Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar

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Description: ''This page contains information on all aspects of nutrition, including current nutrition needs and activities in Myanmar. The aim of this page is to provide actors across the sector with information that will enable greater coordination, transparency, and efficiency of operations in nutrition. Information on this page includes situation updates and analysis, information on inter-agency coordination and activities under implementation, relevant thematic maps and publications, and also key technical guidelines and resources related to the Nutrition sector...''
Source/publisher: Myanmar Information Management Unit (MIMU)
1970-01-01
Date of entry/update: 2019-02-07
Grouping: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
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Description: "Myanmar Red Cross Society has been providing humanitarian assistance to most needed communities in line with the Fundamental Principles. On March 20, 2024, volunteers and staffs of the Myanmar Red Cross Society delivered essential relief items to 168 families affected by current situation who displaced in Taung Pulu Monastery, Baptist Church and two villages in Mindat Township, Chin State. During this distribution effort, we provided 139 Pcs of Dignity Kits, 138 Pcs of Hygiene Kids, 5 Pcs of Clean Delivery Kits, 64 Pcs of Psychosocial Support Kits for Children, 52 Pcs of Infant Kits, 66 Packs of Clothing for Children, 168 Mosquito nets, 168 Blankets, 107 Tarpaulins, 336 Bottles of cooking oil (1 liter), 168 Packs of Salt, 168 Packs of Dry Fish, and 168 Packs of Beans. Our effort provided significant assistance to them, despite not being entirely tailored to their requirements. It effectively addresses the specific needs of communities. The Myanmar Red Cross Society remains dedicated to delivering such humanitarian aid to communities in need..."
Source/publisher: "Myanmar Red Cross Society"
2024-03-24
Date of entry/update: 2024-03-24
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Size: 4.83 MB
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Description: "This Rapid Market Assessment (RMA) is a suppliment to the MAU Market Price Report in South Sagaing Region. It provides township-level data on market functionality, activity, supply, and logistics. Data were collected through observation and KIIs with retailers during Feb. 21-27, 2024. Reports available at www.themimu.info/market-analysis-unit. KEY FINDINGS • Markets remained open and operational, but security was poor in Myaung, Shwebo and Yinmarbin; • Many foods and NFIs were available, although NFIs were generally less available than food items; • Fuel and medicines were scarce regionwide, and and rice and cooking oil were limited in Monywa; • Regional trade remained possible, but supply lead times ranged from two days to two weeks; • Monywa, Mandalay and Yangon supplied goods to markets in the region, and costs were fairly stable; • Security and transportation were key challenges for retailers, while other challenges were moderate. Regional Overview Market Functionality - Markets continued to operate regularly, but security was poor in some markets. Markets were generally open and there were no reports of recent damage or closures, but markets in Myaung, Shwebo Town, and Yinmarbin were described as relatively unsafe. Market Activity - Activity in town and village markets was stable or falling in recent months. Markets in Shwebo and Yinmarbin had contracted sharply in past months, and customer activity was down in Monywa Town market. Other markets saw little change in activity, while the Ye-U village had seen customers increase as peopled visited from other townships. Availability of Goods - Goods were generally available in markets, but fuel and medicines were scarce. The availability of food items was sometimes better than for NFIs, but overall many goods were available. The Yinmarbin village market was an exception as it lacked some foods and many NFIs. Poor availability of fuel and medical-related items was common across markets in the region. Transport & Logistics - Retailers supplied from Yangon, Mandalay and Monywa, but lead-times varied. Supply lead-times varied greatly by market and ranged from as little as two days to as much as two weeks. Retailer Challenges - Retailers struggled most with security and transportation. Poor security was a common concern for retailers across markets, as was poor transportation and supply. Retailers in Shwebo Town reported the most challenges, and Shwebo and Yinmarbin retailers both reported weak demand. Possible Interventions - Retailers said interventions could help them increase inventory but only slightly. Most retailers were willing and able to increase inventory provided support, but they were likely to increase it only slightly. This may be due to the fact that goods appeared to be already fairly available in most of the markets monitored. What to Watch • Availability of fuel and medicines was consistently poor across the region; • Security concerns in Monywa in early-March may further reduce customer activity in this key market; • Remote village markets like that in Yinmarbin likely face poorer food and NFI availability..."
Source/publisher: Myanmar Information Management Unit (Myanmar) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2024-03-15
Date of entry/update: 2024-03-16
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "NATIONAL SOCIETY PROFILE: The Myanmar Red Cross Society is the oldest humanitarian organisation in Myanmar. It began its operations in 1920 as a branch of the Indian Red Cross. After Burma formally separated from India in 1937, the Society obtained official national status and was admitted to the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 1946. The role of the National Society, as enshrined in the Myanmar Red Cross Society Law 2015, mentions it serves independently and voluntarily as the auxiliary strength of the State in the humanitarian field, in accordance with the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles. The Myanmar Red Cross Society has an extensive reach and operates through 65 district branches, and branches in each of the country’s 330 townships. The National Society also counts with 17 supervisory committees (states, regions and Naypyitaw Union Territory), and has branches in universities, colleges, and sub-branches at town, ward, village tract and schools across the country. The Myanmar Red Cross Society Strategic Plan (2021-2025) sets the following three goals: Build healthier and safer communities, reduce their vulnerabilities and strengthen their resilience Promote understanding and respect for the Red Cross Principles, Humanitarian Values, and International Humanitarian Law as a means to promoting social cohesion and non-violence Strengthen understanding of the Myanmar Red Cross’s auxiliary role among the humanitarian sector by developing a strong, well-functioning and resourceful National Society. According to its Strategic Plan, 2021–2025, with partner support, the Myanmar Red Cross aims to equip Red Cross volunteers, state, region and township branches and the national headquarters with the technical, financial and material resources “to be a well-functioning National Society with the capacity of providing humanitarian services to the most vulnerable people in Myanmar and beyond”. The National Society plans to extend its traditional emergency response activities – including the delivery of ambulance and first aid services, primary health care, water, sanitation and hygiene services, psychosocial support and protection – while also developing its preparedness through disaster risk reduction, anticipatory action and resilience building. To support these ambitions, the National Society plans to enhance its institutional capacity through branch development and decentralization, volunteer and youth management and capacity building, resource mobilization and human resource management, and partnership frameworks..."
Source/publisher: International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies (Geneva) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2024-03-14
Date of entry/update: 2024-03-14
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Highlights: At the end of February 2024, more than 2.7 million people have been internally displaced in Myanmar and are living in precarious conditions. More than 18.6 million people (including six million children) are in need of humanitarian aid in 2024 more than 18 times the number before the military takeover in February 2021. UNICEF Myanmar launched its 2024 Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal for US$ 208.3 million to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to 3.1 million people, including 2.1 million children. This funding is crucial for UNICEF to ensure children get the basic social services they need, plus meeting multisectoral humanitarian needs across the country. UNICEF aims to reach 850,000 people with critical WASH supplies; 350,000 children and women with primary health care services; and to support more than 890,000 children with access to education services..." Situation in Numbers 6,000,000 children in need of humanitarian assistance 18,600,000 people in need (HAC 2024) 2,448,200 Internally displaced people after 1 February 2021 (UNHCR) 59,300 People displaced to neighbouring countries since 1 February 2021 306,200 people living in protracted displacement before February 2021
Source/publisher: UN Children's Fund (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
2024-03-14
Date of entry/update: 2024-03-14
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "This Rapid Market Assessment (RMA) is a suppliment to the MAU Market Price Report in Rakhine State. It provides township-level data on market functionality, activity, supply, and logistics. Data were collected through observation and KIIs with retailers during Feb. 10-13, 2024. Reports available at www.themimu.info/market-analysis-unit. KEY FINDINGS Village markets swelled with activity as most town markets remained closed; Busy markets still lacked many foods and NFIs but all markets had at least some critical goods; Fuel and medicines were scarce, and cooking oil and hygiene products were often unavailable; Retailers sourced goods from other townships, but transport costs continued to drive prices up; Retailers' largest challenge was transportation and its impact on price and supply; Customers may lack cash to buy available goods, as retailers cited weak demand in busy markets. Regional Overview Market Functionality - Village markets remained open even as town markets closed. Town markets in Sittwe and Maungdaw continued operating, and village markets remained open in other townships. Open markets followed regular hours. Market Activity - Village market activity increased as they absorbed volume from closed town markets. Town markets shrank and village markets grew as displaced households filled rural areas and retail followed. Prominant village markets in Ponnagyun and Rathedaung swelled with activity, although this did not always result increased availability of goods. Availability of Goods - Fuel and medicines were scarce, and many foods and NFIs were unavailable. Markets offered a variety of local winter vegetables, but some other goods were hard to find. Low-quality rice was available in village markets (near mills), but regional imports (e.g., NFIs) were more often unavailable. Transport & Logistics - Retailers still sourced goods from neighboring townships, although transport costs continued rising. Some retailers still sourced goods from neighboring townships, while others were deterred and made do with dwindling inventories. Retailer Challenges - Retailers struggled with high transport costs and a resulting drought in supply. Retailers reported weak demand even in village markets with increasing customers, possibly pointing to cashpoor households with little money to spend. Cash access (among retailers) was most challenging for Sittwe retailers but less so among those in villages. Possible Interventions - Retailers felt they could increase local supply with added support. Retailers expressed a willingness and ability to increase supply under more favorable circumstances. Freedom of movement for traders and fuel subsidies or other support for transportation costs were most likely to spur supply, while low-interest loans were less likely. Village retailers appeared more likely than those in towns increase supply, possibly because village markets have grown..."
Source/publisher: Myanmar Information Management Unit (Myanmar) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2024-03-05
Date of entry/update: 2024-03-06
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "This regular update, covering humanitarian developments up to 3 March, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UN agencies. Response figures are based on self-reporting by organizations to clusters. The next humanitarian update will be issued end of March 2024. HIGHLIGHTS & KEY MESSAGES • Across Myanmar 18.6 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in 2024, with people struggling to survive amid conflict and insecurity, civilian safety and protection threats, as well as soaring inflation that is affecting people’s ability to meet basic needs. • Conflict spans various parts of the country with a deteriorating situation in Rakhine, as well as the Northwest and Southeast, driving new displacement. Nationwide, more than 2.7 million people are now displaced. • In Rakhine, people were killed and injured in Sittwe when a stray shell, landed in the downtown market on 29 February. • The closure of roads and waterways in Rakhine since the renewed conflict in November 2023 has led to food scarcity and other supply shortages, as well as increased prices of essential goods. • The situation in northern Shan has been relatively stable following the ceasefire agreed in January. However, landmine contamination, recruitment by armed groups, isolated tensions and movement restrictions remain a threat to local communities. UN staff temporarily relocated from Lashio will soon be returning due to the improved security situation. • Active fighting, administrative restrictions being imposed by all sides, and violence and harassment of humanitarian personnel remain key barriers to accessing affected people and providing lifesaving assistance. • At least 3.2 million people were reached with assistance in 2023 however this support is not as deep or sustained as planned due to underfunding and access constraints. • Through the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan aid workers aim to reach 5.3 million people with urgent assistance for which $994 million is required. A repeat of 2023 funding levels (HRP 37 per cent funded) in 2024 would be catastrophic for affected people..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2024-03-03
Date of entry/update: 2024-03-03
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "The MAU tracks market prices in southern Sagaing Region. Data are collected from three vendors per product per market at the end of each month. The data include prices from Monywa (main market), Myaung (Na Bet), Shwebo (main market), Ye-U (Tin Tein Yan), and Yinmarbin (Yin Paung Taing). Data and product specs are available at www.themimu.info/market-analysis-unit. KEY FINDINGS Prices for rice and pulses rose at least 8% in January, although cooking oil prices fell 6% or more; Vegetable prices fell 9% or more across markets with lower prices for onion, eggplant, and long bean; Meat and fsh price trends varied by market with Myaung and Ye-U experiencing lower prices; Prices for hygiene products were largely stable except in Monywa where prices were generally higher; Most NFI prices increased 3-12% in Monywa, and prices for tarps and other NFIs rose 2-7% across markets; Monywa saw a second month of broad price hikes, although increases this month were more limited to NFIs; Yinmarbin saw notable price stability in January after notable price increases for NFIs in December. Product-Level Price Changes Essential Foods – Prices for rice and pulses rose at least 8% in January, although cooking oil prices fell 6% or more. Prices for rice and pulses increased in three of fve markets monitored, rising at least 8% and 6%, respectively. By contrast, cooking oil prices declined for a second straight month, falling 6% or more across markets. Vegetables – Many vegetable prices fell at least 9%, with lower prices in most markets monitored. Long bean, eggplant, and onion fell in three of fve markets, declining at least 3%, 17%, and 23%, respectively. Prices for green chili fuctuated, while garlic prices rose 4-14%. Prices for watercress were stable. Meat and Fish – Meat and fsh price trends varied by market again in January, with lower prices in Myaung and Ye-U. Meat and fsh prices fell at least 6% in Myaung and at least 13% in YeU. Meat and fsh prices were stable in Shwebo and Yinmarbin, and they fuctuated 12-15% in Monywa. Hygiene Products – Prices for hygiene products were fairly stable in January, except in Monywa where prices rose. Prices for hygiene products rose 3-6% in Monywa, but elsewhere there were few clear trends. Prices for hygiene products fuctuated up to 33% in a few isolated cases but were otherwise mostly unchanged. Prices for hygiene products were stable in Shwebo. Other NFIs – NFI prices rose again in Monywa, and they increased moderately in other markets. Prices for plastic tarps, mosquito nets, longyis, and towels, were up 2-7% in most markets in January. Prices increased 3-12% for all NFIs monitored in Monywa, marking a second straight month of signifcant price hikes there. NFI prices were stable in Yinmarbin, where they rose sharply last month..."
Source/publisher: Myanmar Information Management Unit (Myanmar) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2024-02-23
Date of entry/update: 2024-02-24
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "The MAU tracks market prices in in Southeast Myanmar. Data are collected from three vendors per product per market in the last week of each month. The data include prices from Hpapun (Kamamaung market), Hsihseng (main), Kawkareik (main), Loikaw (Thiri Mingalar), Pekon (main), and Taungoo (Nat Htet). Data are available online at www.themimu.info/market-analysis-unit. KEY FINDINGS Essential food prices rising moderately in January, and rice prices were up 5%; Vegetable prices were stable across markets perhaps due to the arrival of winter supply, although eggplant prices rose sharply; Meat/fish prices were stable or rising in January with shrimp, fresh fish, and dried fish seeing price increases of 2-10%; Stable NFI prices stayed 20-80% above last year with blankets, mosquito nets, and hygiene items up the most; Markets remained closed in Kawkareik and Hsiseng, likely making it more difficult to supply some goods to area villages; Rice prices should be watched closely as transportation disruptions due to ongoing conflict may further in-crease prices. Product-Level Price Changes Essential Foods – Essential food prices continued to rise steadily in January, and rice prices were up at least 5%. Rice prices were up 5-17% in January. Prices for pulses and cooking oil were fairly stable, although they rose 4-7% in some cases. January extended a three-month trend of steadily-rising essential food prices. Retailers in Demoso attributed rising prices to increased checkpoints pushing up transportation costs. Vegetables – Vegetable prices were stable across markets in January. Eggplant prices rose sharply in Hpapun and Taungoo as retailers reported some reduction in supply, but otherwise there were few product-level price trends. Vegetable prices were sta-ble or rising in Hpapun and Taungoo, and they were fairly stable in Pekon. Meat and Fish – Meat and fish prices were stable or 2-10% higher in January. Prices for shrimp, fresh fish, and dried fish rose 2-10% in January, while chicken prices rose 7-20% in two markets. Fish paste prices spiked at the village market in Pekon due to supply limits, but prices for fish paste and pork were otherwise stable. Hygiene Products – Price trends for hygiene products varied by market in January. Prices for hygiene products increased 3% or more in Hpapun, but they fell 11% or more in Taungoo. Prices for hygiene products were stable in Pekon. Other NFIs – Prices for other NFIs were very stable in January. Notwithstanding several isolated price increases, NFI prices were quite stable. Prices for charcoal and cooking pots were up 6-12% in Hpapun, and prices for blankets fell in Taungoo, but otherwise there was little change in NFI prices in January..."
Source/publisher: Myanmar Information Management Unit (Myanmar) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2024-02-21
Date of entry/update: 2024-02-21
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "OVERVIEW: At the close of 2023, Myanmar was entrenched in a deepening humanitarian crisis with the civilian population facing new dimensions of conflict across multiple fronts that are driving surging displacement and escalating humanitarian needsincreasing fear for their lives and is now grappling with exhausted coping capacities. The humanitarian situation remained dire at year’s end, primarily fueled by profound protection risks from conflict and discrimination, compounded by a range of challenges such as food insecurity, a beleaguered health system, disrupted education, and the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha which struck Myanmar in May and affected more than three million people. Inflation and conflict have led to a sharp increase in the price of essential items, leaving vulnerable households hungry and economically distressed, pushing many to resort to negative coping measures for survival. The final days of 2023 witnessed intense fighting across the majority of states and regions, compelling civilians to flee their homes, often multiple times, largely due to fears of indiscriminate attacks and the use of aerial bombardment. As of 31 December, more than 2.6 million people were estimated to be displaced nationwide, facing dire conditions and inadequate shelter, often in informal sites, with a desperate need for basic services like clean water. Those on the move are confronting escalating risks from explosive ordnance, and individuals in protracted displacement situations are seeing their vulnerabilities compounded over time. The cumulative impact of conflict, displacement, poverty, and natural disasters underscores the gravity of the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, necessitating urgent and comprehensive interventions to alleviate the suffering of the affected population. Humanitarian efforts in 2023 faced severe hindrances due to access constraints and bureaucratic impediments, with at least 142 arrests and detentions of aid workers reported. However, advocacy persists for expanded access to conflict areas, particularly in regions where bureaucratic hindrances have intensified since the escalation of conflict in late October. Despite these challenges, resilient humanitarian actors used a range of approaches to reach at least 3.2 million people with assistance at least once. It is also likely that actual reach is higher due to underreporting of assistance in conflict areas but this remains difficult to quantify. While the number of people reached is substantial in the circumstances, this reach falls short of the envisioned depth and sustainability due to substantial underfunding, resulting in an unprecedented level of unmet needs (1.8 million people missed), which is expected to persist into 2024. As of 31January 2024, funding against the 2023 Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan had reached $324 million which is only 37 per cent of the requested funding, leaving a significant $563 million funding gap. Urgent attention and a substantial increase in financial support for both humanitarian and development actors are imperative to bridge this gap in 2024. Analysis of reach Humanitarians reached 65 per cent (3.2 million people) of the annual HRP target set at 5 million individuals, with more than half a million people impacted by cyclone Mocha assisted via a range of modalities. Notably, close to 1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) received assistance during the course of the year, reflecting a concerted effort in 2023 to better address the needs of one of these critically vulnerable groups. This is a 33 per cent increase on the number of IDPs reached in 2022 but still means that there were significant gaps in assisting newly displaced people in hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, more than 1.8 million of people reached fall within the category of other crisis-affected people with humanitarian needs, highlighting the diverse challenges faced by the population and humanitarian efforts to support non-displaced populations due to the collapse of basic services and in the absence of large-scale development interventions. This is unsustainable in the longer-term and underscores the need for complimentary development funding to build community resilience. The data also underscores a specific emphasis on children in the response, with the number of boys and girls reached steadily increasing each quarter, indicating an awareness of the vulnerabilities children face in crisis situations. Furthermore, there is a consistent and commendable effort to reach persons with disabilities, as reflected in the steadily increasing numbers throughout the year. This commitment has led to a more inclusive approach to humanitarian assistance, recognizing and actively addressing the specific challenges confronted by this group, though overall numbers of persons with disabilities reached still remain far behind those targeted for humanitarian assistance. The data also reveals a consistent trend wherein the number of women reached exceeds that of men, showcasing a heightened awareness of gender-specific vulnerabilities. Thanks to the concentrated efforts of the clusters in enhancing outreach and bolstering partner capacity, the count of partners reporting their progress grew significantly from 222 in 2022 to 269 in 2023. Likewise, the overall number of participating cluster partners (those participating in cluster meetings and activities) increased from 238 in 2022 to 272 in 2023. The majority of partners are thus now regularly sharing their progress on their humanitarian response activities. Despite formidable access constraints, humanitarian operations demonstrated resilience by expanding into hard-to-reach areas, achieving 64 per cent of those targeted in the Southeast. A notable increase was also seen in people reach figure from 269,600 at the end of 2022 to 536,000 in the close of 2023, reflecting a significant expansion in coverage of assistance. The Northeast and Rakhine experienced a notable scale-up in assistance, with rates of 112 per cent and 88 per cent respectively with the quarter 4 escalation in fighting and Cyclone Mocha likely to be key factors in the increased response effort in these areas. Encouragingly, the clusters covering education, food security, protection, and shelter/NFI/CCCM noted improved results against escalating needs reaching anywhere between 65 per cent up to 90 per cent of their targets by the conclusion of 2023. The Health Cluster reported only 31 per cent reach, although to some extent this is the result of underreporting of this type of activity..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2024-02-21
Date of entry/update: 2024-02-21
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "The MAU tracks market prices in Central and Northern Rakhine State and Chin State. Data are collected from three vendors per product per market in the last week of each month. Data and product specifications are available online through the MPR dashboard at www.themimu.info/market-analysis-unit. KEY FINDINGS Essential food prices dipped in January as rice prices fell 4% and cooking oil prices declined 10-32%; Vegetable prices fell 25-75% across markets, likely due in large part to new supply of local winter crops; Vegetables remained 200-500% above last year, even after falling prices unwound the latest price hikes; Meat and fish prices rose another 10% in January, and they lingered 60-120% above 2023 levels; Prices for hygiene products climbed at least 17% amid retailer reports of dwindling supply; Access to NFIs from outside the region may worsen as roads and town markets remain closed; Lower rice and vegetable prices were a promising sign and suggested that winter crop harvest may be reaching local markets despite mounting challenges. Product-Level Price Changes Essential Foods – Essential food prices dipped modestly in January. Rice prices retreated by 4% or more in most markets monitored, while cooking oil prices fell 10-32% (one-time oil shipments to Sittwe in mid-January likely explain this in part). Prices for pulses rose another 10% or more in several markets. Vegetables – Vegetable prices fell 25-75% across markets, likely due to increased winter supply. Prices for onion, eggplant, garlic, and green chili retreated 25-75% in January, likely due to improved supply from winter harvest. Lower prices may also owe in part to a shift to measuring village prices (vegetables are often cheaper in villages where they are grown than in towns where they are sold with a mark-up for transportation costs).1 Meat and Fish – Meat and fish prices increased 10% or more in most markets in January. Chicken prices rose more sharply than other foods in January and prices doubled in Ponnagyun. Meat/fish prices fell in some cases but rose in general. Sitwe saw notable increases of 10-30% for multiple meat/fish items. Hygiene Products – Prices for hygiene products climbed at least 17% in January amid reports of dwindling inventory. Prices for soap, detergent, and sanitary pads doubled in some cases, and retailers reported low inventories. Prices for hygiene products were fairly stable in Sittwe and Maungdaw towns, but prices were higher in villages where town markets have closed. Other NFIs – NFI prices climbed in January, particularly winter-related items like charcoal and blankets. Prices for charcoal and blankets increased 25-50% in January, while prices also rose in some markets for cooking pots, tarps and towels. Retailers worried about stockouts of NFIs supplied from afar..."
