- World Vision reaches nearly 340,000 survivors in Myanmar with aid and assistance, but says much still needs to be accomplished
- New elevated, concrete schools will serve as community shelters in future emergencies
One year after Cyclone Nargis devastated Myanmar, international aid organisation World Vision says much still needs to be accomplished to restore livelihoods, and the upcoming farming season is critical for the country’s continued recovery.
The recovery period for Myanmar has been particularly lengthy, after Cyclone Nargis disrupted the agricultural cycle in the country’s main food-producing region, the Irrawaddy Delta. During Cyclone Nargis, one million acres of rice paddy were inundated with salt water, 85 percent of seed stocks were wiped out and 2 million head of livestock were lost. Now, as Myanmar approaches its first complete planting season since the cyclone, there is an opportunity to return to full food production.
“Farmers are preparing seeds, fertilizers, and readying their fields for what is hoped to be a harvest that lends itself to ample food surplus,” said Mia Marina, World Vision’s Cyclone Nargis support manager. “If the season is undisrupted and the crop is a good one, we could begin to see something of a return to normality for many people.”
Cyclone Nargis left 138,000 people dead or missing. World Vision began long-term relief and development in Myanmar 40 years ago and had nearly 600 staff in the country who responded with aid almost immediately. The organisation reached nearly 340,000 people with emergency supplies after the cyclone.
As part of its long-term response, World Vision is building concrete, elevated schools which will serve as community shelters if another disaster strikes. The organisation is also running disaster simulations and planning evacuation routes to better equip the communities in future emergencies.
Additionally, World Vision implemented a program providing food to labourers who helped rebuild roads and buildings.
“One of the most notable things about the people of Myanmar is their resilience,” Marina said. “Local community members and volunteers have played a huge part in getting survivors back on their feet.”
World Vision opened more than 100 Child-Friendly Spaces after the cyclone, providing 17,000 children with safe places to receive informal education, interact with their peers, and regain a sense of normality.
As the organisation transitions from emergency to long-term relief, the focus is on helping 100,000 people with livelihood recovery, child protection, water, sanitation, hygiene, and disaster preparedness.
Media enquiries: Dominic McInerney on (03) 9287 2257 or 0428 584 809