irrawaddy Delta.

The Medical Team sent by Singapore is currently stationed in TwanTe, far from the Irrawaddy Delta.

Groups such have Merlin, who went into disaster zones without permission from the government, are being asked to leave.

The real scenerio: Point of View of a volunteer in the field

Sit Mone (of burmasitmone.wordpress.com) translated Handy Myanmar Youth's Nyi Lynn Seck's post about the difficulties and frustration he felt in carrying out the team's first project in Laputta.

Translated article in English: http://burmasitmone.wordpress.com/2008/05/19/a-blogger-and-volunteers-real-life-experience-with-cyclone-nargis-victims/#more-1463

Original article in Burmese: http://nyilynnseck.blogspot.com/2008/05/laputta.html

Situation Update: Shwe Pauk Kan, Kawmhu, KunChanKone, Twante, Panhlaing

Photos were taken between 18.May.2008 to 20.May.2008 by private donors who visited the area to contribute cash donations for the residents to rebuild their homes.

Money matters

Exchange rates are dropping steadily. Agents in Peninsula plaza were selling Singapore dollars at SGD 820 (down from Monday's 825).

This is causing us some concern, and we will send the remaining funds to Yangon today at a rate of 1 SGD = Ks 835. It will be done at 10am GMT +6.5.

We are also concerned about the rising price of commodities in Yangon. While we managed to get a discounted rate (over 30%) for our first purchase of 30 sacks of rice, we might not be able to do so in the future.

We are asking help from a factory owner to sponsor storage space. If it works out, we will try to buy food stocks in advance before the prices shoot up even more.

Two donors in Yangon have also pledged to donate 3 sacks of rice for our next project. We will put up a new list to acknowledge our sponsors.

Relief efforts by doctors

Cyclone Aid received an email from a doctor who is coordinating medical efforts in the Irrawaddy Delta.

On Monday,
1. We've sent two teams, fully equipped and lead by Dr. Kyaw Thin, to Myaung Mya, arriving there in the afternoon.
2. Two teams also left for Kwun Chan Kone on the same day.
3. A team left for Kyee Myin Daing other bank of the river.

Let me start with Myaung Mya team. There are 32 refugee camps there, the biggest one with 1700 individuals in jute factory. The manager in charge gave his room to our members. Two teams cooperated in that area. Destitute locals are so grateful to meet us. We also donated some medicines to district hospital; District Medical Officer is happy and totally welcome to receive those stuffs. Only our clinic works with long term plan there. 90 patients turned out in first day. Diarrhea outbreak is prevalent there. But luckily, we have already attempted preemptive chlorination of water resources cause we have enough bleaching powder.

By this weekend, we would have saved many lives. Locals are very thankful for all we have done for them. People are very touched by our efforts.

Local authorities are going to consolidate the camps by dividing 17 camps with respect to the refugee's former village they belonged, to make things more efficient. Today, we have been advised to divided our team into two, to assist another camp. Both teams have medical supplies and man power for two entire months.

Two teams sent sent to KunChanKone has reached the worst affected areas. We haven't got any feedback from those teams. Things are so difficult there that they are not even managing to eat daily.

The one assigned for Kyee Myin Daing team is a local HA from that affected village. Things seem to be going well there.

Emergency warning: to all citizens and aid workers

Source: Myo Chit Myanmar

Myo Chit Myanmar today issued an emergency warning for the safety of everyone in Burma.

A source close to the US military spoke to Myo Chit Myanmar about the combat readiness of the US Navy troops which are approaching the Irrawaddy Delta. The troops are not discounting possible ambush attacks by their Burma counter parts. They are also well aware that many of the USDA personnel are in plain clothes.

Hence, everyone is advised to take extreme precautions when they encounter US troops.
Do NOT:
1. Get too close to the troops
2. Try to engage them in conversation
3. Crowd around; this might give them the impression that their security is compromised
4. Block their progress
5. Make sudden movements that may startle them

Stay away from the troops. Should they require any assistance, they will approach you.







For the original article in Burmese, please click here.

Latest News Summary from MMEdwatch

Source: MMEdwatch - http://mmedwatch.blogspot.com/

(1) Military Government has sealed off the disaster area (delta region)
(2) No one goes in or out.
(3) Soldiers and check points are every where.
(4) They stop all the cars, trucks, buses.
(5) If they find relief supplies, they confiscate the supplies.
(6) They arrest anyone whose ID card does not belong to that region.
(7) There are individuals risking their lives to go in there through jungles, swamp lands, etc. with whatever relief supply they can carry in their hands.

For the complete article, please click here.

Updates from Laputta

This post is translated from Nyi Lynn Seck's Den

The team which is now in Laputta reported back the following:

Currently, there are over 30 refugee 'camps' in Laputta township. Each has a 3000 population. This number is still increasing. In the town of PyinSaLu, only 300 out of 3000 people have survived. As the limited housing space runs out, some people have been forced to stay out in the open. They are desperately in need of cooking utensils, clothes, blankets, and ground sheets.

Yesterday, in Bo Kone Village, Laputta township, a fireman and another man were beheaded and killed by the angry mob over water supplies. The survivors are very desperate for supplies, and easily agitated. As a result, even water has to be distributed amidst tight security. According to a motorcycle taxi, out of about 300-400 villages in that area, only 4-5 villages were spared absolute devastation.