Source/publisher: Myanmar Information Management Unit (Myanmar) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2024-02-16
Date of entry/update: 2024-02-18
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "HIGHLIGHTS: The situation in Myanmar deteriorated significantly in the last quarter of 2023 with the escalation of armed clashes and increasing of grave violations against children. More than 2.6 million people are internally displaced by the end of 2023, an increase of 1.1 million since the same time in last year. In 2023, UNICEF received 16.7 per cent of its Myanmar Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal of US$ 217.9 million. Despite the huge funding gap and multiple constraints, UNICEF and its partner reached almost 1.8 million children and their families. Despite the funding limitation, measles vaccination reached 93 per cent against the target. UNICEF and its partners able to support children’s education access up to 75 per cent of the target while 63 per cent of WASH supplies and 53 per cent achieved for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) admissions due to the complementary funding and programmatic modalities. SITUATION IN NUMBERS 5,800,000 Children in need of humanitarian assistance 18,100,000 People in need of humanitarian assistance 2,310,900 Internally displaced people after 1 February 2021 306,200 People in protracted displacement before Feb 2021 FUNDING OVERVIEW AND PARTNERSHIPS UNICEF Myanmar appealed for US$217.9 million in 2023 to address the needs of 3.7 million people, including 2.3 million children. At the end of 2023, the Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) remains severely underfunded with a funding gap of 83.3 per cent. UNICEF secured US$36.50 million (US$27.28 million in 2023 and $9.22 million carried over from 2022), representing 16.7 per cent of its 2023 HAC appeal. The humanitarian needs remain high going into 2024 as reflected in UNICEF’s 2024 HAC appeal. In 2023, UNICEF received generous support from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), the United States Fund for UNICEF, the European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Department (DG ECHO), the Government of Canada, the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Government of Norway, the Royal Thai Government, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) along with the Central Emergency Response Fund, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Czech Committee for UNICEF, the French Committee for UNICEF, the German Committee for UNICEF and Gavi the Vaccine Alliance. UNICEF Myanmar also received internal allocations from global humanitarian thematic funding and the Emergency Programme Fund (EPF) loan to support the provision of the humanitarian response. Additionally, UNICEF provided humanitarian leadership and cluster coordination and strengthened protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). With this support, UNICEF delivered life-saving humanitarian assistance and ensured critical services reached almost 1.8 million children and their families in need. For the year 2024, UNICEF will scale up programmes and approaches to reach more vulnerable children and communities. UNICEF expresses its sincere appreciation to all private and public sector donors for their contributions in supporting the children of Myanmar..."
Source/publisher: UN Children's Fund (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
2024-02-14
Date of entry/update: 2024-02-14
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn this afternoon participated in the ceremonial handover of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines’ financial assistance to help Myanmar in its recovery process in dealing with the aftermath of the post-tropical Cyclone Mocha that made landfall in Myanmar in May 2023. The ceremony was held at the ASEAN Secretariat, where both the Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN Hjayceelyn M. Quintana and Dr. Kao delivered remarks. Dr. Kao has assumed the role of the Secretary-General of ASEAN as the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator (SG-AHAC) to support for recovery activities in Cyclone-affected areas in Myanmar. The contribution of the Government of the Philippines and the roles of SG-AHAC shows that ASEAN stands in solidarity with the affected communities, and reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment to the implementation of the “One ASEAN One Response”, particularly in mobilising greater resources in ensuring ASEAN’s collective response to disasters..."
Source/publisher: ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance
2024-02-06
Date of entry/update: 2024-02-06
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "REGIONAL PROFILE Countries across East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) frequently experience extreme weather events and natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, tropical cyclones, and volcanic eruptions, which can lead to sudden-onset disasters. In FY 2023, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) provided nearly $168 million in assistance— nearly $117 million of which supported emergency response activities—in 18 countries across the region. USAID/BHA partners provided life-saving assistance, including food and health care, to people affected by sudden-onset disasters and conflict. USAID/BHA also provided more than $50 million for standalone early recovery, risk reduction, and resilience (ER4) programs to address the root causes of food insecurity, improve emergency preparedness and response capacity, and help communities build resilience across the region. HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN FY 2023 The primary drivers of humanitarian needs in EAP during FY 2023 were the complex emergency in Burma and natural hazards including eruptions of volcanoes in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines; Tropical Cyclone Mocha’s effects in Burma; and Tropical Cyclones Kevin and Judy’s effects in Vanuatu. In Burma, violent clashes following the military coup d’état against the civilian government in February 2021 continued to prompt mass displacement, exacerbate humanitarian needs, and limit access to food and essential services in FY 2023. As of September 2023, an estimated 1.7 million people remained internally displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance due to violence prior to and following the coup d’état. Additionally, Tropical Cyclone Mocha’s landfall over Burma’s Rakhine State on May 14 adversely affected 7.9 million people in the country. In Vanuatu, Tropical Cyclones Kevin and Judy made landfall over several islands between late February and early March, affecting an estimated 250,000 individuals and causing more than 2,200 people to shelter in evacuation sites. Volcanic activity at the Philippines’ Mayon Volcano in June resulted in the temporary evacuation of nearly 20,000 people. In addition, volcanic activity from Papua New Guinea’s Bagana Volcano adversely affected more than 12,000 people, including the temporary displacement of more than 3,300 people to evacuation centers in July..."
Source/publisher: US Agency for International Development (Washington, D.C.) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2024-02-05
Date of entry/update: 2024-02-05
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Description: "Myanmar: An estimated 18.6 million people in Myanmar need humanitarian assistance in 2024. Intense armed conflict, widespread and systematic violence, political and economic instability, displacement prompted by conflict and natural hazards, and widespread protection risks mainly drive the humanitarian crisis in the country. Myanmar has been facing this deepening crisis since the military coup in February 2021, which resulted in conflict between the military junta forces, along with pro-military armed groups, and anti-military armed groups comprising ethnic armed organisations and anti-coup resistance groups. The armed conflict has significantly escalated since late October 2023. Since the coup, nearly 2.3 million people have been displaced within the country, taking the number of IDPs to nearly 2.6 million as at 22 January 2024. Almost 13 million people need food security assistance, and around 12 million need assistance in accessing health assistance and protection..."
Source/publisher: ACAPS via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2024-02-02
Date of entry/update: 2024-02-02
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Description: "OVERVIEW In Myanmar, the humanitarian situation remained precarious following the escalation of violence since 26 October 2023 with armed clashes, artillery shelling, and indiscriminate shooting reported in about two thirds of the country. According to the UN, the number of displaced people inside Myanmar now exceeds 2.6 million. Almost 800,000 people have been newly displaced since late-October, out of whom 164,000 have either returned to their places of origin or fled for a second time across the North-West, North-East, South-East and Rakhine State. Deepening violence, rising poverty levels, and deteriorating living conditions are having a devastating impact on people’s lives. The situation has also been further compounded by the closure of roads and waterways, movement restrictions and telecommunication challenges, all of which are undermining humanitarian actors’ engagement with affected communities and limiting people’s access to critical services. UNHCR and partners are exploring ways to adapt to the volatile situation and respond to the urgent needs on the ground. In Thailand, some 1,400 refugees were sheltered in two Temporary Safety Areas (TSA) in Mae Hong Son Province (170 in Mae Sariang District and 1,249 in Mueang District), according to the Mae Hong Son Border Command Centre. In December, 968 refugees residing in different TSAs returned to Myanmar. Kyaw Pla Kee TSA in Mae Sariang was also closed during the reporting period. In India, around 59,200 individuals from Myanmar’s North-West region have sought protection since February 2021. Out of this population, some 5,500 individuals are in New Delhi and have registered with UNHCR. Since November 2023, more than 6,500 people have arrived in the Champhai and Siaha districts of Mizoram and 2,000 people in Manipur’s Kamjong District. New arrivals are currently living in cramped conditions in community halls, schools as well as with host families whose resources are already over-stretched. District administrations, NGOs and community-based organizations are providing critical humanitarian support. Food, water, core-relief items (CRIs), and shelter are the most immediate needs although resources are limited..."
Source/publisher: UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
2024-01-26
Date of entry/update: 2024-01-26
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Description: "The MAU tracks market prices in Central and Northern Rakhine State and Chin State. Data are collected from three vendors per product per market in the last week of each month. Data and product specifications are available online through the MPR dashboard at www.themimu.info/market-analysis-unit. KEY FINDINGS Essential food prices skyrocked in December, as prices for cooking oil and pulses doubled; Vegetable prices added 50% to last month's hikes, as some prices doubled once more; Meat and fish prices rose 23% in many cases, and most NFI prices started the year at least 7% higher; Rathedaung and Maungdaw saw the most price hikes, but no markets were spared rising prices; Cooking oil and pulses are increasingly out of reach for many households following December's price hikes; Village-level access to goods will grow uncertain, as armed conflict shutters markets in multiple towns; Disruptions in Sittwe will affect supply regionwide, although high prices may reach crisis-levels soonest in Rathedaung and Muangdaw where hikes have surged. Product-Level Price Changes Essential Foods – Essential food prices skyrocketed in December as prices for pulses and cooking oil doubled. Most markets monitored saw cooking oil prices double in December, while prices for pulses popped 43% in some markets and 100-200% in others. Rice prices spiked in Sittwe and Maungdaw, although they held steady elsewhere. Vegetables – Vegitable prices bounded higher, often adding 50% increases to last month's price hikes. Most markets saw garlic, green chili, and onion prices climb 50%, 80%, and 200%, respectively. Prices for eggplant, long bean, and watercress typically rose 20-40%. These increases compounded November's increases of 100-300%. Rathedaung saw the largest vegetable price hikes in December. Meat and Fish – Meat and fish prices again rose slower than other foods, but they too added at least 23% in most cases. Price hikes for meat/fish were more moderate in Sittwe—and prices were fairly stable in Minbya—but elsewhere prices lurched higher. Dried fish rose 11-62%, fish paste rose 33-140%, and shrimp climbed 67-110%. Hygiene Products – Prices for most hygiene products climbed at least 14% in December. Toothpaste prices rose 11-34% in December, while prices for sanitary pads rose 5-73%. Soap and detergent prices were stable or rising in December, but retailers reported stockouts of some common soaps. Other NFIs – Prices for other NFIs also climbed by 7% or more in December, and charcoal prices doubled. Charcoal prices increased 36-100% in December, although prices held stable in Sittwe. Retailers in several markets reported stockouts of blankets. Most other NFIs saw price increases of 4-18%, while Rathedaung registered the deepest price hikes..."
Source/publisher: Myanmar Information Management Unit (Myanmar) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2024-01-19
Date of entry/update: 2024-01-20
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY MESSAGES 2023 drew to a close with continued intense fighting across vast swathes of the country, record displacement, and pervasive protection threats facing the civilian population. The escalation in fighting since the end of October 2023 has persisted for more than two months and is the largest in scale and most extensive geographically since early 2021. At the end of 2023, more than 2.6 million people were estimated to be displaced nationwide, with an estimated 628,000 people forced to flee since the intensification of fighting at the end of October. Humanitarians continue to face heavy access constraints and bureaucratic impediment. More than 142 aid worker arrests and detentions by parties to the conflict were self-reported by humanitarian organizations between January and November 2023. Advocacy continues for expanded access to conflict areas, especially in areas where bureaucratic impediments have accelerated since the conflict escalation at the end of October. Humanitarians have stayed and delivered in 2023, reaching at least 2.5 million people with assistance in the first 9 months of the year and expecting to have assisted 3.1 million people by year’s end. However, this reach is not as deep or sustained as planned due to gross underfunding of the response, leaving significant unmet needs that are flowing into 2024. The 2023 Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan received just 32 per cent of requested funding in 2023, leaving a $600 million funding gap. The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan has been published identifying a record 18.6 million people in need, up from 17.6 million in 2023. The Plan prioritizes 5.3 million people for urgent assistance in 2024 for which $994 million is required. The Myanmar translation of the 2024 HNRP executive summary can be found here. Nearly three years since the military takeover, the crisis in Myanmar risks becoming a forgotten emergency. The situation demands immediate and sustained international attention in 2024 to raise the funds required to alleviate suffering and save lives. KEY FIGURES* 2.6M Total people currently internally displaced across Myanmar 2.3M People currently displaced by clashes and insecurity since February 2021 306K People who remain internally displaced due to conflict prior to February 2021, mainly in Rakhine, Kachin, Chin, and Shan 18.6M People in Need 2024 5.3M People targeted for assistance 2024 $994M Requirement 2024 * Displacement figures fluctuate during any given month. These figures represent the number of people currently verified as displaced. Cumulative numbers for returns and displacement are not always available. 2023 YEAR-END SITUATION OVERVIEW Myanmar stands at the precipice at the end of 2023 with a deepening humanitarian crisis that has spiralled since the February 2021. The civilian population is living in fear for their lives, with coping capacities stretched to the limit. The crisis is now marked by surging displacement, a fragile security environment, profound protection threats and escalating unmet needs. The humanitarian situation remains grim at year’s end, largely fuelled by protection risks and conflict, compounded by a myriad of challenges, including food insecurity, a health system in crisis, disrupted education, huge numbers of people on the move amid fears for their safety, and the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha which struck Myanmar in May affecting 3 million people. Inflation and conflict are driving up the price of food, fuel, and other basic items, leaving vulnerable households hungry and in economic distress with increasing numbers resorting to negative coping measures to survive. The final days of 2023 have been marked by continued intense fighting across a majority of states and regions, with civilians fleeing their homes often multiple times, in large part due to fears over attacks. As of 25 December, more than 2.6 million people estimated were displaced nationwide, with most surviving in terrible conditions, lacking adequate shelter, most often in informal sites and in desperate need of access to basic services such as clean water. People on the move continue to be exposed to escalating explosive ordnance risks, and those in situations of protracted displacement face intensification of their vulnerabilities over time..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2024-01-12
Date of entry/update: 2024-01-12
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Description: "Highlights More than 2.6 million people nationally are internally displaced and in need of life-saving assistance. The escalation of conflict has a disproportionate impact on children with suffering mental health and psychosocial impacts from witnessing or experiencing violence, as well as new or prolonged displacement. A total of 858 casualties have been reported nationwide in the first nine months of 2023, injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW); 22 per cent of the casualties were children. 29,980 people received mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) at child-friendly spaces, community centres, from mobile teams, and by remote counselling. The funding gap of 84.8 per cent is severely affecting UNICEF’s capacity to respond effectively; especially children who need basic social services, will not be able to receive humanitarian assistance. Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs At the end of 2023, more than 2.6 million people are internally displaced with the need for life-saving assistance. More than 660,000 people are estimated to be newly displaced in northern and southern Shan, Rakhine, the southeast and the northwest regions. In addition, at least 378 civilians have reportedly been killed and 505 injured since the escalation of armed conflict that began in late October. The key challenge for humanitarian workers is the restriction of movement, including the use of roadblocks. Inflation and the depreciation of the local currency is affecting the flow of commodities, depleting stocks in the markets and sharply increasing the price of essential items. The lack of fuel is affecting transportation, telecommunications, the agricultural and industrial sectors and is impacting the delivery of supplies to internally displaced persons in conflict-affected townships. Telecommunications and internet services in Kachin have been extremely unreliable, with limited or no access in some areas as well as in the northwest and Kayah impacting the displaced population’s access to services and information. The escalation of conflict has a disproportionate impact on children. Children suffer mental health and psychosocial impacts from witnessing or experiencing violence, as well as new or prolonged displacement. In northern Shan, the conflict remains intense with continuous fighting across several townships. Artillery shelling and multiple airstrikes have increased the number of civilian casualties, with unverified reports of 130 civilians killed and 210 injured since the fighting escalated. Some 104,300 people are newly displaced in northern Shan, as well as in Kachin and Mandalay, while almost 20,000 people have returned home, particularly to nearby villages at Lashio township. Lashio airport has been closed for seven weeks and access by road is worsening, with increased restrictions on humanitarian supplies at various checkpoints. All townships in Rakhine State continue to be affected by severe blockades, movement restrictions, arbitrary arrests, and artillery shelling; 37 civilian deaths and 121 injuries were reported. Arbitrary arrests have escalated across Rakhine, with more than 190 people placed in detention; humanitarian workers have also been affected by this. Some 114,700 people have been newly displaced due to the ongoing fighting. Across the northwest and central Myanmar, the intensifying conflict has resulted in 118 civilian deaths and 73 injured with more than 314,000 people newly displaced. More than one million people are now displaced in Sagaing region, and more than 60 per cent of the population displaced after February 2021 remains in the northwest region. Humanitarian workers and some 110 civilians have been reportedly arrested since early December. Landmines and unexploded ordnance pose a major risk in the northwest. An estimated 150,000 internally displaced people in Kawlin and Tigyaing townships in Sagaing have no access to humanitarian assistance. In the southeast, intense clashes are increasing, especially in Kawtkareik, Kyainnseikkyi and Hpapun in Kayin and Nyaunglebin and Kyaukkyi in Bago East. More than 136,000 people have been newly displaced since the escalation began with 93 civilians reported dead, and 101 injured, many of them along the Shan-Kayah border. Access to, and transportation of, essential supplies are heavily restricted, especially in Kayah..."
Source/publisher: UN Children's Fund (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
2024-01-10
Date of entry/update: 2024-01-10
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Description: "HIGHLIGHTS: The situation of children has worsened and remains a significant concern in Myanmar, with ongoing and escalating conflict leading to multiple displacements and the deterioration of social services in conflict-affected communities. Cyclone Mocha, which hit in May 2023, caused widespread destruction in five states, and seasonal monsoons negatively impacted already vulnerable communities. More than 18.6 million people, including 6 million children, are in need of humanitarian assistance. UNICEF's humanitarian strategy focuses on working with local civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations and other United Nations agencies to broaden the humanitarian response for children in all conflict-affected states and regions. For 2024, UNICEF is appealing for $208.3 million to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to 3.1 million people, including 2.1 million children. UNICEF aims to reach 850,000 people with critical WASH supplies; 350,000 children and women with primary health care services; and more than 890,000 children with education. HUMANITARIAN SITUATION AND NEEDS The worsening situation of children remains a significant concern in Myanmar, with ongoing and escalating conflict leading to multiple displacements and the deterioration of social services in conflict-affected communities. Nearly 2 million people were displaced internally as of the end of October 2023, including 306,200 people who had been displaced prior to the military takeover in February 2021. Adding to this, in 2023, Cyclone Mocha caused widespread destruction in five states, and seasonal monsoons negatively impacted already vulnerable communities. Altogether, more than 18.6 million people, including 6 million children, require humanitarian assistance. Grave child rights violations persist, mainly due to the indiscriminate use of heavy weapons, airstrikes, explosive ordnance and recruitment and use of children. Attacks on schools and hospitals continue at alarming levels. Approximately 4.5 million children need education support because of disruption to safe learning opportunities.12 Women and children face significant risks of violence, including gender-based violence, exploitation and abuse. Children and adults with disabilities are especially vulnerable and have limited access to services that meet their disability-specific needs. A deteriorating economic situation has limited livelihood opportunities, further worsening the plight of the most vulnerable people. More than 55 per cent of children live in poverty, while three quarters of displaced households’ basic needs are unmet. Access to water and life-saving services has deteriorated: a significant number of children are still not able to access basic health and nutrition interventions due to insecurity and other forms of restriction. The under-five mortality rate of 42 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022 remains the highest in the region, and up to 75 per cent of children aged 6–23 months do not eat a minimum acceptable diet. Although immunization coverage increased to approximately 70 per cent in 2022 from 37 per cent in 2021, an estimated 1 million children missed basic vaccines from 2018 to 2022. Camp closures and the forced return or relocation of displaced people, particularly in Kachin, Shan and Rakhine States pose protection risks for children. Armed clashes, widespread presence of landmines and unexploded ordinance and a lack of basic services remain obstacles to return. And the proposed Rohingya repatriation from Bangladesh in the absence of conditions for voluntary and safe returns will present further protection concerns in 2024. Military operations, ongoing hostilities and administrative constraints (e.g., travel authorization-related delays and movement restrictions) impede access of humanitarian actors to people in need, impacting the timely delivery of programme supplies. The politicization of humanitarian assistance compounds this challenge..."
