Yangon Yinyang Volume 1 Number 5
Stop by if you are in the neighborhood.
I’m half a day ahead of you so if it’s news to you, it is history to me.
Dateline: Yangon, Myanmar 1 September 2008
Cyclone Nargis struck the Ayeyarwaddy Delta of Myanmar on the 2nd of May, 2008. The actual numbers of people who died or were displaced is difficult to even estimate. Many people who
survived have temporarily or permanently relocated and thus the number still missing undoubtably includes some dead and some survivors. Estimates range from 80,000-130,000 dead and about 2 million who lost houses, equipment, and means of livelihood.
Schools, hospitals, business, and every other building were destroyed or damaged.
survived have temporarily or permanently relocated and thus the number still missing undoubtably includes some dead and some survivors. Estimates range from 80,000-130,000 dead and about 2 million who lost houses, equipment, and means of livelihood.
Schools, hospitals, business, and every other building were destroyed or damaged.
This is a rice growing area so there were no large cities but hundreds of 
villages were severely damaged. Some may not be rebuilt.
villages were severely damaged. Some may not be rebuilt.Physical evidence shows the water level was 3 meters deep over the affected area with wind
waves another 2 meters high. There is no high ground. Some people tried to climb trees or even
lash themselves to palm trees but the wind knocked most of the trees over. It is hard to imagine the extent of death and destruction.
waves another 2 meters high. There is no high ground. Some people tried to climb trees or even
lash themselves to palm trees but the wind knocked most of the trees over. It is hard to imagine the extent of death and destruction.
ADRA Myanmar was working in the area before the cyclone struck. We had teams building bridges and cement jetties where boats, the only means of transportation in much of the area, could tie up while loading and unloading
people and goods.
Because we had people working there and a relationship
with the people, ADRA was one of the first responders with
rescuers and emergency supplies. We partnered with The United Nations World Food Programme to distribute emergency food aid. Rice, lentils, and cooking oil were the main foods. Soon we received and distributed tarps for temporary shelter and small kits, in a 5 gallon bucket, containing supplies for family hygiene. Later we distributed cooking pots, dishes, and other items to prepare food. Fresh water was a serious problem so we set up water purification systems to deliver the needed water.
people and goods.
Because we had people working there and a relationship
with the people, ADRA was one of the first responders with
rescuers and emergency supplies. We partnered with The United Nations World Food Programme to distribute emergency food aid. Rice, lentils, and cooking oil were the main foods. Soon we received and distributed tarps for temporary shelter and small kits, in a 5 gallon bucket, containing supplies for family hygiene. Later we distributed cooking pots, dishes, and other items to prepare food. Fresh water was a serious problem so we set up water purification systems to deliver the needed water.
The immediate survival of most people has been
assured and the emphasis has changed to helping the
families begin the process of rebuilding. The majority of people are subsistence farmers with no financial reserves, insurance, or other means to rebuild. We are still distributing some food and material to rebuild houses. Cleaning wells that were filled with dirty salt water is also a major activity.
assured and the emphasis has changed to helping the
families begin the process of rebuilding. The majority of people are subsistence farmers with no financial reserves, insurance, or other means to rebuild. We are still distributing some food and material to rebuild houses. Cleaning wells that were filled with dirty salt water is also a major activity.I visited the delta to meet with the ADRA team and to see the projects we are running. The World Food Programme is using Russian built MI-8 helicopters provided by Ukraine to transport personnel between Yangon and the two largest towns in the delta. By helicopter the trip takes an hour. During the dry season it takes 4-6 hours to drive. Now, during the rainy season it can take 12-24 hours.
The team has done a great job under incredibly difficult circumstances. Most have worked with
us since the early days of the disaster and have accomplished wonders. ADRA has continued to
gain trust in the region and a reputation for both good work and good people. I’m proud of them.
us since the early days of the disaster and have accomplished wonders. ADRA has continued to
gain trust in the region and a reputation for both good work and good people. I’m proud of them.
ADRA Myanmar has a small navy of boats for our 
work. We use inflatable Zodiacs for moving work
teams from village to village and larger, traditional boats for moving our supplies and the material we are distributing. Our water and sanitation team has one boat that serves as transportation and housing so the teams can stay on location for several days. We used the Zodiacs to visit two of the ADRA centers for distribution and assistance. It took about 2 hours to reach the first center and another hour to get to the second. The trip back took about 3.5 hours. The direct line distance isn’t far but the rivers and canals
wind around and the travel distance is much longer.
work. We use inflatable Zodiacs for moving work
teams from village to village and larger, traditional boats for moving our supplies and the material we are distributing. Our water and sanitation team has one boat that serves as transportation and housing so the teams can stay on location for several days. We used the Zodiacs to visit two of the ADRA centers for distribution and assistance. It took about 2 hours to reach the first center and another hour to get to the second. The trip back took about 3.5 hours. The direct line distance isn’t far but the rivers and canals
wind around and the travel distance is much longer.
One community where we have a center had a brick school. The cyclone destroyed the school
and many people who sought refuge inside were killed. ADRA constructed a temporary tent and
school has resumed. Students sit on the floor and use the benches as writing desks. I had to
apologize to the teacher because when I stuck my head in, learning stopped. Reminds me of
EAA. Many people here make a paste form the bark of a tree and apply it to their faces. It is
considered sun protection and decorative. Women and children use it and it is more popular in
the rural area.
Remember, email goes both ways in this modern
age.
and many people who sought refuge inside were killed. ADRA constructed a temporary tent and
school has resumed. Students sit on the floor and use the benches as writing desks. I had to
apologize to the teacher because when I stuck my head in, learning stopped. Reminds me of
EAA. Many people here make a paste form the bark of a tree and apply it to their faces. It is
considered sun protection and decorative. Women and children use it and it is more popular in
the rural area.
Remember, email goes both ways in this modern
age.
Stop by if you are in the neighborhood.
Doug