Source/publisher: UN Children's Fund (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-12-11
Date of entry/update: 2023-12-28
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Description: "SITUATION ANALYSIS Description of the crisis Cyclone Mocha caused significant damage in Myanmar, particularly in areas that are already grappling with civil unrest, a high number of internally displaced people, armed clashes, and fragile economic conditions. The cyclone that brought about intense wind and heavy rainfall led to significant flooding and damages in Rakhine, Chin, Magway, Ayeyarwady, Mandalay, and Sagaing states and regions. The states of Rakhine, Chin, and Magway regions were particularly hard hit, prompting the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) to respond. The MRCS, operating as an independent humanitarian organization, mobilized resources and personnel in accordance with the Myanmar Red Cross Society Law of 2015 to provide emergency aid, including medical assistance, shelter, and essential supplies to the affected communities. This cyclone occurred in an already challenging humanitarian context in Myanmar. OCHA's 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview projected that over 17.6 million people would require humanitarian assistance in Myanmar in 20231 . As per MRCS's branch analysis, the cyclone affected around 1.1 million individuals from more than 237,000 households across the country. A large number of semi-permanent and temporary shelters were damaged or destroyed, leaving over 200,000 houses in need of repair. Critical infrastructure, including water systems, sanitation facilities, hospitals, clinics, schools, and transportation networks, suffered severe damage or complete destruction. Livelihoods were disrupted, with the loss of livestock and floods impacting croplands. The aftermath of the cyclone has led to a rise in the prices of basic goods, affecting the physical and mental health of the affected population. Healthcare access is disrupted, compounded by shortages of medicine. Summary of response Overview of the host National Society and ongoing response The Myanmar Red Cross Society is an independent humanitarian organization that operates impartially and neutrally. Its role as an auxiliary to the state in the humanitarian field, operating in line with the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles, is enshrined in the Myanmar Red Cross Society Law of 2015. The MRCS has a strong presence with over a thousand trained Emergency Response Team (ERT) volunteers and 44,000 members nationwide, including 7,994 core Red Cross Volunteers (RCV) active at the community level. The organization has 23 warehouses strategically located throughout the country to support preparedness and response efforts. It also has regional and state branches across the country and a substantial presence in various operational hubs in Rakhine State, under the management of the MRCS Rakhine Operations Management Unit established over the past decade. During this reporting period, 962 volunteers were deployed to aid the most affected communities since the cyclone made landfall. The MRCS has established communication channels with local authorities, communities and other stakeholders in the affected areas through its local staff, volunteers, and branches. This enables them to reach vulnerable communities and provide immediate humanitarian assistance. Through its community presence, MRCS has access to the ground and has collected data as well as assessed the impact of Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine State and Magway and Ayeyarwady regions in particular. In anticipation of the cyclone, the MRCS activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) one week before landfall and initiated preparedness measures and early actions well in advance. The national MRCS EOC has also regularly communicated and received information from the State and Branches EOC. As a result, MRCS was on standby and ready to mobilize the volunteers and dispatch the NFI items. Prior to landfall, MRCS volunteers in the projected path and impact zone assisted with evacuations, conducted awareness campaigns and gathered preliminary data. After the cyclone made landfall, on 14 May 2023, MRCS branches mobilized their volunteers to engage in rescue operations, clear roads and debris, provide first aid and psychological first aid, and collect initial observations and data. MRCS also mobilized its existing operational resources to respond to the aftermath, deploying trained expert personnel to provide assistance and support services such as logistics and supply chain directly. The response in Rakhine state has focused on communities whose vulnerability was increased by Cyclone Mocha as part of the MRCS ongoing humanitarian activities in Rakhine. As of 17 November 2023, MRCS has reached 290,003 people from 58,000 households in relief assistance, including, shelter, livelihood, health and hygiene items, and multi-purpose cash assistance. A total of 19,586 individuals from 4,277 households received shelter assistance through the distribution of tarpaulins, family kits, and blankets. In the hardest-hit region of Rakhine State, MRCS distributed a total of 982,507 litres, of which 919,237 litres from water trucks and 63,270 litres in the form of 1L bottles, of clean drinking water, along with 19,000 litres of domestic water to affected communities, reaching 50,042 households (250,210 people). To uphold the dignity of the affected communities, hygiene parcels for families, specialized hygiene kits for men, and dignity kits for women were distributed in various affected regions, including Rakhine, Magway, Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Bago, and Mandalay. 12,586 individuals were reached with these items. Additionally, MRCS distributed 468 sets of children's clothing to support affected children. MRCS's mobile health clinics in Rakhine have provided assistance to 1,826 individuals since it started on 17 May 2023. In the initial response to Cyclone Mocha, 19 people received first aid and ambulance service from MRCS. Furthermore, 1,989 individuals attended health education organized by MRCS. Lastly, a total of 451 million MMK or CHF 193,930 in multi-purpose cash grants (MPCG) were distributed to 2,328 households benefitting 10,381 people. It is worth noting that some households received multiple support, thus a comprehensive approach was adopted when calculating the total people reached to avoid double counting. Operational coordination meetings are regularly organized to update the partners in collaboration with the IFRC, involving in-country partners and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to provide technical and planning support to MRCS for the response. MRCS, IFRC, and ICRC meet in Movement tripartite meetings at a strategic level. The regular tripartite security cell meetings are being used for regular risk analysis and security planning. Moreover, MRCS and IFRC are observers in HCT meetings and Cluster coordination as part of their external coordination efforts. The development of the Federation-wide Operational Strategy involved a shared leadership approach, drawing upon the expertise of the IFRC network and past experiences from drafting the Unified Plan. To ensure efficient communication and reporting, the monitoring and reporting mechanisms are coordinated under one single reporting system, aiming to streamline reporting channels between the MRCS and the IFRC members. In addition, the IFRC mobilized five rapid response personnel (surge) for the operation, including for the combined Myanmar Shelter/ NFI/ CCCM Cluster to enhance and complement the existing coordination structure. The MRCS, supported by the IFRC network, has been actively engaged in long-term programming in Rakhine state since the large-scale violence in 2012. Despite some challenges in maintaining continual access to communities in need (as faced by most humanitarian actors), MRCS has been a well-recognized humanitarian actor, advocating with relevant stakeholders based on its humanitarian mission. In alignment with its established functions under national law, the MRCS, with IFRC support, is actively involved in humanitarian diplomacy. This involves securing access to reach populations in need during the response operation and ongoing programmatic actions. The IFRC continues to provide strategic and operational guidance, collaborating with other humanitarian actors as needed, to enhance the National Society's capacities, ensuring it remains and is perceived as an effective and efficient principled humanitarian actor. The 5 in-country Partner National Societies (Swedish Red Cross, Finnish Red Cross, German Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, and Danish Red Cross) together with 9 other Partner National Societies contributed to Cyclone Mocha Operation through this Federation-wide Emergency Appeal. The Myanmar Red Cross Society expresses its gratitude to all contributing partners for their support thus far. The ICRC is also providing support to the MRCS for its response, as reported separately2 ..."
Source/publisher: International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies
2023-12-26
Date of entry/update: 2023-12-26
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Description: "This rapid Market Snapshot is a suppliment to the MAU Market Price Report in Southeast Myanmar and provides further township-level data on market functionality, activity, access, and supply. Data were collected through observation and KIIs with retailers during Dec. 5-8, 2023. Reports available at www.themimu.info/market-analysis-unit. KEY FINDINGS Town markets remained partly-functional, but challenges were growing and safety issues were paramount; Pekon and Kawkareik had few remaining sellers, and availability of many goods was limited; Demoso, Kawkareik, and Pekon saw market closures at times but nonetheless continued to function; Shipping costs were up 50-200% in Pekon, and leadtimes were doubling across markets; Supply limits were most notable for essential foods like rice and cooking oil but also for some NFIs; Vegetable prices were up 8-67% across markets, while essential foods were up a relatively modest 2-8%; Retailers worried most about safety in/near markets and damage to market infrastructure, although transportation, supply, and demand were also common concerns Market Summaries Demoso Village Market (Cherry Kone) - Village markets in Demoso Township continued to supply goods from neighboring townships to area villages. Many products remained available, although retail and customer activity was greatly reduced. Larger village markets in the area (e.g., Chery Kone, Be Kin, Se Bu) continued to serve area villages and import goods from Pinlaung Township; however, frequent road closures made restocking unpredictable, and lead-times increased from one day to five days. Retailers reported facing many challenges and continued to worry most about poor safety and security in the township. Hsiseng Town Market - Hsihseng market remained operational, and goods were relatively well-stocked. The town market remained operational with no known damage or forced-closures in recent weeks, and retailers described the area in/around the market as safe. Retailer and customer activity was slightly reduced, but the market continued to do commerce with nearby villages and townships (lead-times increased from one half-day to one day). Most foods and NFIs remained available, although retailers reported limited supply of clothing, and NFI prices were up 4-14% in the past month. Although goods remained available, retailers worried about the security environment and their ability to continue stocking items. Kawkareik Town Market - Kawkareik market saw periodic market closures and dwindling supply amid increased conflict events in the area. Observers reported unspecified damage to the market which had closed at times in recent days due to security incidents. Retailer activity and customer traffic was severly reduced as many buyers and sellers left town (and visiting traders and customers from neighboring villages and townships had dwindled). Food items were in limited supply, and prices were rising in the past month. Cooking oil prices were up 8%, vegetables were up 8-67%, and prices for hygiene products were up 6-9%. Pekon Town Market - Pekon market faced occasional closures, and security remained a major concern. Although there was no reported damage at Pekon market, the market operated only in the mornings and had closed periodically in recent days. During closures, some retailers or traders operated from nearby markets in Pinlaung Township. Although shipping from Pinlaung Township remained possible at times, transportation costs were up 50-200%. Supply of essential foods and NFIs were limited, including rice and clothing. Essential food prices were up a modest 3-6% in the past month, but vegetable prices rose 9-40%, and NFI prices were up 5-19%. Retailers worried about transportation and supply, but they worried most about local security..."
Source/publisher: Myanmar Information Management Unit (Myanmar) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-12-19
Date of entry/update: 2023-12-19
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "This rapid Market Snapshot is a suppliment to the MAU Market Price Report in Rakhine State and provides further township-level data on market functionality, activity, access, and supply. Data were collected through observation and KIIs during Dec. 5-8, 2023. Reports available at www.themimu.info/market-analysis-unit. KEY FINDINGS Most town markets remained operational, but cus-tomer traffic was typically down by half or more; Minbya, Ponnagyun, and Rathedaung had few sellers still active in/around the markets; Periodic market closures affected Minbya, Mrauk-U, and Kyauktaw, but retailers still sold from home/wards; Shipping costs were often up 150-400% due to move-ment restrictions, and this stymied restocking efforts; Dwindling supply was most severe for essential foods, particularly cooking oil and in some cases rice as well; Food prices were up sharply, with rice up 4-47%, cook-ing oil up 4-88%, and vegetables often up 50-400%; Retailers often worried about transportation limits and their inability to restock essential foods and NFIs, although some retailers worried most about basic safety. Market Summaries Kyauktaw Town Market - Kyauktaw market experienced occasional closures, and retailer activity was severely reduced. Many products remained available, but prices were up 88% and 100-400%, respectively, for cooking oil and vegetables as supplies dwindled. Retailers faced numerous concerns, and market functionality varied from day to day due to conflict-related events. Maungdaw Town Market - Maungdaw market remained operational, but rice and cooking oil were scarce and expensive. The town market remained operational and many goods were available, but essential foods were becoming scarce. Rice prices were up 36-47%, and vegetables were up 50-250%. Retailers said 400% increases in shipping costs would limit supply. Minbya Town Market - Minbya market activity was severely reduced, and retailers worried most about personal safety. Supply of cooking oil and certain NFIs was particularly scarce, and prices were up 33-200% for various food items. Retailers cited broad operational challenges, and shipping costs increases of 200% prevented retailers from restocking most items. Mrauk-U Town Market - Mrauk-U market remained operational in the morning, and many products remained available. The market was closed on occasion due to conflict-related events, and retailers said customer traffic had dwindled. Resupply of goods remained difficult due to shipping cost increases of 150%. Rice and cooking oil prices were up 11-54%, while prices for vegetables were up 60-300%. Paletwa Town Market - Paletwa market remained operational, but retailers reported broad challenges. The market remained open throughout the day and many products were available, but price increases were large and retailers said rice supply in particular was limited. Retailers faced a broad set of challenges, such as declining inventories and 700% increases in shipping costs. Ponnagyun Ward Market - Damage to Ponnagyun market pushed customers to smaller ward markets where supply was severely limited. The town's morning-only ward markets (and retailers located outside the main market) struggled to supply essential foods, meat/ fish, and NFIs. Retailers were most concerned with limited inventories and 1000% increases in shipping costs. Rathedaung Town Market - Rathedaung market operated only in the morning, and retailer/customer activity was severely reduced. Supply limits were particularly severe for food items like cooking oil, and vegetables—while available—saw prices rise 50-200%. Retailers worried about 150% increases in transportation costs and poor demand as village customers no longer visited the town market to buy goods. Sittwe Town Market - Sittwe market remained operational, but rice and cooking oil inventories were severely limited and customer traffic was low. Retailers emphasized numerous serious challenges as transportation limits cut off regional traders from this commercial hub. Vegetable prices—often supplied from nearby townships—were up 50-800%..."
Source/publisher: Myanmar Information Management Unit (Myanmar) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-12-18
Date of entry/update: 2023-12-18
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Description: "Foreword As we publish this 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), escalating fighting, surging displacement and extreme protection threats are now impacting vast swathes of the country, compounding the devastating impacts of Cyclone Mocha in May, and placing the people of Myanmar in increasing peril. Three years on from the military takeover, the humanitarian landscape for 2024 is grim with a third of the population – 18.6 million people – now estimated to be in humanitarian need. Children are bearing the brunt of the crisis with 6 million children in need as a result of displacement, interrupted health-care and education, food insecurity and malnutrition, and protection risks including forced recruitment and mental distress. The economic situation is placing families in increasing financial distress and coping capacities are stretched to the limit. Interruptions to agriculture and rapid inflation are making it increasingly difficult for people to access and afford adequate food, raising the spectre of climbing malnutrition. The health system is in crisis and millions are without safe shelter or drinking water. Women, girls, persons with disabilities and stateless Rohingya people are among those impacted the most by this dangerous environment. Development gains are concurrently under extreme threat with poverty now back at levels not seen for 15 years. This Plan paints a deeply disturbing picture that demands global attention and a dramatic increase in funding. Humanitarians require almost a billion dollars to reach 5.3 million people who have been prioritized for urgent assistance. We cannot afford a repeat of the gross underfunding seen in 2023 with only 29 per cent of requirements received. This lack of funding and severe access constraints meant that an estimated 1.9 million people who had been prioritized for support missed out on assistance altogether, while most of the 3.1 million people who were reached with some support did not receive the intended multi-sectoral assistance required to fully meet their needs. Brave aid workers – the majority of them local organizations on the front line of the response – remain committed to staying and delivering and have scaled-up wherever they can over the past three years. However, de-politicization of aid, as well as significantly expanded access and greatly increased funding will be critical to preventing the suffering of everyone prioritized for support in this Plan. Complementary funding is also needed across the nexus to address the persistent growth in humanitarian needs. The absence of large-scale preventative and resilience-building interventions by the broader development community is placing unprecedented pressure on humanitarian caseloads. To reverse current humanitarian trends, greater funding is simultaneously needed in 2024 for broader community development. We thank our generous donors for their ongoing solidarity with the people of Myanmar as needs continue to spiral. But in 2024, we need donors to dig deeper and speak louder to amplify the voices of affected people on the world stage. Millions of lives are at stake and we all must do everything we can to prevent Myanmar becoming a forgotten emergency..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-12-18
Date of entry/update: 2023-12-18
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Description: "OVERVIEW: In Myanmar, the humanitarian situation deteriorated following a significant escalation in violence across the country. According to the UN, the number of displaced people inside the country now exceeds 2.1 million. In many parts of Myanmar, a shortage of various goods and supplies across multiple states and regions has been reported as vital roads and supply routes remain blocked. Many people remain cut-off from communications, which has impeded access to services and heightened protection risks and vulnerabilities. UNHCR and partners are continuing to deliver life-saving assistance to displaced and affected communities where possible despite the challenges posed by the ongoing clashes and movement restrictions. In Thailand, the Royal Thai Government reported that over 2,300 refugees were sheltered in three Temporary Safety Areas (TSAs) in Mae Hong Son province as of 30 November. Some 4,400 people returned to Myanmar in November following the closure of the TSAs. However, another 1,000 refugees who returned to Myanmar on 10 November came back to Thailand on 16 November after the resurgence of conflict in Kayah State. There are currently no new arrivals in Mae Hong Son TSAs. Sao Hin TSA in Mae Sariang District closed on 16 November as did Mae Ki TSA in Khum Yuam District on 25 November although Nai Soi TSA remains open. In India, approximately 57,100 individuals from Myanmar’s North-West region are reported to have sought safety in India since February 2021. Out of this population, some 5,500 individuals are in New Delhi and have registered with UNHCR. Over 6,000 individuals are estimated to have made their way to India following the recent escalation in conflict in Myanmar since late October. Since then, more than 5,000 Myanmar nationals have reportedly arrived in Mizoram and nearly 1,300 in Manipur. District administrations, NGOs and community-based organisations (CBOs) provided immediate humanitarian support such as food, water, and shelter. New arrivals are staying in cramped conditions in community halls, schools as well as with host families who are unable to support arrivals for long. Currently, the district administrations, CBOs and NGOs are providing food, shelter, core-relief items (CRIs), water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and health support although resources remain limited, and more funding is needed to scale up this assistance as well winterization support to new arrivals..."
Source/publisher: UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-12-15
Date of entry/update: 2023-12-15
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Description: "Highlights: • Fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various groups, including Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), persists across much of the country. • More than 660,000 people are estimated to have been newly displaced since the escalation of armed conflict on 27 October, with some people displaced several times and others already starting to return home. Total current displacement now stands at 2.6 million people nationwide. • The volatile context is generating significant protection risks including increased civilian casualties, arbitrary arrests, exploitation, forced recruitment and forced labour. • Food, safe shelter, non-food items and hygiene kits, basic health services and protection support remain priorities with shortages of essential supplies being reported in many areas due to commercial and humanitarian transport blockages. • Despite insecurity, access, and telecommunication challenges, provision of essential humanitarian assistance to affected people continues where possible using a variety of flexible approaches. Humanitarian partners have now reached more than 80 per cent of those displaced in northern Shan. • The UN and partners continue to seek to access a greater proportion of affected people. An inter-agency mission was completed to Wa earlier in December and another is approved for the delivery of assistance to IDPs in southern Shan. • Despite surging needs, the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan is just 29 per cent funded days before the end of the year. An urgent injection of funds is desperately needed to sustain the response into the new year. Situation Overview Conflict between the MAF and multiple armed groups, including EAOs and PDFs, persists in many parts of the country involving armed clashes, airstrikes and artillery shelling and causing a surge in civilian casualties, displacement and destruction of civilian properties in numerous townships. Unverified field reports indicate that at least 378 civilians, including men, women, and children, have reportedly been killed and 505 others have been injured since the escalation began in late October. Since the intensification, more than 660,000 people are estimated to have been newly displaced in northern and southern Shan, Kayah, Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, Mandalay, eastern Bago, Kayin, Mon, and Tanintharyi. There have been reports of some displaced people returning home while others have moved multiple times for safety. Some are reportedly reluctant to leave current displacement sites in northern Shan due to the risk of forced recruitment. Total current displacement nationwide now stands at a record 2.6 million people. The movement of people and transportation of goods is being heavily curtailed, while interruptions to phone and internet services are impacting on the sharing of civilian safety information and humanitarian operations. The lack of humanitarian and commercial access to transport routes is creating a scarcity of food, shortages of essential household items, soaring commodity prices and a fuel crisis in affected areas. Partners have identified the most urgent humanitarian needs across conflict-affected areas as food, safe shelter, non-food items and hygiene kits, basic health services and protection support. Faith-based organizations and local responders, in collaboration with international organizations, continue to provide lifesaving assistance to displaced and affected communities wherever access is possible. Despite an extremely challenging operational context, including supply stockpiles that are heavily depleted due to underfunding, access constraints and the rapid and unpredictable escalation of needs, humanitarian partners are reaching growing numbers of affected people. The vast majority of displaced people in northern Shan (82,000) have now received assistance and work continues to expand the response in other impacted areas such as the Northwest where 50,000 people have already been reached. A rapid response allocation of US$7 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) will provide survival support to people most affected in the coming weeks..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-12-15
Date of entry/update: 2023-12-15
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Description: "Myanmar economic recovery falters as conflict and inflation weigh Broad-based slowdown anticipated across productive sectors YANGON, December 12, 2023—Little economic growth is expected in Myanmar in the near term, as rising conflict, trade and logistics disruptions, kyat volatility and high inflation combine to negatively impact businesses and households, the World Bank’s semi-annual Myanmar Economic Monitor said. Myanmar’s economy is projected to grow by just 1% over the year to March 2024, according to the report, Challenges amid conflict. Conflict has escalated across much of Myanmar since October, leading to the displacement of an estimated half a million people, disrupting key overland trade routes and increasing logistics costs. Even if conflict does not escalate further, growth is expected to remain subdued over the rest of 2024 and into 2025 given a broad-based slowdown across productive sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. The size of Myanmar’s economy remains around 10% lower than it was in 2019, leaving it the only economy in East Asia that has not returned to pre-pandemic levels of economic activity. Consumer prices rose by almost 29% in the 12 months ending in June this year, and the more recent drop in the value of the kyat and escalation in conflict have led to further price rises in the months since. Household incomes continue to be severely strained. In surveys conducted by IFPRI in mid-2023, 40% of households reported earning less than in the previous year, with median real incomes declining by around 10 percent. Measures of food insecurity have also worsened. “The economic situation has deteriorated, and uncertainty about the future is increasing,” said World Bank Country Director for Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Lao PDR, Mariam Sherman. “High food price inflation has had a particularly severe impact on the poor, who spend a larger portion of their income on food, and who tend to live in areas where prices have risen at a faster pace." Indicators of business activity have worsened since mid-2023. Firms reported operating at just 56% of their capacity in September, down 16 percentage points from March. Weakness in sales has been a major challenge, particularly for retailers. A special section of the report explores the scope for Myanmar’s garment industry to continue to drive growth in employment and incomes, as it has done for much of the past decade. However, conflict, high logistics costs, trade and foreign exchange restrictions, and electricity disruptions have raised the cost of doing business and reduced the sector’s international competitiveness. “With the operating environment deteriorating and uncertainty about the future increasing, Myanmar’s garment firms have been forced to focus on survival rather than investment and growth,” said World Bank Program Leader and Senior Economist for Myanmar, Kim Alan Edwards. “The scarring effect of recent developments is likely to curtail Myanmar’s longer-term development potential, in the garment industry and across the broader economy”..."
Source/publisher: World Bank
2023-12-12
Date of entry/update: 2023-12-12
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Description: "Highlights: • More than half a million people are estimated to have been newly displaced due to the escalation of armed conflict since 26 October, although figures are fluid due to returns and redisplacement, while communication challenges are making numbers difficult to verify. This adds to the 2 million people who were already displaced before the current escalation of violence. • Fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various groups, including Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), persists in about twothirds of the country. • Intense clashes have been reported in many townships across northern and southern Shan, Rakhine and Chin, Sagaing, Magway, Kayah, eastern Bago and Kayin in early December, causing further humanitarian needs and challenges. • Despite insecurity, access, and telecommunication challenges, provision of essential humanitarian assistance to affected people continues where possible using a variety of flexible approaches by humanitarian responders and partners. • In northern Shan, an estimated 85 per cent of the newly displaced population in northern Shan have received some form of basic humanitarian assistance at least once although this is not sufficient to fully meet their needs. • Extensive needs and gaps remain in providing regular support to all people in need with displaced people in some parts of the country normally heavily reliant of humanitarian assistance for their survival. • The UN and partners are exploring pathways to access a greater proportion of affected people, particularly at the China-Myanmar border. • Key challenges include road closures, movement restrictions, as well as the safety and security of aid workers. The response is further complicated by a fuel crisis, serious banking issues, and soaring commodity prices. • In Rakhine, high market prices and the scarcity of food and household items have added layers of hardship for entire populations and vulnerable communities, including internally displaced people (IDPs) who have been facing the consequences of years of conflict and the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha. • The 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) is grossly under-funded with only 29 per cent of required funding received from the donor community. An urgent injection of support is critical to enable humanitarians to respond effectively and at-scale to the escalating needs in Myanmar..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-12-08
Date of entry/update: 2023-12-08
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Description: "Highlights: More than 500,000 people have been newly displaced and are in urgent need of humanitarian support due to the intense fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces and various ethnic armed organizations in many parts of the country. Nearly 150,000 people have been newly displaced in the northwest and in Mandalay since early November. Shortage of essential items, rising prices and fuel crisis exacerbating the humanitarian situation. UNICEF and partners have reached 477,543 affected people with WASH supplies and services includes 75,774 girls and 77,506 boys. A total of 534,983 children below the age of one were vaccinated against measles and rubella, while 73,742 people receiving primary health care services. Situation in numbers 5,800,000 children in need of humanitarian assistance 18,100,000 people in need (HAC 2023) 1,858,600 Internally displaced people after 1 February 2021 (UNHCR) 59,500 People displaced to neighbouring countries since 1 February 2021 306,200 people living in protracted displacement before February 2021 Funding Overview and Partnerships UNICEF Myanmar appealed for US$217.9 million in 2023 to address the needs of 3.7 million people, including 2.3 million children. During this reporting period, UNICEF secured US$32.45 million (US$23.23 million in 2023 and $9.22 million carried over from 2022), representing 14.9 per cent of its 2023 Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal. UNICEF received this generous support from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), the United States Fund for UNICEF, the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (European Commission/ECHO), the Government of Canada, the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Government of Norway, the Royal Thai Government, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the French Committee for UNICEF, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF global humanitarian thematic funding. With these resources, UNICEF and partners continue to deliver much-needed services in nutrition, health, HIV/AIDS, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), education, child protection, gender-based violence in emergencies, social protection and cash-based programming, social behaviour change and accountability to affected populations. UNICEF also provided humanitarian leadership, cluster coordination and strengthened protection against sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). As of reporting period, the funding gap stands out at 85 per cent, which is severely affecting UNICEF’s capacity to respond. Without these resources, targeted populations, especially children, who need basic social services will not be able to receive humanitarian assistance. UNICEF continues its efforts to mobilize resources and expresses its sincere appreciation to all private and public sector donors for their contributions to supporting the children of Myanmar. Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs Intense fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various ethnic armed organizations has been escalating in many parts of the country, particularly in northern Shan, Rakhine, Kayah, Sagaing and Chin. The situation remains volatile with continued fighting and large-scale civilian displacement, including amongst children. At the time of reporting, more than 500,000 people had been newly displaced within northern and southern Shan, Kayah, Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, Mandalay, eastern Bago, Kayin, Mon and Tanintharyi since late October, with 283 people dead including children and 334 injured. Tension remains because of the fighting; humanitarian work has been suspended while the people who have been displaced, and who are in urgent need of humanitarian support, move from one township to another in search of safety. Movement restrictions have led to significant increases in commodity prices, as well as food and fuel shortages. Armed clashes across different townships have also disrupted the rice harvest. In northern Shan, armed clashes continued in several townships, resulting in 95 dead and 152 injured and an upsurge of internally displaced people to nearly 84,000 in 16 townships.2 Many families have fled to the China-Myanmar border in northern Shan, Pyin Oo Lwin township in Mandalay and Mansi township in Kachin. An increasing number of people are fleeing from Laukkaing, Chin Shwe Haw and Kunlong to places along the border with China and to Namtit, the principal town of the Wa Self-Administered Division of Shan State. There are 50,000 displaced people in Laukkaing with minimal humanitarian assistance. Lashio Airport remains closed and roads from Lashio to other conflict-affected areas are totally blocked. The road from Lashio to Mandalay and southern Shan is passable, though complicated by the presence of multiple checkpoints. Telecommunications and the Internet are accessible in Lashio but limited in other areas, particularly in the townships bordering China such as Monekoe, Kunlong and Namhkan. The State Administration Council (SAC) has imposed martial law in eight townships, including Lashio, Hseni, Kutkai, Namhkan, Muse, Laukkaing, Kunlong and Konekyan, which is exacerbating the challenges civilians already face. Armed hostilities have escalated in Rakhine state with intense clashes between the MAF and the Arakan Army, including in Pauktaw, northern townships in Rakhine, in central Rakhine and in Paletwa, southern Chin. There have reportedly been civilian casualties and displacements in several townships due to artillery shelling and gunfire. Main roads and waterways movement have been blocked, resulting in the suspension of humanitarian aid. Since 13 November, 69,000 people were newly displaced in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Myebon, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung and Paletwa townships with at least 20 fatalities and more than 85 injuries3. The security situation in Pauktaw township remains alarming, with more than 20,000 people displaced since mid-November and with at least 12 fatalities.4 Hundreds of people remain trapped, unable to move to safer areas. In the southeast, fighting has progressively spread in Loikaw, Demoso, Hpruso in Kayah, at the Shan-Kayah border, Kayin, Mon states and eastern Bago, resulting in at least 78 civilian deaths and 55 injuries. More than 180,000 people have been displaced since the escalation began and are in need of urgent relief aid.5 Humanitarian access in Kayah remains extremely restricted due to the ongoing conflict, aerial bombardment and heightened scrutiny of partners at checkpoints. Attacks on civilians and displacement sites have also been reported in Loikaw township in Kayah, with the main airport closed and martial law in effect. An estimated 21,000 people have been displaced in Kayah state, with some 1,000 internally displaced persons in the eastern part of Loikaw urgently needing shelter, food, WASH services and health care.Fighting has been intensifying and more than 16,000 people from Kyarinnseikkyi in Kayin and Kyaikmaraw in Mon states are displaced and are in immediate need of humanitarian assistance. The main road between Kyaikmaraw-Chaung Nakwa and Mudon-Chaung Nakwa has been blocked. In Kachin State, intense fighting has been reported in the townships of Bhamo, Hpakant, Mansi, Momauk, Myitkyina, Shwegu, Tsawlaw and Waingmaw, leading to cutting-off of telephone and internet services. Myitkyina-Mandalay Road has been blocked intermittently since mid-November. In the northwest, armed clashes have affected 40 townships, including Falam and Matupi in Chin; Madaya in Mandalay; and Indaw, Kawlin, Pinlebu, Tamu and Tigyaing in Sagaing and in Magway region. Nearly 150,000 people have been newly displaced in the northwest and Mandalay since the fighting began to escalate in early November. Hostilities have killed 90 civilians, and injured 42, including children, and destroyed more than 100 houses. Humanitarian access remains restricted due to roadblocks and fighting; disruption of telecommunications and closure of Kale airport. About 5,000 internally displaced persons from Falam township have been displaced to the India-Myanmar border area in Chin. Of them, some 3,000 internally displaced persons have reportedly crossed the border to seek refuge in India, while the remainder is seeking safety in forest areas within Falam township..."
Source/publisher: UN Children's Fund via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-12-08
Date of entry/update: 2023-12-08
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Description: "Highlight: Conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various groups, including Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), continues in many parts of the country. More townships across the Northwest and Southeast have been affected by widening conflict, causing fresh displacement and civilian casualties. More than half a million people in multiple states and regions have been newly displaced due to the escalation of fighting since 26 October. This adds to the 2 million people who were already displaced before the current escalation began. Despite insecurity, access, and telecommunication challenges, small-scale provision of essential humanitarian assistance to affected people continues where possible using a variety of flexible approaches. In northern Shan, an estimated 50,000 people displaced in Laukkaing township, on the border with China, have only been able to receive minimal assistance. Humanitarian partners are working to negotiate access and provide assistance. Key transport routes in townships experiencing active fighting nationwide have been blocked both by the MAF and EAOs, restricting people’s movements to safer locations and hampering humanitarian access. Lashio and Loikaw airports remain closed. In Rakhine, commodity prices are rising due to shortages of food and daily household items in local markets, caused by blockages of roads and waterways both within and into the state. As of the end of 2023, the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for the year is only 29 per cent funded. An urgent injection of funding is critically needed to enable humanitarians to respond effectively and at-scale to the escalating needs. Provisional approval has been granted for a CERF Rapid Response Allocation of up to US$7 million to address needs generates by the recent escalation of conflict and surging displacement..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-12-01
Date of entry/update: 2023-12-01
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Description: "OVERVIEW Throughout the third quarter of 2023, Myanmar continued to grapple with a deepening humanitarian crisis marked by ongoing conflict, monsoon floods, and an alarming spread of explosive ordnance. The situation has led to unprecedented levels of displacement, extensive property damage, and the pervasive threat of landmines, especially in the Northwest and Southeast. By the end of the reporting period, close to 2 million people were internally displaced, facing elevated risks from high intensity conflict while navigating unfamiliar areas often contaminated by landmines and other explosive remnants of war. Displaced people continued to experience high to extreme levels of vulnerability with many living in informal sites without proper shelter or services. Many people are facing repeated displacement, depleting their resources with every movement. Pressure for the premature return of displaced people to their places of origin or third locations remains intense in some areas. In addition, severe monsoon weather exacerbated the situation, triggering floods mainly in the Northwest and Southeast, resulting in the destruction of civilian infrastructure and heightened needs. Notwithstanding the above-mentioned formidable challenges, both local and international humanitarian partners have demonstrated resilience and commitment to staying and delivering, scaling up and adapting their efforts to address deepening needs. Over the first 9 months of 2023, these efforts resulted at least 2.5 million people receiving some form of assistance – a testament to the dedication of the 226 operational partners in Myanmar (up from 164 at the mid-year point). However, this assistance is not as deep, sustained, or multi-sectoral as planned and represents only half of the 5 million people prioritized for assistance. Access and administrative restrictions continued to pose significant obstacles, causing delays and postponements in relief efforts, exacerbating the suffering of affected and displaced populations. Throughout the period under review, the Food Security Cluster continued to push forward with its response to needs in affected areas, accounting for the highest proportion of people reached (1.7 million), followed by the Protection Cluster (1.5 million) and Education Cluster (1.1 million). The figures are based on self-reporting by partners and, while there has been an improvement in the number of organizations sharing information, some responses are still likely to be missed..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-11-28
Date of entry/update: 2023-11-29
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Description: "Highlight: • Conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various groups, including Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), continues in many parts of the country. • Fighting has been particularly intense in northern Shan, Rakhine, Sagaing, Chin and Mandalay. • In Rakhine, armed clashes have again escalated in Pauktaw township, where more than 20,000 people have been newly displaced to safer locations since mid-November. Access here is heavily constrained. • As of 22 November, there are nearly 335,000 people in multiple states and regions who have been newly displaced as a result of the escalation of fighting since 26 October. More than 2 million people are now displaced nationwide. • Key transport routes in townships with active fighting have been blocked both by the MAF and EAOs, restricting people’s movements to safer locations, as well as hampering humanitarian access. In addition to Lashio and Loikaw, the airport in Kale is now closed. • Despite insecurity, access and telecommunication challenges, small-scale provision of essential humanitarian assistance to affected people continues where possible using a variety of flexible approaches. • While the US$1 million from the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund is being disbursed to local actors to support those responding to emerging needs in northern Shan, needs in the Northwest, Southeast and Rakhine are increasing by the day and require immediate response. Urgent additional donor support is critical given the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan remains severely underfunded with only 28 per cent of requirements received this year. Situation Overview Intense hostilities continue between the MAF and various armed groups, including EAOs and PDFs, across multiple states and regions. Nearly 335,000 people have been newly displaced within northern and southern Shan, Kayah, Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, Mandalay, eastern Bago, Kayin, Mon, and Tanintharyi due to the surge in conflict since late October. This displacement is creating urgent needs for immediate and ongoing support to both newly displaced and protracted IDP populations, as well as host communities. In addition, almost 200 civilians, including men, women, and children, have reportedly died and 263 others have been injured in the fighting and related insecurity. Northern Shan • In northern Shan, fighting continues in several townships, resulting in significant civilian casualties (48 fatalities and 136 injuries reported). More than 320 houses and other civilian properties have reportedly been damaged or destroyed in 6 townships. As of 22 November, the number of new IDPs from the current fighting has risen to nearly 82,000 people who are now taking refuge in 141 sites across 15 townships. Most of the displaced people are staying in religious compounds including monasteries and churches, while others are sheltering in host communities, forested areas or paddy fields along the China-Myanmar border in northern Shan, as well as in Pyin Oo Lwin township in Mandalay and in Mansi township in Kachin. • Partners are actively delivering essential aid, including cash, food, and healthcare, to those in need, where access has been possible. Humanitarian assistance has reached about half of the IDPs however, there remains a gap in humanitarian support for some locations in Namhkan, Nawnghkio, Mansi and Pyin Oo Lwin townships due to security situation and access restrictions. In Laukkaing township, 30,000 people, who have been displaced on the border with China, have only been able to receive minimal assistance. Partners are managing to transport some supplies to Lashio, though there is still a high unmet need for cash, food, health supplies, shelter materials, NFIs, and dignity kits among the new IDPs. Rakhine • Intensified fighting between the MAF and the Arakan Army (AA) in Pauktaw township in central Rakhine, has escalated since the AA's offensive on 21 November. The clashes, involving ground artillery, naval, and air strikes, have left control of the area uncertain. An artillery shell landed near a Rohingya IDP camp in Pauktaw township without causing any casualties. Nearly 20,000 people from Pauktaw town and nearby villages have been displaced to northern Pauktaw and the southern island, the latter of which also hosts 26,000 Rohingya IDPs from the 2012 violence who have been cut off from aid since 10 November. Approximately 100 civilians were reportedly rescued by the AA from Pauktaw town on 22 November, while around 500 remain trapped in the downtown area. Pauktaw is currently inaccessible, with entry points blocked. Urgent humanitarian and protection assistance, including food, cash, water purification tablets, fuel, emergency healthcare, and medical supplies, is needed. There are ongoing advocacy efforts to secure humanitarian access to the newly displaced, including in Pauktaw, and resume services to those in Rohingya IDP camps. Northwest • In the Northwest, armed clashes between the MAF and EAOs/PDFs have escalated since late October in 25 townships across Sagaing, Chin, and Mandalay, causing further displacement and civilian casualties. Approximately 33,000 people are newly displaced from Madaya in Mandalay, Matupi in Chin, and Kale and Taze in Sagaing, contributing to the nearly 150,000 people who have been displaced since early November. These hostilities are thought to have resulted in 60 civilian deaths, 16 injuries including children, and the destruction of 74 houses in Chin, Mandalay, and Sagaing. Reports of arbitrary arrests in Myaing in Magway and Madaya in Mandalay have been received, with fears of detainees being used as porters in military operations. Humanitarian access is hindered by ongoing fighting, roadblocks, and movement restrictions in multiple townships. Kale Airport in Sagaing closed on 21 November following an explosion the previous day, with no reopening date announced. The region faces a fuel crisis, particularly in Kale and Tamu townships, and banking issues pose additional challenges for humanitarian efforts..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-11-23
Date of entry/update: 2023-11-23
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Description: "MYANMAR Since the surge in armed conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) in northern Shan on 26 October, fighting has expanded across numerous states and regions. The escalation is now the largest in scale and most extensive geographically since the early 2021 military takeover, impacting multiple areas, particularly northern and southern Shan, Sagaing, Kayah, Rakhine, and southern Chin. The fighting has led to an alarming rise in displacement with more than 286,000 people fleeing their homes since the intensification began less than a month ago. The total number of displaced people across Myanmar now exceeds two million. The conflict has severely disrupted key transport routes, impeding civilian movement and the delivery of humanitarian aid. The most urgent humanitarian needs among affected people are cash, food, safe shelter, non-food items and hygiene kits, basic health services and protection support. Faith and community-based organizations, as well as civil society partners, in collaboration with other humanitarian actors, continue to provide critical and lifesaving assistance to displaced and affected communities wherever access is possible using flexible approaches..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-11-22
Date of entry/update: 2023-11-22
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Description: "Highlight The conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various groups, including Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), remains intense in many parts of the country. The escalation is now the largest in scale and most extensive geographically since the early 2021 military takeover, impacting multiple areas, particularly northern and southern Shan, Sagaing, Kayah, Rakhine, and southern Chin. As of 21 November, there are more than 286,000 people who have been displaced as a result of the intensification of fighting since 26 October. The security situation in Pauktaw township in Rakhine remains alarming, where more than 20,000 people have been displaced to safer locations within the township since mid-November and hundreds of people have also been trapped and have not been able to move to safer areas. Key transport routes in townships with active fighting have been blocked both by the MAF and EAOs, restricting people’s movements to safer locations, as well as hampering humanitarian access. Despite insecurity, access and telecommunication challenges, provision of essential humanitarian assistance to affected people continues in northern Shan using a variety of flexible approaches. Humanitarian partners in the Northwest, Southeast and Rakhine are assessing new needs to respond to the fluid situation. Various preparedness measures, including the pre-positioning of stocks, are ongoing. While the US$1 million from the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund is being disbursed to local actors to support those responding to emerging needs in northern Shan, needs in the Northwest, Southeast and Rakhine are increasing by the day and require immediate response. Urgent additional donor support is critical given the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan remains severely underfunded with only 28 per cent of requirements received this year. Situation Overview Intense hostilities continue between the MAF and various armed groups, including EAOs and People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), across multiple states and regions. This escalation is the largest and most geographically widespread since the 2021 military takeover. Armed clashes have expanded into more areas, including densely populated urban centres, posing a heightened risk to the safety and security of civilian populations across the country. More than 286,000 people have been newly displaced within northern and southern Shan, Kayah, Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, Mandalay, eastern Bago, Kayin, Mon, and Tanintharyi due to the recent surge in conflict. This displacement represents a significant humanitarian concern, with urgent needs for immediate and ongoing support to both newly displaced and protracted IDP populations, as well as host communities. In addition, 187 civilians, including men, women, and children, have reportedly died and 246 others have been injured..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-11-21
Date of entry/update: 2023-11-21
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Description: "Highlight: Armed hostilities have escalated in Rakhine State in the past two days, particularly in Pauktaw and Maungdaw townships, and in Paletwa, Chin State. The Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) have conducted an operation in Pauktaw with air and naval support to reestablish control after the Arakan Army (AA) temporarily took the town on 15 November. Despite the absence of direct clashes, there have been reports of MAF shelling in AA-controlled areas in Kyauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Myebon, Sittwe, and Ponnagyun townships. Since 13 November, 11 deaths and over 30 injuries have been reported. Additionally, more than 100 people have reportedly been detained by the MAF/State Administration Council. As of 16 November, the overall number of internally displaced people (IDPs) due to past and present conflict between the AA and the MAF in Rakhine and Paletwa has risen to some 90,000, including more than 26,000 people newly displaced since the ceasefire broke. This is in addition to 150,000 mostly Rohingya people displaced in Rakhine as a result of long-running inter-communal tensions. Key transport routes and waterways between Sittwe-Yangon and within various townships have been restricted, impacting civilian movement and the delivery of humanitarian aid. Humanitarian assistance has been suspended for several days, with limited access being provided to select locations amid the intensified fighting. Situation Overview The MAF and the AA resumed hostilities on 13 November, disrupting the relative calm that followed the informal ceasefire established in November 2022. The recent conflict began in Rathedaung township, where the AA is reported to have attacked two Border Guard Police (BGP) posts near the Maungdaw township border. Hostilities have since spread to the townships of Maungdaw, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, and Paletwa. Reports indicate artillery shelling from MAF bases in various townships, predominantly at night. The MAF has also employed naval forces to launch artillery strikes on AA-controlled territories. Local sources have confirmed at least 11 fatalities and more than 30 injuries due to the shelling in Maungdaw, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Minbya, and Ann townships. The MAF/SAC have increased security measures across the region, including the establishment of additional checkpoints and roadblocks, and conducting household searches to identify suspected AA sympathizers. More than 100 people in Rakhine have been arrested by the MAF/SAC since 13 November. Meanwhile, the AA detained five people, including two in police uniform, in Ponnagyun, suspecting they were en route to Sittwe by boat. Additionally, a curfew from 9 pm to 6 am has been implemented in Sittwe. The ongoing clashes have resulted in the displacement of 26,175 people (4,765 households) across Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Myebon, Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, and Rathedaung townships. Of these, the largest number - 19,000 people - are from Pauktaw. This displacement adds to the existing situation where 63,884 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were already affected by earlier AA-MAF conflict, along with approximately 150,000 predominantly Rohingya IDPs in Sittwe and Pauktaw from past inter-communal tension. Rural communities, in particular, are living in fear of escalating violence, and there is a high likelihood that the newly displaced will seek refuge in existing urban displacement sites if the situation worsens. The non-displaced Rohingya population - already facing limited mobility - is at risk of further confinement in their villages. Since 13 November, virtually all roads and waterways connecting Rakhine townships have been blocked, severely restricting movements, including the transportation of goods and trade. In affected townships in Rakhine and Paletwa, most humanitarian activities have been suspended due to the resurgence of conflict, increased security scrutiny, road and waterway blockades, and movement restrictions between urban and rural areas. Services provided by camp-based staff, community-based staff, and volunteers continue in areas without active conflict. However, activities requiring the movement of supplies, staff, or patients, such as health emergency referral services, have ceased due to stringent movement restrictions..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-11-17
Date of entry/update: 2023-11-17
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Description: "KEY DISPLACEMENT FIGURES: 95,600 Estimated refugee outflows to neighbouring countries since 1 February 2021 1,124,800 Refugees and asylum-seekers from Myanmar in neighbouring countries as of 30 June 2023 1,670,200 Estimated total internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Myanmar, displaced since 1 February 2021 Source: UN in Myanmar 1,976,400 Estimated total internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Myanmar as of 2 October 2023 Source: UN in Myanmar OVERVIEW In Myanmar, increased armed conflict and monsoon floods continue to trigger new displacement and exacerbate humanitarian needs. According to the UN, over 1.9 million people remain displaced within the country, with 47 townships in the North-West and the South-East still under martial law. Airstrikes, indiscriminate shelling, landmines, widespread arson, forced recruitment and raids on civilian targets, including homes, schools, health facilities, places of worship, as well as villages and internally displaced people (IDP) sites continued. Heavy rains and flooding temporarily displaced thousands, mostly in the North-West and the South-East. Prolonged humanitarian access constraints are impacting the provision of protection and life-saving services and straining the resilience of affected communities. In Thailand, according to the Royal Thai Government (RTG), as of 2 October, 7,259 refugees were sheltered in five Temporary Safety Areas (TSAs) across three districts (3,790 in Mae Sariang, 821 in Khun Yuam and 2,647 in Mueang) in Mae Hong Son Province. The conflict across the border in Kayah State reportedly subsided in early September and moved further away from the Thai-Myanmar border. In Mae Hong Son, the RTG recorded that a total of 2,673 individuals have returned to Myanmar since July 2023, including 2,130 in September. Further south, following fighting in the Tanintharyi region, the RTG reported 374 new arrivals between 20 and 22 September in Ranong Province who returned to Myanmar on 24 September. Humanitarian access to the TSAs remains limited and is granted on a case-by-case basis. In India, around 50,600 individuals* from Myanmar’s North-West region have sought protection in the country since February 2021. Of this number, 5,438 individuals are in Delhi and have registered with UNHCR. The number of reported new arrivals to Manipur remains minimal. Due to the changing weather and frequent rains, health problems relating to common colds and fever have been reported among arrivals in the districts of South Mizoram. Community-based organisations (CBOs) and NGOs are facilitating patient referrals to public primary health centres. According to CBOs and humanitarian organizations on the ground, medicine and food are urgent needs..."
Source/publisher: UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-10-31
Date of entry/update: 2023-11-16
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Description: "This regular update, covering humanitarian developments up to 8 November, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UN agencies. Response figures are based on self-reporting by organizations to clusters. The next humanitarian update will be issued end of November 2023. HIGHLIGHTS & KEY MESSAGES A combination of active conflict, monsoon floods, and access barriers is worsening the humanitarian situation facing vulnerable communities nationwide. A new front of conflict has intensified in Northern Shan where fighting between Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) has displaced almost 50,000 people since 26 October. More than two million people are now internally displaced nationwide, many of them multiple times, eroding their coping capacity with each move. Relentless monsoon floods, especially in the Southeast, have caused severe economic and agricultural losses, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation as a result of conflict. Administrative and physical restrictions are amplifying suffering by delaying or forcing the cancellation of aid deliveries. Local and international humanitarian partners remain committed to staying and delivering, reaching at least 2.5 million people by end of September 2023. The combined US$887 million Humanitarian Response Plan and Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeals remain critically underfunded, with only 28 per cent of the required funding received. Immediate additional financial assistance and the easing of access restrictions are imperative for the humanitarian community to address urgent needs. SITUATION OVERVIEW Active conflict, monsoon floods, underfunding and restrictions on humanitarian activities are contributing to deteriorating living situations for vulnerable communities, including internally displaced people. More than two million people remain internally displaced nationwide, with many having experienced repeated displacement. Displaced families are enduring precarious conditions while they are on the move, often seeking refuge in the jungle without proper shelter. Almost half of the country's population is estimated to be living in poverty and an estimated 12.9 million people are estimated to be severely or moderately food insecure. Affected people are facing heightened protection risks, particularly due to contamination by explosive ordnance, including landmines. This multifaceted crisis has not only deepened the needs of vulnerable groups but has also severely restricted their access to essential services and humanitarian assistance. Relief efforts of both local and international humanitarian organizations have been obstructed. In the face of these formidable obstacles, partners remain resolute in their commitment to assisting those in need. By the end of September, they had reached at least 2.5 million people, responding to escalating needs through diverse and flexible access approaches, including growing numbers of people in the Northwest and an expanded proportion of IDPs. However, despite escalating needs, the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and the Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal remain severely underfunded, leaving thousands of desperate communities without the vital support they require..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-11-10
Date of entry/update: 2023-11-10
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Description: "Highlights Intense fighting, including artillery shelling and airstrikes, has continued in several townships in northern Shan since the attack by an alliance of Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and others against military and police bases on 26 October 2023, causing additional civilian casualties and displacement. As of 9 November, almost 50,000 people in northern Shan were forced into displacement in religious compounds with relatives. Many have also moved towards the border with China and others are still trying to cross. Key routes into Lashio township remain blocked both by the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and by EAOs, and all travel routes to northern Shan remain restricted. Phone and internet services have been disrupted outside Lashio township and the main airport in Lashio remains closed hindering people’s movement, humanitarian access and communications with people in need. Fighting has also escalated in the Northwest in early November. About 40,000 people have been subsequently displaced due to active fighting in the Northwest. In northern Shan, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations (CBOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs), in collaboration with humanitarian partners, continue to provide basic essential humanitarian assistance. US$1 million from the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund will be disbursed to support those responding to emerging needs in northern Shan. This support is, however, insufficient to meet the surge in needs. A halt in clashes and unimpeded access by all parties are critical to ensuring the delivery of timely, life-saving services to people in need. Situation Overview Intense fighting has continued between the MAF and various EAOs, as well as People's Defense Forces (PDFs) across multiple townships in northern Shan since 26 October, leading to additional civilian casualties and surging displacement. Fighting escalated following a series of attacks on MAF and police bases by a coalition of EAOs—namely the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA), calling themselves the ‘Three Brotherhood Alliance.’ Consequently, 17 civilians were reportedly killed and 39 were injured, while at least 200 civilian houses were reportedly damaged in 6 townships. Two weeks on, nearly 50,000 people have reportedly been displaced and are currently sheltering in 100 locations in religious compounds or with relatives across 10 townships in northern Shan. According to media reports, several hundred people reportedly crossed the border into China because of ongoing fighting and many others are still trying to cross, but partners can not verify exact numbers. Key roads to Lashio town have either been closed or blocked by the EAOs or the MAF causing shortages of essential items and price hikes. Major transport routes have been cut off, including the strategic Lashio-Muse highway, leading to a healthcare access crisis that is already reported to have resulted in several deaths. Phone and internet services have been disrupted outside Lashio township and the main airport in Lashio remains closed hindering people’s movement, humanitarian access and communications with people in need. On November 6, a bomb allegedly planted by an EAO exploded at the privately owned CB Bank in Lashio. This incident severely disrupted the bank's operations, leading to all commercial banks reducing operations to only three hours a day. Consequently, there is a significant reduction in the availability of cash in the region. The mobile money application ‘KBZ PAY’ is currently offering limited services, and the only other available mobile banking option, 'WeChat,' operates exclusively along the Myanmar-China border, not in the main urban areas of Lashio. As a result, prices of basic commodities are on the rise. The increasing price of basic commodities as a result of transport and cash flow challenges will further diminish the purchasing power of cash-based assistance provided by humanitarian partners. In addition, an escalation in fighting has also been reported since early November across multiple townships in the Northwest. On 3 November, the joint forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Arakan Army (AA), the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF), as well as local PDFs launched coordinated attacks against MAF bases and security positions in Homalin, Kale, Kalewa, Kawlin, Kyunhla, Wuntho, and Tamu townships in Sagaing, as well as Gangaw township in Magway. Intense fighting with airstrikes and artillery shelling occurred in Kawlin town, culminating in the joint forces reportedly seizing the town from the MAF on 6 November. According to local media, approximately 50,000 people from Kawlin town initially fled their homes to safer locations due to the heavy fighting during the first week of November. As of 9 November, 40,000 people remain displaced, while about 10,000 people have returned home. Humanitarian partners are closely monitoring the security situation and trying to verify the exact number and locations of the newly displaced people as well as their needs to provide appropriate assistance..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-11-09
Date of entry/update: 2023-11-09
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Description: "Highlight The armed conflict that began on 26 October between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF), various ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), and People’s Defense Forces continues to escalate, significantly impacting the Northeast and Southeast regions of the country. Some 25,700 individuals in Northern Shan, Bago East and Kayin have reportedly been newly displaced. In Northern Shan, armed clashes in at least nine out of 22 townships have resulted in a surge of newly displaced persons and mounting humanitarian needs. In Northern Shan, the total number of internally displaced people (IDPs) now stands at over 37,400, with a recent surge of over 23,000 due to the escalation in fighting. This is on top of the 14,470 IDPs previously displaced, straining an already underresourced humanitarian response. Essential transit routes connecting Northern Shan to China are currently obstructed by the MAF and EAOs checkpoints, and at least one vital bridge has been destroyed. Additionally, northern Shan, Bago East and Kayin have faced extensive disruptions in mobile data and telecommunication services across numerous areas. In Northern Shan, faith-based organizations and host communities are offering immediate, basic lifesaving assistance, such as shelter, food, and water. Various humanitarian partners, alongside host communities and private donors, have extended cash assistance, basic food supplies, and essential relief items to the newly displaced. The support provided, however, has been insufficient to address the growing needs, while access remains extremely restricted..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-11-02
Date of entry/update: 2023-11-02
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Description: "Security and Conflict Incidents   
Source/publisher: Center for Operational Analysis and Research, United Nations Office for Project Services
2023-10-31
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-31
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Description: "Executive Summary: Under the Myanmar Community Resilience Project (MCRP), the World Bank will be supporting World Food Programme’s (WFP’s) proposed interventions within the scope of its life-saving food and nutrition assistance to conflict-affected populations in Rakhine State in Myanmar. The objective of the MCRP is to improve food security and livelihoods resilience of vulnerable populations in selected areas of Myanmar. WFP interventions under the Project will support targeted relief and nutrition assistance through food transfers and cash-based transfers to populations affected by crisis, as well as provision of specialized nutritious foods to pregnant and lactating women and adolescent girls and children under 5 in Rakhine State. This Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) has been prepared to identify the potential environmental and social risks and impacts of proposed Project activities and propose suitable mitigation measures to manage these risks and impacts. It maps out the general WFP and World Bank policies appliable for the Project, and describes the principles, approaches, implementation arrangements, and environmental and social mitigation measures to be followed. The potential environmental and social risks for project activities are identified as: Potential exclusion of disadvantaged or vulnerable households; Potential exclusion of ethnic minorities due to access challenges or language barriers; Risks to project workers (including health and safety risks, security risks, child labor or forced labor, COVID-19 risks, and sexual exploitation and abuse risks); Risks to community members (including safety and security risks, discrimination or exclusion, COVID 19 risks, and sexual exploitation and abuse risks); Solid waste management risks from inappropriate disposal of food packaging; Food safety risks that may stem from improper storage, transport or distribution of food assistance; and Potential for insufficient stakeholder engagement and grievance management. These risks will be managed and mitigated through the application of: The project’s operational design for targeting and selection of communities and beneficiaries; WFP policies and operational practices (including the Environmental Policy, the Protection and Accountability Policy, the Food Storage Manual, and Standard Operating Procedures on COVID-19, protection for sexual exploitation and abuse, and community engagement mechanisms); The measures included in this ESMF and the Annexes to this ESMF (including simplified Labor Management Procedures, Landmine Procedures, and a Safety and Security Approach); and The Stakeholder Engagement Plan prepared for this project. Implementation Arrangements. The project will support an extension of WFP’s current programs in Rakhine State. WFP will both implement directly and work closely with and through a strong pool of local and international NGOs in implementing and monitoring its program. At WFP, the project will be overseen by the Deputy Country Director (Programme) and will be directly managed by the Head of Programme (both based in Nay Pyi Taw). Cooperating partners (CPs) will act as an implementing partner for some of the activities. The CPs will be mobilized to support WFP in assessing, distributing, and monitoring activities of the project. WFP will retain responsibility and technical oversight of CPs work. Agreements with CPs will include the requirement to comply with the environmental and social mitigation measures outlined in this ESMF. Local contractors, such as transportation companies, will be required to comply with the Project’s environmental and social risk management measures, including the national laws and regulations and the ESMF. Monitoring. WFP’s monitoring activities are guided by WFP’s Standard Operating Procedures for monitoring and tailored tools for distribution and post-distribution monitoring. WFP conducts monthly distribution monitoring focusing on distribution output and process, in addition to three rounds of detailed post-distribution monitoring which focus on the outcomes of WFP operations. WFP teams working to implement the project will ensure that monitoring practices include the environmental and social risks identified in the ESMF and will monitor the implementation of E&S risk management measures as part of regular project monitoring. A separate Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has been prepared for the Project, based on WFP’s Community Engagement Mechanism Standard Operating Procedures for Myanmar and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standard 10 on Stakeholder Engagement. Under its Standard Operating Procedures for its Community Engagement Mechanism WFP already has an operational and accessible community feedback mechanism/grievance mechanism, which has various culturally appropriate means for stakeholders to raise feedback. This grievance mechanism will also be used for the World Bank supported project activities to receive and facilitate resolution of concerns and grievances. The grievance mechanism is also equipped to receive, register and facilitate the resolution of sexual exploitation and abuse complaints, in accordance with the WFP Standard Operating Procedures on sexual exploitation and abuse. WFP has a team of trained focal points to ensure referral of survivors to relevant service providers in a safe, confidential and survivor-centered manner..."
Source/publisher: World Food Programme (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
2023-10-24
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-24
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Description: "The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provided emergency assistance to over 1,500 displaced families who are currently living in Myaning Gyi Ngu, Ohn Taw, Khamamaung town and their surrounding areas in Kayin State, Myanmar. Displaced families face the devastating consequences of armed conflict every day, including the loss of their homes and livelihoods, along with limited access to essentials like food, water, education, medicines and health care. "Some days, I just want to disappear like smoke. It is too much of a burden for me and my family to bear," says Daw Pu*, a mother who fled from her town with her five children to escape the violence. "We had to flee using boats, and it took us approximately eight hours to reach this place. This is a small town with few job opportunities, and despite my best efforts, I struggle to support my family," explains Daw Pu*, who now resides in Ohn Taw. Yet, escaping from the violence is not the only challenge for these families. In early August 2023, many displaced families and host communities were impacted by floods due to the heavy rain. "I lost all the stocked rice and had to move from our current place because the water level rose above my height," she recalls. "We stayed at other people's homes for 19 days, borrowing their clothes and eating what they would offer to us." Many displaced families have to similarly rely on support from the host communities and local and international organizations. "Our emergency distribution lasted six days," says U S.See Lwin, an ICRC team leader for Kayin distribution. "Many of the displaced families have been here for nearly two years. We provided them with rice, oil, peas, salt and mosquito nets. Additionally, for those who arrived in 2023, we provided water buckets, hygiene kits, rope, tarpaulin and seed to grow vegetables," he adds. Because of the ongoing threat of landmines and other explosive devices, our team also conducted week-long Risk Awareness and Safer Behaviour sessions. We also conducted assessments of communal hand-dug wells as the communities residing in Khamamaung area face water shortage during the dry season. "Through this support, families will be able to cope with some of the hardships and endure harsh weather," says U S.See Lwin. Humanitarian access remains a crucial need in Myanmar. People made vulnerable by armed conflict must be given access to essential services such as health care, education, sustainable livelihoods as well as humanitarian aid..."
Source/publisher: International Committee of the Red Cross
2023-10-23
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-23
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "This Situation Update describes events occurring in Htaw Ta Htoo (Htantabin) Township, Taw Oo (Toungoo) District during the period between September and December 2022. This report outlines the struggles of villagers from five areas: Kaw Thay Der, Khoh Hkee, Maw Nay Pwa, Per Htee and Day Loh. The State Administration Council (SAC) arrested travellers, extorted their family members, and increased military movements causing major obstacles for children and teenagers to attend school. Villagers struggled due to a lack of enough income to cover their daily expenses. Many villagers also developed seasonal sicknesses that remained untreated.[1] Introduction This report describes the situation in five areas in Htaw Ta Htoo Township, Taw Oo District, between September and December 2022, namely Kaw Thay Der, Khoh Hkee, Maw Nay Pwa, Per Htee, and Day Loh areas. Villagers reported State Administration Council’s (SAC)[2] increased military activities and livelihood, education, and healthcare challenges. SAC military activities After the SAC seized power in Burma, various human rights violations occurred [again], such as fighting, threats, killing, looting, daily indiscriminate shelling, and arbitrary arrests at checkpoints. Additionally, the SAC arrested local villagers travelling and extorted their family members. This caused a great problem for villagers. The SAC indiscriminately fired artillery weapons and conducted air strikes into villages. [Moreover,] landmines were planted on public roads [leading to villagers’ plantations]. These placed villagers’ lives at high risk. An incident happened on December 15th 2022, in A--- village, Maw Nay Pwa area, Htaw Ta Htoo Township, Taw Oo District. At 1:00 pm, an air strike was conducted [by the SAC] unexpectedly while some villagers were gathering to greet and bless each other [for Christmas]. Children and elderly villagers had to [flee and] hide near the village. A--- village has 63 houses and a population of 439 [villagers]. Many villagers were displaced after the incident and were living far from their plantations. [During December 2022,] they had to travel long distances to purchase and trade food and to bring patients to the hospital. Due to SAC military operations, some villagers [displaced persons coming from other areas in Southeast Burma], who were also sheltering in villages [located in Maw Nay Pwa area], did not dare to return to their hometowns. In addition, securing livelihoods got much harder for villagers as they were not able to find jobs. Villagers [sheltering in the area] were able to eat only when someone [local villagers] provided them [with food]. Every month, local [Karen National Union (KNU)[3]] authorities arranged [to distribute] essential food supplies. Armed conflict and livelihood challenges Between September and December 2022, villagers from the [abovementioned] five areas in Htaw Ta Htoo Township, Taw Oo District, were struggling to secure their livelihoods. Some villagers live in hill areas, while others live in plain areas. Per Htee area is a plain area, while Khoh Hkee, Kaw Thay Der, Maw Nay Pwa and Day Loh areas are situated on the hills. [Villagers from hill areas] grow durian, betel nut, cardamon, and Kaffir lime [for their survival]. From September to December 2022, villagers worked [on their plantations] under danger [at risk to their lives, due to the SAC attacks]. [Due to the climate,] villagers did not harvest good [quality] fruit. Some villagers struggled [to have enough] rice, which is the main food [basis of their diet]. The price of rice also increased. [In addition, villagers had] difficulties in carrying rice [home from shops because the SAC set up check points] on the road. Following fighting [between the SAC and a resistance armed group] in [these] areas, some civilians were afraid [to stay in their villages], so they moved [fled to a new place]. Villagers had to work despite having unsafe [working] conditions. Villagers [felt] worried and burdened due to fighting, air strikes, and shelling. Some villagers encountered difficulties in carrying food as they lived far away from [food markets]. [Villagers had trouble with] purchasing and trading food. Dry food prices were rising, while fruit [that villagers harvested from their farms] could only be sold at low prices [in the market]. Villagers’ income and expenses were not a match. [Villagers had low-income streams and their expenses outweighed their income streams]. Various difficulties followed villagers in their [daily] livelihood activities. Villagers also worried about military operation activities. Farmers from Per Htee area complained about the unstable weather to grow beans and to farm. Farmers had no other income other than from farming. So, some farmers started working abroad [to increase their income]. Villagers [in the area] encountered threats, arbitrary arrests, and physical abuse committed by SAC soldiers while they travelled. Day labourers had to work under dangerous circumstances. Stealing also increased in the [local] area. The five areas all had different [high] prices [in markets]. Villagers had to pay [tax] in various ways [at SAC checkpoints]. Education challenges in Taw Oo District From September to December 2022, the KECD schools that operate in Htaw T'Htoo Township, Taw Oo District are Bu Hsa Hee School which located in Kho Hkee area, Ler Htaw Doh School, located in Maw Nay Pwa area and Htoh Lwee Wah School, located in Htee K'Waw. SAC military activities [in the Township] increased, becoming an obstacle for children and teenagers [to attend school]. Parents worried for children who lived far from the school because SAC soldiers fired [guns] indiscriminately [while the students travelled to schools], resulting in decreasing enrolment during this period. Students who lived in dormitories [at boarding schools], like Ler Htaw Doh school from Maw Nay Pwa area, had difficulties purchasing [a sufficient amount of] food because the price of food was high. As a consequence, some students stopped enrolling in school [,unable to afford the school fee]. Some locally established [community self-funded] schools had connections with the three high schools, [therefore, students could easily attend the high schools after completing their schooling at the locally established schools]. Teachers were teaching [in the community-run schools] at risk to their lives, as SAC soldiers [often] came into schools to patrol. SAC patrolling also brought out worries for teachers to continue teaching and became an obstacle for children and young teenagers to access education. Danger will [continue to] occur to villagers due to the conflict that takes place in the area. Many graduated students went to other countries to seek out job opportunities. Healthcare challenges in Taw Oo District As it was the winter season between September and December 2022, sickness increased, including flu, headaches, and [other] illnesses. When villagers from Khoh Hkee, Kaw Thay Der, and Maw Nay Pwa areas got sick, they were sent to a [nearby] hospital. SAC soldiers patrolling [on the roads] created difficulties for villagers to travel and posed a danger. Some [sick] children did not receive treatment. In addition, many [children] did not receive vaccinations [at all]. Pregnant women also did not receive proper healthcare. Similarly, in Per Htee area, a day labourer who got sick was unable to go for a check-up [at the hospital due to travel restrictions]. Some sick villagers were [only] lying in bed [at home] due to this strict situation. Villagers faced rising travel costs and restrictions, as well as the inability to make extra income. Parents needed money [additional financial support] to look after and take care of disabled children. Communities from the area of Htaw Ta Htoo Township, Taw Oo District did not receive healthcare [treatment]. Villagers from the five areas in Htaw Ta Htoo Township, Taw Oo District, expressed their desire for [KNU] authorities to notice their needs [support services such as safety, health care, livelihood, and education in response to SAC abuses]..."
Source/publisher: Karen Human Rights Group
2023-10-19
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-19
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Description: "Changes in context Almost three years since the February 2021 military takeover, the people of Myanmar remain exposed to an unrelenting political, human rights, economic and humanitarian crisis. The dire situation is posing grave protection risks for civilians, limiting access to vital services including health and education, and driving deep food insecurity. The deteriorating humanitarian situation continues to have severe consequences for millions of civilians who are bearing the brunt of widespread insecurity, escalating attacks and clashes, mass displacement, and limited access to critical services. Forced recruitment – including of children – is being increasingly reported. The use of heavy weapons, including air strikes and artillery fire, continues to claim lives and pose risks to the safety and security of civilians, while raids, random searches and arrests are of grave concern. The destruction of civilian properties, particularly homes, combined with the protracted fighting, is prolonging the displacement of IDPs and further degrading people’s already fragile living conditions. The ongoing conflict combined with spiraling inflation, is disrupting livelihood activities and depleting coping mechanisms, resulting in record humanitarian needs this year. In May, the situation was further exacerbated by extremely severe cyclone Mocha, the worst natural disaster on record for Myanmar in nearly a decade. The cyclone and the ensuing flooding devastated communities across Rakhine, the Northwest and Kachin with thousands of homes, productive assets, vast swathes of farmland, and critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools destroyed or severely damaged. It added an additional 500,000 people to the humanitarian target for 2023 (now 5 million people) and worsened the needs of 1.1 million people already targeted within the HRP..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-10-17
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-17
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Description: "Highlights: Ongoing conflict continues to lead to displacement. Nearly two million people are internally displaced, of whom more than 1.6 million have been displaced since 2021. UNICEF supported for 26,264 children to access to formal and non-formal education, including early learning. UNICEF reached 297,943 affected people with access to clean water for drinking and domestic purposes by the end of September. The 85 per cent funding gap against the 2023 HAC requirement is severely affecting UNICEF’s capacity to respond to the multisectoral needs of targeted populations, especially children in Myanmar. Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs As of September 2023, the total number of internally displaced persons has risen to more than 1.9 million out of a total population of 56 million. More than 1.6 million people have been displaced since February 2021, with more than 50 per cent of them, an estimated 820,800 people, from Sagaing region. Magway region has also been badly affected, with 218,900 people displaced and impacted by regular heavy fighting, air strikes and artillery shelling. An estimated 15,000 people have been displaced and are facing food shortages due to air strikes in Kamma sub township in Magway; humanitarian access is not possible due to security concerns and military operations. In many parts of the country, particularly the northwest, the movement of essential goods and humanitarian access is also still being hampered. The southeast has the second largest number of displaced populations after the northwest with 545,000 internally displaced persons2. Intensified armed conflicts continue in Myawaddy, Kyarinseikkyi, Kawkareik and Hpa-pun, with 8,300 people taking refuge at the Thailand-Myanmar border. In Kachin State, the intensification of armed conflicts and heavy military deployments is mainly in the south and southwest. Mines and unexploded ordnance also continue to pose a significant threat to children, the community, and humanitarian workers. In northern Shan, armed conflicts between the Myanmar Armed Forces and various armed groups in Nawnghkio, Kutkai, Muse and Namhkan townships are continuing to grow, causing people from Muse township to be displaced twice in September. Fighting in Kayah State increased, also resulting in increased displacement, with the number of internally displaced persons reaching 100,500 as of 18 September. Approximately 800 people, including those who had returned from the Thailand border in mid-September and who are living in the camps in Maesae township, Kayah State are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, which humanitarian access is not possible at the moment..."
Source/publisher: UN Children's Fund (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-10-16
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-16
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "On 6 October 2023, H.E. Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Royal Thai Government, presented a financial contribution of 3.6 million Thai Baht, or approximately 100,000 US dollars, to the UNICEF. The donation is aimed at supporting the UNICEF’s humanitarian programmes in Myanmar, especially on public health challenges in areas along the Thailand–Myanmar border. Ms. Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF’s Representative to Thailand, represented the UNICEF in receiving the donation. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both sides, including H.E. Mr. Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Severine Leonardi, UNICEF Thailand Deputy Representative, and Mr. Trevor Clark, Regional Emergency Advisor, UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office. This financial contribution will support the UNICEF’s activities related to maternal and child immunisation, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programmes, and nutrition in the Kayin and Kayah States of Myanmar, which border Thailand. It underscores Thailand’s constructive role in supporting the works of the United Nations and Thailand’s strong commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts in Myanmar. It will also help strengthen the public health system along the Thailand–Myanmar border, which will benefit Thai people living in these border areas..."
Source/publisher: Government of Thailand
2023-10-06
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-06
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Description: "EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report covers the period January to December 2022 and outlines TBC’s progress based on the organisation’s Strategic Directions for Thailand and Myanmar 2020-22. TBC’s assistance reached over 460,000 men, women and children during 2022.- This included approximately 100,000 in Thailand (80,000 in refugee camps and 20,000 new arrivals outside of camps) and at least 360,000 internally displaced persons in southeastern Myanmar. In Thailand, following a substantial update of the vaccine rollout in most camps, TBC has cautiously resumed in-person camp activities. TBC continued to address the immediate humanitarian needs of those in refugee camps and provided emergency response to recent refugee arrivals outside of camps. Support for Maternal, Infant, Young Child Feeding (MIYCF) nutrition activities persisted, and TBC conducted both the Biennial Nutrition Survey and the Annual Population Survey. Throughout the year, technical support to Camp Committees and the provision of capacity-building trainings were maintained. As both the return and resettlement programmes remain on indefi nite hold, ensuring dignifi ed futures for refugees continues to be a matter of key importance. In Myanmar, TBC’s local partners were able to mitigate the impact of violence and displacement for 360,000 people at an average value of USD 20 per benefi ciary. Emergency relief in the form of cash transfers, food aid, non-food items and/or medical treatment was coordinated for 260,000 civilians. Stabilisation and recovery eff orts were supported to assist another 100,000 civilians through agricultural extension, nutrition promotion, social protection, and health care initiatives..."
Source/publisher: The Border Consortium (Thailand) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-10-05
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-05
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Description: "Context: The State Administration Council (SAC) announced a six-month extension to the State of Emergency (for the third time) on 1st February 2023 which implicitly acknowledges that they do not have sufficient control of the nation to administer the Generals’ proposed sham elections. Martial law was also expanded in 37 additional townships where armed resistance is strengthening across Sagaing, Magwe, Bago and Tanintharyi Regions as well as Kayah, Karen, Mon and Chin States. Since the February 2021 coup, the SAC has killed over 3,800 civilians, detained, and imprisoned over 24,000 human rights defenders and displaced at least 1.5 million people. Economic conditions stabilised slightly during the first half of 2023 compared to deep contraction in 2021 and volatility in 2022. However, electricity outages became even more pronounced and logistical constraints associated with conflict continue to raise costs and investment remains negligible. The shift away from a rules- and market-based system continues to enable privileged access to import licences, foreign exchange, and state contracts for SAC affiliated businesses. Inequalities in welfare have been exacerbated with 48% of farming households reporting acute food security concerns and conditions are particularly severe in conflict-affected areas. Tropical Cyclone Mocha wreaked a path of destruction through Rakhine State and Sagaing Region in May, which displaced or otherwise affected over a million people. However, restrictions imposed by the SAC on the delivery of life-saving aid highlighted an even greater challenge. Given humanitarian access to communities affected by a natural disaster was obstructed, the prospects appear dim that negotiations with the junta will lead to a meaningful response to the complex emergency elsewhere. As the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF’s) operational control of rural areas reduces, its capacity to sustain light artillery units in contested areas has decreased. However, MAF airstrikes were launched in 40 townships across Myanmar during the first quarter of 2023, which reflects the widespread and systematic scale of indiscriminate military attacks in violation of humanitarian law. Such violations of international humanitarian law have been widespread and gained prominence since June 2023 as over 9,000 civilians have fled from air strikes in Me Se and Shadaw Townships into Thailand. At the end of June 2023, UNHCR estimated there were 472,600 internally displaced persons in southeastern Myanmar, which represents an increase of 133,600 people since the end of 2022.3 These are generally considered conservative figures with civil society estimates approximately double the UN’s assessment. UNOCHA reports that USD 292 million was raised for UN Myanmar’s Humanitarian Response Plan in 2022. A total of 4.4 million people were assisted through these formal mechanisms but 60% of beneficiaries were in Yangon or Rakhine State and only 748,000 were internally displaced persons (IDPs). Overall, informal border-based mechanisms are estimated to have reached double that number of IDPs with only 10% of the HRP funding in 2022. The lack of proportionality in funds allocated for border-based agencies remains the primary obstacle to reinforcing the resilience of the most vulnerable communities suffering from the SAC’s commission of atrocities in ethnic administered areas. More than 20,000 people crossed into Thailand during this period. New arrivals, in accordance with Thai Policy, were disallowed official access to the existing nine refugee camps, with many instead kept in tightly controlled “temporary safety areas” (TSA). Numerous concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of these TSAs as suitable living spaces for individuals. The restricted access to these areas has posed significant challenges in ensuring adequate protection and the provision of humanitarian aid. Many of the newly arrived individuals have been pressured into returning, fully aware that they will not be granted long-term refuge in Thailand. Thailand held a general election on May 14th. The Move Forward Party received the majority share of the vote at 38%, yet ended up excluded from the eventual ruling coalition, led by Pheu Thai, which received 29% of the vote. After a long series of political negotiations, Pheu Thai’s candidate for PM, Srettha Thavisin was elected Prime Minister on 22nd August. 87,114 refugees remain in nine camps in Thailand, representing a 7.5% increase for the sixmonth period. In these camps the COVID-19 vaccination programme continued and by the end of June 57% of refugees over 18 years of age had received at least one dose, with 50% of refugees being fully vaccinated. By end June there were 7,434 cumulative cases of COVID19 among encamped refugees, with 43 deaths from Coronavirus-related illness..."
Source/publisher: The Border Consortium (Thailand)
2023-10-05
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-05
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Most recently completed school year: June 2018 - February 2019 (180 days) WFP School Feeding Program Lead Agency: World Food Program, Ministry of Health and Sports, and Ministry of Education..."
Source/publisher: Global Child Nutrition Foundation
2023-09-04
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-04
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Description: "OVERVIEW In Myanmar, the situation has continued to deteriorate since February 2021. Over 1.9 million people remain displaced with 47 Townships in the North-West and the South-East still under martial law. Armed clashes, airstrikes, indiscriminate shelling, arson and destruction of civilian property and infrastructure are driving displacement and placing civilians at risk. In the South-East, some 80,000 people have been displaced by heavy monsoon rains and subsequent flooding, according to the latest estimates. Locations across the region have experienced temporary road disruptions due to rising water levels, hampering opportunities to deliver assistance. In Rakhine State, the unofficial ceasefire is fragile with reported increases in restrictions on the freedom of movement in specific townships as well as growing number of security checkpoints. Humanitarian access remains unpredictable, leaving displaced people – including cyclone-affected communities – with extremely limited access to basic needs and life-saving assistance. In Thailand, according to the Royal Thai Government, 9,418 refugees were sheltered in five Temporary Safety Areas (TSAs) across three districts (4,695 in Mae Sariang District, 832 in Khun Yuam District and 3,891 in Mueang District) in Mae Hong Son Province by end-August. Humanitarian access to the TSAs is still limited with UNHCR only being granted access twice to undertake protection assessments. However, in some instances, UNHCR and partners were able to directly distribute Core Relief Items (CRIs) to refugee committees in the TSAs or via the District Office. In India, 150 new arrivals fled from Myanmar’s North-West region to India in August 2023, according to estimates by community-based organizations (CBOs). The total number of arrivals from Myanmar to India follow-ing the events of 1 February 2021 is currently estimated at 54,960. As of 28 August, 5,466 individuals have approached UNHCR in New Delhi for registration since February 2021. Over 450 individuals reportedly returned to Myanmar from Manipur and Mizoram in August and fewer arrivals from Myanmar are expected due to the dynamic situation in Manipur. Food for new arrivals and host communities remains a major gap and the capacity of CBOs and the host community to address this is over-stretched. In remote locations where access to health-care is limited, CBOs are providing mobile healthcare facilities..."
Source/publisher: UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-10-04
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-04
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "The evaluation assessed WFP’s work in the country from September 2017 to December 2022 to meet accountability requirements and identify learning. It aimed to inform the design of a new interim country strategic plan (ICSP) for Myanmar and WFP’s emergency response practice globally. While the focus of the evaluation was on the corporate emergency response to a series of crises affecting Myanmar, it also covered WFP’s work under the entire country strategic plan (CSP) for 2018–2023, with a special emphasis on the period from 2020 onwards. The evaluation concluded that: WFP achieved a major scale-up in response to consecutive crises in Myanmar, using its growing role as a humanitarian agency prudently and effectively, in coordination with United Nations partners. It carefully managed risks and balanced tensions between humanitarian principles but risks to cooperating partners require more attention. While assistance was effectively targeted in areas with access, humanitarian needs in conflict-affected areas are likely to be underestimated, which could lead to significant coverage gaps . Several shocks in Myanmar have diverted WFP from its original CSP goal of providing support for medium-term, government-led development. In the post-military takeover context, WFP lacked a strategic approach for resilience building at community and systems levels..."
Source/publisher: World Food Programme (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
2023-10-02
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-03
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Size: 2.74 MB 3.2 MB
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Description: "HIGHLIGHTS & KEY MESSAGES Ongoing conflict and monsoon floods continue to cause new displacement, civilian casualties, and destruction of civilian properties, further worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar. Nearly two million people are now internally displaced in precarious conditions and require lifesaving assistance. The threat to civilians from explosive ordnance is spreading with new data showing that for the first time, landmine casualties have now been recorded in every state and region, except Nay Pyi Taw. Local and international humanitarian partners continue to scale up and adapt in response to the deepening needs, reaching at least 1.8 million people during the first half of 2023. Access and administrative restrictions are causing prolonged delays or postponements of scheduled relief efforts, further compounding the suffering of affected and displaced communities. To date, the combined US$887 million Humanitarian Response Plan and Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeals remain critically underfunded, with only 28 per cent of the required funding received. Provision of additional financial support and easing of access restrictions are imperative for the humanitarian community to address urgent needs. SITUATION OVERVIEW Nine months into 2023, humanitarian needs and protection risks have intensified throughout the country, driven by persistent conflict that has led to unprecedented levels of displacement, extensive property damage, and the expanding presence of landmines, particularly in the Northwest and Southeast. The United Nations Development Programme’s Myanmar Information Management Unit (MIMU), in collaboration with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), has produced its annual map for 2023 of townships with suspected contamination by anti-personnel landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). Since 2021, for the first time, contamination by anti-personnel landmines has been reported in all states and regions except Nay Pyi Taw. Now, the latest data reveals that casualties due to landmines have occurred in every state and region of Myanmar, except Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon. Nearly two million people remain internally displaced across the country – many of them multiple times. They face increase risks from explosive ordnance while they are on the move or staying in unfamiliar areas. In addition, more than 63,000 people remain displaced across borders into neighbouring countries since the 2021 military takeover. Humanitarian partners are increasingly concerned about the SAC’s gradual implementation of the national IDP camp closure policy with many people being pushed to return to their places of origin or other locations even where this is against their wishes and is premature given the current security conditions. During the reporting period, approximately 100 out of 500 displaced families living in sites slated for camp closure in Kyauktaw township in Rakhine in 2023, had to return to their places of origin. The remaining IDPs face pressure to return by the end of the rainy season. Displaced families who were moved from the Kyauk Ta Lone IDP camp in Kyaukpyu township to a nearby relocation site, have been facing persistent flooding issues. In total, more than 50,000 IDPs nationwide are estimated to be at risk of premature return in 2023, particularly in Rakhine, Chin and Shan. They face potential protection concerns, lack of livelihood opportunities, absence of social services, and inadequate shelter in villages affected by conflict. Many IDPs are expressing fears about safety in their home villages in conflict areas where there is often ongoing fighting and significant explosive ordnance contamination. Sustained access to those who have been prematurely returned, reclassified or relocated by the State Administration Council under this policy remains crucial so that conditions and needs can be monitored, and assistance is not interrupted. Humanitarians continue to stress that any return, relocation, or reclassification of IDPs from displacement camps and sites must be safe, voluntary, informed and dignified, taking into account the wishes of affected people and the prospects for sustainable solutions that allow them to resume their normal lives. Severe monsoon weather conditions also persist, triggering floods in multiple areas, mostly in the Northwest and Southeast, resulting in the destruction of civilian infrastructure, displacement and new humanitarian needs. Thousands of people sought refuge in evacuation centres or safer areas on higher ground in August, with most of them returning to their homes in September. Nevertheless, many remain in need of support as they have lost their homes and belongings due to flooding. Local and international partners have extended immediate assistance wherever access is possible. Suffering is being exacerbated by significant access constraints, despite sporadic openings in some areas in recent months. Administrative and physical access limitations have intensified in the Southeast and Kachin, curtailing people's ability to access critical services and impeding the distribution of aid to affected communities. In the face of these formidable challenges, at least 1.8 million people received humanitarian assistance in the first half of the year2. However, the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal remain severely underfunded, with only a fraction (27 per cent) of the total requirement secured. This shortfall jeopardizes comprehensive assistance delivery and negatively impacts vulnerable communities. Urgent and substantial funding is essential to alleviate suffering and enhance the resilience of the affected communities amid this multifaceted crisis..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-10-02
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-02
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Source/publisher: CCCM Cluster, Shelter Cluster, UN High Commissioner for Refugees via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-08-12
Date of entry/update: 2023-09-12
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "This regular update, covering humanitarian developments up to 25 August, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UN agencies. Response figures are based on self-reporting by organizations to clusters. The next humanitarian update will be issued in September 2023. HIGHLIGHTS & KEY MESSAGES Ongoing conflict and natural disasters have resulted in new displacement, civilian casualties, and destruction of civilian properties, intensifying the already fragile humanitarian situation in Myanmar. More than 1.9 million people are now internally displaced in precarious conditions and requiring lifesaving assistance. Heavy monsoon rainfall has triggered flooding in Rakhine and in the Southeast where more than 80,000 people have been affected since early August. Transportation and distribution plans for the cyclone response in Rakhine have been approved and some relief items have been distributed. However, the overall humanitarian needs of cyclone-affected communities remain high and more assistance is still needed. Humanitarian access restrictions have increased, notably in the Southeast and Kachin, further hindering timely and efficient aid delivery to affected and displaced communities. Easing of access restrictions and provision of financial support are imperative for the humanitarian community to address urgent needs. Eight months into 2023, the combined US$887 million Humanitarian Response Plan and Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeals remain critically underfunded, with only 25 per cent of the required funding received. The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, visited Myanmar from 14 to 17 August to raise awareness of the situation in Myanmar and advocate for both expanded space for humanitarian operations and the removal of bureaucratic obstacles. KEY FIGURES 1.9M total people currently internally displaced across Myanmar 1.6M people currently displaced by clashes and insecurity since February 2021 306K people who remain internally displaced due to conflict prior to February 2021, mainly in Rakhine, Kachin, Chin, and Shan 75K civilian properties estimated burnt or destroyed since February 2021 SITUATION OVERVIEW Natural disasters have continued to impact Myanmar adding another challenge on top of active conflict, leading to an increase in displacement and additional hardship for affected people. Simultaneously, bureaucratic, and physical barriers continue to hinder humanitarian partners' access to those in need, often posing safety and security risks for frontline aid workers. In Rakhine, regular humanitarian programming continues but the specific humanitarian cyclone response remains limited in scope. In August, the de facto authorities approved the transportation and distribution plans for cyclone-related assistance to Rakhine that UN agencies and INGOs re-submitted in early July for a second time. Initial distributions of existing relief items in Sittwe to cyclone-affected communities have been approved and food has been distributed to 12 villages during the reporting period with more expected to follow. As part of ongoing advocacy at all levels for greater humanitarian access in conflict-affected areas, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Martin Griffiths, visited Myanmar from 14 to 17 August and met with various stakeholders in Nay Pyi Taw. During his mission, he also visited Rakhine and met with Rakhine and Rohingya communities affected by both conflict and disaster, emphasizing the importance of placing people at the center of humanitarian action and urging the removal of all access restrictions for humanitarian partners. Despite the ongoing operational challenges and financial limitations, Myanmar's humanitarian community remains steadfast in its commitment to stay and deliver aid based on need. The 2023 Mid-Year HRP Dashboard (Jan-Jun 2023) highlights that more than 1.8 million people have been reached with humanitarian assistance in the first half of the year. However, the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal remain severely underfunded at only 25 percent of the total requirement, undermining the provision of comprehensive assistance and adversely impacting vulnerable communities. Urgent and more generous funding is pivotal to alleviate suffering and enhance resilience of the people in the face of this multidimensional crisis..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-09-08
Date of entry/update: 2023-09-08
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "OVERVIEW The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar deteriorated significantly throughout the first half of 2023. Escalating clashes and attacks have had dire consequences for millions of civilians who are enduring widespread insecurity and aerial bombardment, mass displacement, and limited access to critical services, including health. In May, the situation was further exacerbated by extremely severe cyclone Mocha, the worst natural disaster in Myanmar in over a decade. The cyclone devastated communities across Rakhine, the Northwest and Kachin with thousands of homes, productive assets, vast swathes of farmland, and critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools destroyed or severely damaged. Cyclone Mocha rolled back some limited gains of recent years especially around agriculture and livelihoods, and added an additional 500,000 people to the humanitarian target for 2023 (now 5 million people). The first half of 2023 also saw surging inflation nationwide that further disrupted livelihood activities and depleted coping capacity, leaving more people than ever needing humanitarian assistance. Between January and June 2023 alone, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) climbed to nearly 1.9 million (as of end of June) up from just over 1.5 million in late December 2022, increasing needs and further stretching already lean humanitarian resources. The spike in displacement aligns with a surge in conflict during the first half of the year, with the Northwest and Southeast being most affected. Humanitarian operations and personnel were also targeted or heavily affected by conflict, bureaucratic impediments and restrictions. Between January and June, humanitarian organizations reported about 630 access incidents across the country (60 per cent of which occurred in Q2), impeding the delivery of vital assistance and services to affected people particularly in Rakhine, the Northwest and Southeast regions. Despite multiple challenges in the operating context and severe underfunding, humanitarian partners have continued to rapidly scale up in response to the deepening needs, reaching at least 1.8 million people during the first half of 2023. This represents 36 per cent of the 5 million people targeted for assistance through the combined 2023 HRP and Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal. However, this assistance is not as deep, sustained, or multi-sectoral as planned due to access blockages and this is a major impediment to addressing needs. The Food Security Cluster accounts for the highest proportion of the reported mid-year result (about 1.2 million) followed by the Protection (more than 929,000) and WASH Clusters (around 637,000). These figures are based on self-reporting by partners and the number of operational partners, particularly local organizations who are reporting, has now jumped to 208 (up from 156 in Q1). Despite this improvement, some response efforts are still likely to be missed in these calculations. The coverage of the response reflects the prioritization of the most vulnerable groups, particularly IDPs and ‘non-displaced stateless people’, with partners collectively reaching 42 per cent of the targets for these population groups. The reach for the ‘other crisis-affected people’ and ‘returned, resettled, and locally integrated IDPs’ is much lower at 33 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. Despite the multiple constraints and impediments, partners have prioritized and marginally scaled up responses across some of the areas of highest needs in Rakhine, the Southeast (Kayah, Kayin), and the Northwest (Chin, Magway, Sagaing), and northern Shan during the first half of the year. The 2023 HRP remains drastically underfunded, with only 20 per cent of the requirements received by the end of June, according to FTS (22 per cent funded as of August). This dire funding situation is despite the deepening needs, the surge in displacement, cyclone Mocha impacts, and soaring inflation that have further stretched the grossly insufficient resources across clusters. Heading into the second half of the year, partners will be forced to further reduce coverage and packages of assistance if immediate and sufficient funding is not received, leaving large numbers of vulnerable households without the critical services and support they need to survive..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-08-31
Date of entry/update: 2023-08-31
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Description: "(Myanmar, 17 August 2023) – Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths today called for expanded humanitarian access and increased funding to assist the 18 million people in need of aid across Myanmar. “Successive crises in Myanmar have left one third of the population in need of humanitarian aid,” Griffiths said at the end of a three-day visit to the country. “They expect more and better from their leaders and from the international community.” Humanitarian needs in Myanmar have surged in recent years, with the number of displaced persons increasing fivefold in less than three years, from 380,000 at the start of 2021 to 1.9 million at present. During the visit, Griffiths met with families affected by conflict and natural disasters, including with Rakhine and Rohingya communities and with Myanmar authorities. Griffiths visited Rakhine state, still reeling from the impact of cyclone Mocha three months ago. The cyclone flattened homes, damaged displacement camps, destroyed farmland, and killed livestock, leaving thousands of people vulnerable. “Families are struggling to cope after the successive blows of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict and cyclone Mocha. We stand ready to do more both in Rakhine and nationwide, but we urgently need greater access and more funding to do so.” In the capital Nay Pyi Taw, Griffiths met with the State Administration Council Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, with whom he discussed what humanitarians need to scale-up direct aid to affected populations in areas affected by conflict and natural disasters. “My meetings were an opportunity to raise the need for expanded access,” Griffiths said. “I also expressed my concerns about the protection risks facing civilians in conflict areas and the bureaucratic constraints we humanitarians are facing in reaching them. It is critical for us to have the humanitarian space we need for safe, sustained aid deliveries around the country,” Griffiths said. Despite rising needs, the humanitarian operation in Myanmar is facing a huge resource gap with just 22 per cent of required funds received more than half-way through the year. “Over the past three days, I spoke with brave aid workers about their efforts to help those in need. However, a severe lack of funding means aid agencies are forced to make tough decisions about cutting assistance at a time when they should be scaling up even further. This needs to change,” Griffiths said..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-08-17
Date of entry/update: 2023-08-17
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Description: "The Government of Sri Lanka handed over a consignment of 1 metric ton of Ceylon Tea to the civilians affected by the Cyclone MOCHA in Myanmar at an event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador of Myanmar in Colombo Han Thu received the donation of Ceylon Tea from the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 27 July 2023. Ambassador Han Thu expressed the sincere appreciation of the Government of Myanmar for this token of solidarity by the Government of Sri Lanka and reiterated the longstanding friendly bilateral relations between two countries. Additional Secretary Yasoja Gunasekera, Directors General Waruna Wilpatha, O.L. Ameerajwad and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated at this event..."
Source/publisher: Government of Sri Lanka
2023-07-27
Date of entry/update: 2023-07-27
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Description: "The latest report by HelpAge International, “Situational Overview of Older People’s Needs in Myanmar,” has revealed distressing realities faced by older individuals in the country. 72 per cent of older women and 54 per cent of older men report inadequate access to food. 60 per cent of older women and 52 per cent of older men are unable to access health services. 71 per cent of older people express feelings of worries, anxiety, and loneliness. 68 per cent of older individuals have less than a week’s worth of savings. The comprehensive study, conducted among 200 older people in May and June 2023 across 18 townships in six states and regions, presents a profound analysis of the hurdles older people encounter, emphasising the need for immediate action and targeted interventions to enhance their well-being. Hunger at their doorstep – challenges in food security There is a pressing concern of food insecurity among older people in Myanmar, with significant gender disparities. Access to sufficient food remains an uphill battle, as 72 per cent of older women and 54 per cent of older men reported inadequate access to food, while 79 per cent of all older people report compromising the quality of their meals. Socio-economic inequalities disproportionately impact older women, making it imperative to address financial constraints hindering their ability to afford food. “Even though I would like to eat, we have no food at home. Instead, I drink water at night to fill my stomach.” Healthcare on the brink due to inaccessibility Challenges persist in healthcare access for both older women and men in Myanmar. 60 per cent of older women and 52 per cent of older men reported an inability to access health services. Factors like safe access to health facilities, distance, service unavailability, and the affordability of medicines contribute to this divide, demanding enhanced healthcare support, with targeted interventions needed to address gender inequalities. “Medicine prices are too high, and I can’t afford them. Instead, I am taking traditional medicines, but in the long run, my health is deteriorating***.”*** Weathering mental health challenges 71 per cent of older people in Myanmar express feelings of worries, anxiety, and loneliness, with concerns primarily centred around health, income, and safety. Older women expressed higher levels of worries overall, while older men voiced heightened fears for their safety due the ongoing conflict in their areas. Addressing these mental health challenges necessitates fostering connections among older people and creating platforms for mutual support and knowledge-sharing. “People have become more friendly with one another, and neighbours are taking more care of each other”. Falling through the cracks: the precarious state of income security and borrowing Gender disparities are evident in income security among older individuals, underscoring the financial struggles faced by older women. 78 per cent of older women and 72 per cent of older men do not have a stable income source. A staggering 68 per cent of individuals have less than a week’s worth of savings, indicating a deteriorating economic situation. Moreover, relying solely on income often proves insufficient to cover living costs, leading older people to resort to borrowing money. immediate actions for improving older peoples’ well-being In response to the alarming findings, HelpAge International proposes targeted recommendations to address the pressing challenges faced by older people in Myanmar: Enhance food security: Allocate resources for tailored food assistance programs and support sustainable agricultural initiatives Improve healthcare access: Invest in better healthcare availability and affordability, along with age-sensitive care training for community workers Strengthen mental health support: Allocate funding for tailored psychosocial support, counselling, and awareness-raising efforts Enhance protection measures: Create safe spaces and implement training to prevent abuse and exploitation Promote gender equality: Adopt a gender-responsive approach, empowering older women economically Build local capacity: Provide training and support to local NGOs and community organisations to address older people’s needs effectively..."
Source/publisher: HelpAge International
2023-07-21
Date of entry/update: 2023-07-21
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "The Government of Sri Lanka with the support of the Sri Lanka Tea Board donated a consignment of “Ceylon Tea” to the Government of Myanmar on 15 July 2023 as humanitarian assistance to the victims of cyclone Mocha. The consignment was officially handed over to the Director of Natural Disaster Management Center of Myanmar Than Soe at the Yangon International Airport. The donation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Yangon. The consignment was airlifted by the Sri Lankan Airlines from Colombo to Bangkok and Myanmar Airways International (MAI) from Bangkok to Yangon on complimentary basis..."
Source/publisher: Government of Sri Lanka
2023-07-17
Date of entry/update: 2023-07-17
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Description: "This regular update, covering humanitarian developments up to 13 July, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UN agencies. Response figures are based on self-reporting by organizations to clusters. The next humanitarian update will be issued in August 2023. HIGHLIGHTS & KEY MESSAGES • Ongoing conflict and natural disasters are continuing to exacerbate humanitarian needs across Myanmar. • Nearly 1.9 million internally displaced people face precarious living conditions and urgently need critical and lifesaving assistance. • Two months have passed since Cyclone Mocha struck western Myanmar and expanded humanitarian access is desperately needed to support those affected. • After a brief suspension, humanitarians have been able to re-start their regular programmes in Rakhine, but the humanitarian cyclone response remains paused by the SAC. • Distribution, transport and import requests have all been resubmitted and are now pending approval. • Countrywide, restrictions on humanitarian access have increased in multiple states and regions, notably in the Southeast and Kachin, further impeding timely and efficient aid delivery to affected and displaced communities. • Sustained support, including financial assistance, from the international community is crucial to allowing partners to stay and deliver in challenging circumstances. • Six months into 2023, the combined $US886.7 million Humanitarian Response Plan and Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeals, remain critically underfunded, with only 17 per cent of the required funding received, as of 14 July..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-07-15
Date of entry/update: 2023-07-15
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "The EU has released an additional €12.5 million to address the humanitarian needs of people in Myanmar, as well as those of Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh and the broader region. Food insecurity in refugee camps has reached alarming rates due to a massive funding gap that resulted in a reduction of food rations distributed to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The situation is expected to become untenable by the autumn if no additional funding is mobilised by the international community. The humanitarian situation is also worsening in Myanmar due to an escalation of the conflict and to the consequences of Cyclone Mocha, which hit the country in May 2023. This new EU funding aims to respond to these pressing needs with an allocation of €7 million to ensure critical food assistance in Bangladesh; €4.5 million to provide food and health assistance in Myanmar and mitigate the consequences of the current funding gap; and €1 million to respond to the increasing protection needs of displaced people and refugees throughout the region, including in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and India. Background In 2017, more than 742000 Rohingya crossed the border to seek refuge in Bangladesh. More than 5 years after the large-scale violence forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people to flee Rakhine State in Myanmar, Bangladesh still hosts almost 1 million refugees. Rohingya refugees live in precarious and deteriorating conditions, with the majority located in congested refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, where they are entirely dependent on humanitarian aid. The vast majority of refugees in Bangladesh are women and children, many others are elderly people requiring additional aid and protection. The enormous scale of the influx has also put pressure on the Bangladeshi host communities and existing facilities and services. In Myanmar, following a military coup d'état in February 2021, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has risen from 1 million to over 18 million. Almost 90 000 people have fled Myanmar for neighbouring countries since the coup. Ongoing conflict and violations of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law keep driving up the number of refugees and internally displaced people. The EU has been providing humanitarian aid to people in Myanmar since 1994, and in Bangladesh since 2002. In February 2023, the EU released over €43 million to address the humanitarian needs of people in Myanmar, as well as those of Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh and across the region. Following cyclone Mocha's impact in Myanmar and Bangladesh, the Commission released €2.5 million in emergency humanitarian aid and supported the Myanmar Red Cross Society in delivering immediate assistance through the distribution of emergency shelter items, primary healthcare assistance, cash grants and hygiene kits..."
Source/publisher: European Commission
2023-07-06
Date of entry/update: 2023-07-06
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Description: "Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, Distinguished colleagues, This Council has heard report after report on the human rights situation in Myanmar. With each successive update, it is almost impossible to imagine that the people of Myanmar can endure more suffering. Yet the country continues its deadly freefall into even deeper violence and heartbreak. A regime imposed by generals for the last two and a half years has snatched away the optimism that Myanmar’s people once held for peace, democracy, and a more prosperous future. Civilians live at the whim of a reckless military authority that relies on systematic control tactics, fear and terror. Civilians also bear the devastating brunt of the grotesque violence, including against older people, people with disabilities and infants. The situation has become untenable. We see a spiralling economy, worsening the poverty already endured by much of the population. Natural resources are being exploited at dangerous rates, causing irreversible environmental harm. The voices of civil society and journalists are being strangled. Arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and torture continue unabated. And the country’s minorities again face brutal attacks by the military in border regions, with increasing numbers of people crossing international frontiers in search of safety and protection. More than one million Rohingya remain in neighbouring Bangladesh where they live in the world’s largest refugee camp in deplorable conditions. The conditions for their return to Myanmar are still non-existent. The military continues to carry out atrocities in their home state of Rakhine, where they are denied citizenship. Mr. Vice President, Credible sources indicate that as of yesterday, 3,747 individuals have died at the hands of the military since they took power, and 23,747 have been arrested. These figures represent the minimum that can be documented and verified - the true number of casualties is likely to be far higher. Every day, the military’s ruthless so-called “four cuts” strategy continues to wreak destruction. Entire villages are razed and burned to the ground, collectively punishing civilians, by depriving them of shelter, food, water, and life-saving aid. Since the coup began, the military has scorched at least 70,000 homes across the country, 70 percent of which were in Sagaing region. Over 1.5 million people have been forcibly displaced with minimal access to humanitarian aid. Incessant airstrikes and artillery shelling are destroying homes and stealing lives. In the first six months of this year, my Office reported a 33 percent increase in indiscriminate airstrikes compared to the first half of last year, with rising attacks on civilian targets, including villages, schools, hospitals and places of worship. On 11 April in Pa Zi Gyi village in Sagaing region, up to 168 civilians, including scores of women and children, were killed in an air attack. Artillery attacks have also dramatically increased, with over 563 this year, representing already 80 percent of the total attacks last year. My Office also continues to document repeated violations of the most brutal forms: sexual violence, mass killings, extra-judicial executions, beheadings, dismemberments, and mutilations. This constitutes a complete disregard of the principles of international human rights and international humanitarian law. And it displays an utter contempt for humanity. Mr. Vice President, The report I present to the Council today focuses on the systematic denial by the military of life-saving humanitarian aid for civilians. They have put in place a raft of legal, financial, and bureaucratic barriers to ensure people in need do not receive and cannot access assistance. This obstruction of life-saving aid is deliberate and targeted, a calculated denial of fundamental rights and freedoms for large swathes of the population. This is being done in a situation where one-third of the entire population requires urgent help – including access to adequate housing, enough food and water, or employment. In mid-May, when Cyclone Mocha made landfall with devastating effect in Rakhine, Chin, Magway and Sagaing, the military actively prevented independent needs assessments, and obstructed access to information. They suspended all travel authorisations in Rakhine State, eventually allowing distribution of aid to resume if it was not cyclone-related. Importantly, all disbursements of Cyclone Mocha-related humanitarian aid remain frozen unless delivered by the military apparatus. They have threatened legal action against anyone reporting figures different to theirs on the number of Rohingya deaths, fixed by the military at 116, but believed to be higher. To date, because of lack of access, it has not been possible to confirm the number of Rohingya deaths and those of members from other communities. I deplore the direct attacks on humanitarian staff. Local organizations, which provide the vast majority of humanitarian aid, face the greatest risks in carrying out their work. Up to 40 humanitarian workers have been killed and over 200 arrested since the coup. The already fragile health system is now in disarray. Despite the efforts of grassroots organizations, a de facto ban on transportation of medicines and other medical supplies across large parts of Myanmar has resulted in lack of access to medical assistance. 15.2 million people are in need of urgent food and nutrition support. The price of food rose 177 percent in 2022, and the continued violence, land-grabbing and high risk posed by mines and unexploded ordnance has resulted in a marked decrease in food production. The need for unhindered humanitarian access throughout Myanmar has never been more urgent. I call on Member States to fund the Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan and to provide direct and flexible funding for local organisations on the ground that are desperately trying to reach people in need. Mr. Vice President, In line with Security Council resolution 2669 I repeat the call for an immediate end to this senseless violence. Without delay, I also urge the authorities to release the 19,377 political prisoners detained throughout Myanmar, including deposed President Win Mynt and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The path out of this crisis must be anchored in accountability for the grave human rights violations and other violations of international law that are occurring. I urge the Security Council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court. Any political solution to this protracted emergency must include accountability. Regarding the one million Rohingya in Bangladesh, voluntary repatriation can only occur when conditions for safe, sustainable, and dignified returns to Myanmar are in place and when the full range of their rights will be respected and upheld. The Rohingya themselves must be at the centre of decision-making. Returns must only take place with their fully informed and truly voluntary choice. For its part, the international community must continue to provide support to host communities, including and notably in Bangladesh, and adequate protection for all people who are crossing international borders. I also appeal to all countries to cease and prevent the supply of arms to the military and to take targeted measures to limit access by generals to foreign currency, aviation fuel and other means that enable attacks on Myanmar’s people. This Council needs to consider how to bring to light the business interests that support the military and keep them afloat. Mr. Vice President, Among the numerous crimes perpetrated against the people of Myanmar, I was outraged to hear of the arrests of over a hundred people by the military on 19 June. Their crime was buying, selling, carrying, or wearing a flower to celebrate Aung San Suu Kyi’s 78th birthday. It is difficult to imagine that Myanmar’s people – who just two and a half years ago were looking forward to a better future – are being stifled by an oppressor which regards bearing a flower as a criminal act. For decades, the people of Myanmar have faced repression and isolation. But they have never stopped calling for their fundamental rights to be respected, nor have they ceased to make great sacrifices for a democratic future. I stand in solidarity with Myanmar’s people. I honour their extraordinary strength, spirit, and resilience as they endure day after day of crisis. I want to emphasise that the Rohingya are an integral part of Myanmar’s people and the future of the country. I remind the international community, the Security Council, ASEAN, and all Member States with influence over Min Aung Hlaing and the Tatmadaw of their responsibility to exert maximum pressure to end this crisis. It is of the utmost urgency that we restore all conditions necessary for Myanmar’s people to find a way out of the heartache, and to live their lives in freedom and safety. Thank you..."
Source/publisher: UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
2023-07-06
Date of entry/update: 2023-07-06
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Description: "Highlights: As schools reopen amid the devastation caused by Cyclone Mocha, more than 300,000 learners require educational support, and an estimated 1,246 schools are heavily damaged across Rakhine and the Northwest. With the compounding effects of the conflict and the impact of the cyclone, the humanitarian community is concerned about increasing reports of psychosocial distress among the affected population as worsening living conditions heighten anxiety due to the lack of access to basic services. UNICEF and partners delivered humanitarian WASH services and supplies to 233,848 individuals, 1,013 of them with disabilities and continues to disinfect water sources, rehabilitate sanitation facilities, and dewater the rainwater harvesting ponds flooded with seawater during the cyclone. During the reporting period, UNICEF and partners provided critical primary health care services to more than 98,000 people, reaching almost 4,000 children aged 9--18 months with the measles vaccine. With the resumption of routine immunization across the country, UNICEF and partners are supporting catch-up vaccination for 1.6 million children who missed their doses..."
Source/publisher: UN Children's Fund (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-07-03
Date of entry/update: 2023-07-03
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Myanmar’s economic recovery slowed by high prices and shortages While economic conditions in Myanmar stabilized in the first half of 2023, businesses continue to face multiple challenges, household incomes remain weak, and food security has become an increasing concern, according to the World Bank’s semi-annual Myanmar Economic Monitor. Economic activity is slowly increasing in Myanmar, but from a low base, the report, A Fragile Recovery, says. GDP is projected to increase by 3% in the year to September 2023, a level still around 10% lower than in 2019. Severe supply and demand constraints continue to limit economic activity. Over the next one to two years, the economy is projected to expand slowly, but with the benefits of growth distributed unevenly across households, firms, and industries. Average annual inflation is projected to ease to 14% in the year ending September 2023, from 18.3% the previous year, and to drop further in 2024. Risks to the outlook include worsening conflict, more slumps in electricity generation, persistent inflationary pressure, and further deterioration in the business environment. The destruction caused by in May by Cyclone Mocha, which caused significant damage in states and regions where humanitarian needs were already substantial, was a reminder of Myanmar’s vulnerability to natural disasters. “While Myanmar is again making economic progress, the growth is unequal and the poorest are being hit hard by consecutive shocks,” said World Bank Country Director for Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Lao PDR, Mariam Sherman. “Worryingly, progress against malnutrition seems to have halted or reversed. More than half of households have been forced to sell assets, increase borrowing, or limit their spending, including on health and education. Such coping strategies will not only damage welfare in the short term, but also affect longer-term earning capacity.” The exchange rate has been stable for most of the last six months, inflation in food and fuel prices have eased, manufacturing output and orders have risen, and sales of local products have reportedly picked up. Passenger and freight transport volumes are rising, and although agricultural production has weakened, profitability is improving as farm gate prices rise and input costs ease, suggesting production may be higher in coming seasons. On the other hand, power outages, conflict, and logistics disruptions continue to constrain productivity, while investment indicators remain very weak. Moreover, with food prices high and ongoing weakness in the labor market, household incomes remain under substantial pressure. Impacts on employment and income have been particularly large in states and regions more affected by the ongoing conflict. The combination of weak employment, fewer hours worked, and increased incidence of casual or self-employed work has reduced the earning capacity of many families. Wages dropped by an average of 15% in real terms between 2017 and 2022 and almost half of Myanmar households reported that their incomes declined over the course of 2022. As a result, food security and nutrition appear to have worsened during the first half of 2023, with coping mechanisms becoming increasingly strained. According to a May 2023 World Bank survey, 48% of farming households worry about not having enough food, up from about 26% in May 2022. The survey also shows a notable drop in the consumption of nutritious foods such as milk, meat, fish, and eggs..."
Source/publisher: World Bank
2023-06-27
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-27
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Size: 1.94 MB (Original version) - 61 pages 6.92 MB
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Description: "SITUATION ANALYSIS Description of the crisis Cyclonic Storm Mocha caused extensive devastation in the country, affecting regions already facing challenges due to civil unrest, armed clashes, a changing climate and a fragile economy. The cyclone brought about destructive storm surges, heavy rainfall, and flooding, impacting areas such as Rakhine, Chin, Magway, Ayeyarwady, Mandalay, and Sagaing. The State Administration Council responded by declaring natural disaster areas in Rakhine and Chin states. The Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS), as an independent humanitarian actor as enshrined in the Myanmar Red Cross Society Law of 2015, has a specific response role when a declaration of natural disasters is issued. According to analysis from MRCS’s branches, over 1,100,000 individuals from over 237,000 households are affected, with a large number of semi-permanent and temporary shelters damaged or destroyed, leaving over 200,000 houses in need of repair. Water systems, sanitation facilities, public and community infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and religious buildings, as well as transportation infrastructure, suffered severe damage or complete destruction. Livelihoods have been severely disrupted with the loss of livestock and floods that impacted croplands. The cyclone's aftermath has led to increased prices of basic goods, and the situation has taken a toll on the physical and mental health of the affected population. Disrupted access to healthcare, medicine shortages, and the risks posed by landmines in flooded conflict areas further exacerbate the challenges. Urgent measures are required to protect and support unaccompanied children, the needs of women and girls and other populations in situations of vulnerability. The cyclone occurred within an already challenging humanitarian context in Myanmar. At the end of 2022, OCHA identified that over 17.6 million people would be in humanitarian need in Myanmar in 20231. Prior to the 1 February 2021 military intervention, Rakhine state already registered over 220,000 internally displaced people (IDP). In the past two years, through the end of April 2023, an additional 10,000 people were displaced within the state2. The MRCS, with support from the IFRC network, has maintained long-term programming in Rakhine state since large-scale violence erupted in the north of the state in 2012. Through its branch and community-level principled humanitarian actions, MRCS is a well-known humanitarian actor. Like all humanitarian actors, MRCS also has experienced challenges to maintain its continual access to communities in need and advocates with the relevant stakeholders based on its humanitarian mission. In the second week of June 2023, access to areas in Rakhine state for the cyclone response was temporarily suspended for humanitarian organisations, though previously planned and agreed humanitarian activities could proceed in line with usual processes. The authorities have indicated that actors’ Cyclone Mocha response activities must be coordinated with the National Disaster Management Committee and abide with the regular coordination with the respective line ministries. Aligned with its established functions enshrined in national law, the MRCS, with IFRC support, is engaged in humanitarian diplomacy to obtain access to reach populations in need within this response operation, as well as in the ongoing programmatic actions. The IFRC continues to support MRCS with strategic and operational guidance, as well as engaging with other humanitarian actors as needed, to strengthen the National Society’s capacities to remain and be perceived as an effective and efficient principled humanitarian actor. Summary of the response Overview of the host National Society and ongoing response The Myanmar Red Cross Society is an independent humanitarian organization that operates impartially and neutrally. Its role as an auxiliary to the state in the humanitarian field, operating in line with the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles, is enshrined in the Myanmar Red Cross Society Law of 2015. The MRCS has a strong presence with over a thousand trained Emergency Response Team (ERT) volunteers and 44,000 members nationwide, including 7,994 core Red Cross Volunteers (RCV) active at the community level. The organization has 23 warehouses strategically located throughout the country to support preparedness and response efforts. It also has regional and state branches across the country, and a substantial presence in various operational hubs in Rakhine State, under the management of the MRCS Rakhine Operations Management Unit established over the past decade. During this reporting period, 962 volunteers were deployed to aid the most affected communities since the cyclone made landfall. The MRCS has established communication channels and built relationships with local authorities and communities in the affected areas through its local staff, volunteers, and branches. This enables them to reach vulnerable communities and provide immediate humanitarian assistance. Through its community presence, MRCS has access on the ground and has collected data as well as assessed the impact of Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine State and Magway and Ayeyarwady regions in particular. In anticipation of the cyclone, the MRCS activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) one week before landfall and initiated preparedness measures and early actions well in advance. Prior to landfall, MRCS volunteers in the projected path and impact zone assisted with evacuations, conducted awareness campaigns, and gathered preliminary data. After the cyclone made landfall, on 14 May, MRCS branches mobilized their volunteers to engage in rescue operations, clear roads and debris, provide first aid and psychosocial support, and collect initial observations and data. MRCS also mobilized its existing operational resources to respond to the aftermath, deploying trained expert personnel to directly provide assistance and support services such as logistics and supply chain. As of 14 June 2023, MRCS has reached 147,142 people (28,694 households) with relief assistance, including shelter, livelihood support, clean water, and essential household items. A total of 4,650 individuals from 930 households received shelter assistance through distribution of tarpaulins, family kits and blankets. In the hardest-hit region of Rakhine State, MRCS distributed 549,210 liters of safe drinking water, along with 19,000 liters of domestic water to affected communities. To uphold the dignity of the affected communities, hygiene parcels for families, specialized hygiene kits for men, and dignity kits for women were distributed in various affected regions, including Rakhine, Magway, Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Bago, and Mandalay. Around 6,985 individuals were reached with these items. Additionally, MRCS distributed 112 sets of children's clothing to support affected children. MRCS's mobile health clinics in Rakhine have provided assistance to 1,616 individuals since it started on 17 May. Operational coordination meetings are regularly organized in collaboration with the IFRC, involving in-country partners and the ICRC, to provide technical and planning support to MRCS for the response. MRCS, IFRC and ICRC meet in Movement tripartite meetings at a strategic level. The regular tripartite security cell meetings are being used for regular risk analysis and security planning. Moreover, MRCS and IFRC are observers in HCT meetings and Cluster coordination as part of their external coordination efforts. IFRC together with MRCS have been actively engaging the IFRC network, both in-country and remotely, to work on a Federation-wide approach. The development of the Federation-wide Operational Strategy involved a shared leadership approach, drawing upon the expertise of the IFRC network and past experiences from drafting the Unified Plan and the ongoing New Way of Working. To ensure efficient communication and reporting, the monitoring and reporting mechanisms are also coordinated under one single reporting system, aiming to streamline communication and reporting channels between the MRCS and the IFRC network. In addition, the IFRC network had mobilized three rapid response personnel (surge) for the operation, including for the combined Myanmar Shelter/ NFI/ CCCM Clusterto enhance and complement the existing coordination structure. To ensure efficient communication and reporting, the monitoring and reporting mechanisms are also coordinated under one single reporting system, aiming to streamline communication and reporting channels between the MRCS and the IFRC network. In order to provide ongoing assistance to the MRCS in Rakhine state, which is most severely affected by cyclone Mocha, the IFRC Myanmar Delegation deployed a Senior Services Manager for two weeks and Senior Operations Officer for two weeks. Future deployments by IFRC country delegation staff are planned. Their presence allows for support to the MRCS, as well as participation in the coordination structures at Rakhine state level. The IFRC is contributing to MRCS-led collaborative efforts to develop and execute a comprehensive assistance plan..."
Source/publisher: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-06-23
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-23
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "This more comprehensive product now replaces the daily Flash Updates that were previously issued by OCHA Myanmar on Cyclone Mocha. This Sit Rep is produced by OCHA in collaboration with the seven operating humanitarian clusters and their sub-working groups in Myanmar. The humanitarian response section is not necessarily reflective of all humanitarian interventions undertaken on the ground but rather those voluntarily reported by partners. HIGHLIGHTS • The approval of the distribution and transportation plans for the Cyclone Mocha response in Rakhine and Chin remains pending. Significant conditions, imposed by the State Administration Council, remain in place for the replenishment of relief supplies from outside the country and some have not yet been approved. • After humanitarian access was temporarily suspended in the cyclone-affected Rakhine state on 8 June, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) a.i released a statement on 12 June, urging the State Administration Council to urgently re-instate the initial approval that was granted and allow life-saving assistance to resume. • Meanwhile, efforts are underway to engage with the de facto authorities at the Nay Pyi Taw and regional level to try and expand access to people in need. This included high-level engagement with Union ministers by the RC/HC ai and UN agencies in Sittwe. • Despite the humanitarian access restrictions, aid organizations have been delivering vital assistance to cyclone-affected communities where they have authorizations and supplies. More than 144,000 affected people have received shelter and other essential relief items in Rakhine and other areas since the cyclone. However, only a fraction of damaged and destroyed shelters have reportedly been repaired, leaving thousands of people without a proper roof over their heads during the monsoon season and exposing them to overcrowding and lack of privacy in the few shelters that remain functional. • Food assistance has reached almost 380,000 affected people in Rakhine alone. • Nearly 12,500 people in Rakhine, the Northwest, and Kachin have received healthcare. Nutrition assistance has reached more than 7,000 children under 5 and more than 1,500 caregivers in 8 priority townships in Rakhine. • Some 70 contaminated ponds in Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, and Sittwe townships were successfully de-watered. • More than 300 child-friendly spaces were rebuilt in Rakhine and the Northwest, and more than 34,000 children and caregivers received psychosocial support and psychological first aid services. • Continued financial support for the US$333 million Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal is required to ensure timely procurement of vital supplies to address the needs of affected communities. According to the Financial Tracking Service, as of 16 June, only $21.7 million in additional funds has been received. SITUATION OVERVIEW One month on from Cyclone Mocha, the unexpected retraction of initial approval for cyclone distribution and transportation plans and the temporary suspension of existing travel authorizations (TAs) for humanitarian organizations in Rakhine by the de facto authorities, has impacted the humanitarian response across the state. This sudden decision has exacerbated the already dire living conditions of the cyclone-affected population as heavy rains and flooding from the monsoon season continue to impact areas already severely affected by the cyclone. After humanitarian access was temporarily suspended in the cyclone-affected Rakhine state on 8 June, the RC/HC a.i released a statement on 12 June, urging the State Administration Council to urgently re-instate the initial approval that was granted and allow life-saving assistance to resume. The RC/HC a.i. and his delegation also met with the Union Ministers in Sittwe on 15 June and held extensive discussions on possible modalities of support to cyclone affected people in accordance with humanitarian principles, and about the importation of supplies into Myanmar. At the request of the de facto authorities, UN agencies in Sittwe also met with the relevant state officials and Union Ministers on 13 June. Engagement is expected to continue. Despite the access limitations and the temporary suspension of regular activities for a week from 8 June, humanitarian organizations have reached an increasing number of people in need since the cyclone where they have authorizations and supplies. Shelter and relief items have been provided to more than 144,000 people in Rakhine and other areas, while food assistance has reached nearly 380,000 people in Rakhine alone. Healthcare services were provided to nearly 12,500 people in Rakhine, the Northwest, and Kachin, and nutrition assistance reached more than 7,000 children under 5 and more than 1,500 caregivers in 8 priority townships in Rakhine. Additionally, 70 contaminated ponds in Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, and Sittwe townships were successfully de-watered, and more than 300 child-friendly spaces (CFSs) were rebuilt in Rakhine and the Northwest. Psychosocial support (PSS) and psychological first aid (PFA) services were provided to more than 34,000 children and caregivers. Humanitarian actors are hoping to continue to explore various avenues to scale-up their operations beyond their existing regular activities. Cyclone impacted communities have been calling for such a scale-up to supplement the ongoing efforts by the local authorities, private donors and civil society organizations. The centralization of decision making on TAs for the cyclone response, however, has now put that expansion on hold. Engagement at the Nay Pyi Taw and regional level will continue, with the aim to identify modalities for predictable and timely access to cyclone-affected areas in Rakhine and Chin to address the immediate and longer-term needs of the affected communities. Scaled-up financial support is also urgently required to facilitate the timely procurement of vital supplies. According to the Financial Tracking Service (FTS), as of 16 June, US$21.7 million in additional funds has been received against the $333 million Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-06-19
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-19
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Description: "Yangon, 13 June 2023: UNDP, UN Women and UN-Habitat yesterday brought together representatives from local communities, NGOs, development partners and the private sector to discuss research on urban poverty and the innovative strategies being used in a new project building resilience in low-income urban communities. The event took place in Myanmar’s commercial capital, Yangon, where the compounded crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic and political upheaval resulting from the February 2021 coup have had a devastating impact on Yangon’s urban poor. “When confronted with turmoil across the country, the breakdown in the rule of law, the human rights abuses, the alarming numbers of people displaced by conflict and disasters, it is easy to overlook what is happening right here in Yangon. Life has always been hard for the urban poor, but now it is so much harder. Poor people are much poorer, and their numbers have grown significantly,” Titon Mitra, UNDP Myanmar’s Resident Representative, said in his opening remarks. “If we do not turn our attention to the urban poor and vulnerable, we may enable the conditions for a rapid deepening of intergenerational poverty.” The Urban Resilience Project (URP) aims to support those made most vulnerable by urban poverty in Yangon, including women and people living in informal settlements. It is a joint project between UNDP, UN Women and UN-Habitat, working in eight townships, five of which are under martial law, identified as the most socially and economically marginalized. It aims to strengthen residents’ resilience by supporting community-led groups to improve basic services and facilities; upgrade the physical environment of informal settlements; address gender-based violence; and promote livelihoods, skills and job creation. UNDP’s Myanmar Development Observatory presented the findings from the recently published report Helping communities weather the socio-economic downturn: Building urban resilience. The study shows people living in Yangon’s eight poorest townships earn 30 percent less than those in the rest of Yangon and that almost a quarter of the residents of these townships had often gone without a cash income in the past 12 months. Compared to the rest of Yangon, households in the eight URP townships are: more likely to live in an informal settlement (14.2% of URP households compared to 1.2% of households in the rest of Yangon); more like to have noticed violence against women by family members in their neighbourhood, (14.7% compared to 11.4%); less likely to have access to drinkable water in the dry season (88.9% of households compared to 97.3%); more likely to be unable to eat nutritious food (27.5% of households compared to 23%); and 1.8 times more likely to take their children out of school to earn money. During the panel discussion, Catarina Camarinhas, Country Programme Manager a.i. of UN-Habitat, highlighted that only 30 percent of Myanmar’s population resides in urban areas, which presents many opportunities for sustainable urbanization and poverty reduction. “Building resilience and promoting sustainable urbanization in Myanmar requires comprehensive initiatives and collaboration. By engaging multiple stakeholders and implementing effective local-level strategies, we are working towards sustainable development and climate change adaptation. Together with our partners, we aim to implement gender-responsive climate action in Myanmar,” she said. Jackie Appel, CEO and founder of the Step-in Step-up Academy, explained how her NGO has been providing vocational training to young people to meet specific job needs in Yangon’s workforce, including in healthcare, office work and hospitality. One young woman explained to the audience at the event how she took part in training to be a cashier and immediately was employed by Yoma Bank after graduating. Shihab Uddin Ahamad, WaterAid Myanmar’s Country Director, meanwhile discussed how the organization is bringing affordable clean water to low-income areas of Yangon through establishing bottling plants, and helping garment factory workers, who are almost all women, subsidize their incomes through food and hygiene product packages. Women and girls in Yangon’s urban areas are particularly vulnerable. Over 80 percent of women in the baseline study said rising food prices and loss of employment or revenues were their major challenges. And in a 2021 UN Women study in Yangon, two out of three women reported being extremely worried about becoming a victim of a violent crime. “We know 80 percent of women are working in informal employment in Yangon, that makes them vulnerable to economic downturn and provides hardly any social protection. On top of that, a lack of safe shelter and housing conditions increases the risk of sexual and gender-based violence,” said Karin Fueg, Country Representative a.i. of UN Women. “Under the URP, UN Women is leading a gender-responsive incubator and business accelerator to help women access business skills and finance, and to address gender norms through life skills, help accessing business networks and referrals to support services like legal aid, psycho-social support or gender-based violence services,” Ms Fueg said. The Urban Resilience Project’s community-based approach will create opportunities for resilience building, economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. By addressing the needs of the most vulnerable and fostering a sense of ownership, the project lays a foundation for long-term success and positive change. -ENDS- Find out more! Read the report: https://www.undp.org/publications/helping-communities-weather-socio-economic-downturn-building-urban-resilience Explore the Myanmar Development Observatory: https://www.undp.org/myanmar/projects/myanmar-development-observatory The Urban Resilience Project The Urban Resilience Project aims to address urban poverty in eight of Yangon’s poorest peri-urban townships. It focuses on providing access to sustainable sources of safe drinking water, improving health and sanitation services, supporting climate-resilient basic urban infrastructure, including drainage and access roads, and supporting micro and small enterprise development and work opportunities to more than 450,000 people. UN Women UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. UNDP UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. It helps countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Its work is concentrated in three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peacebuilding, and climate and disaster resilience. UN-Habitat The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable development of human settlements in an urbanizing world, with the goal of providing safer and inclusive human settlements..."
Source/publisher: UN Development Programme, UN Human Settlements Program, UN Women
2023-06-13
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-16
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Description: "FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT Below‑average 2022 cereal production forecast Cereal exports forecast to increase Prices of rice at record high in May Critical food security situation due to multiple shocks Below‑average 2022 cereal output forecast The 2022 cropping season will finalize in late June following the completion of the secondary crop harvests. The aggregate 2022 paddy production is forecast at 24.7 million tonnes, about 8 percent below the five‑year average. Despite a near‑average area planted, the poor performance is attributed to low yields as farmers faced challenges in accessing agricultural inputs, particularly agrochemicals, due to reduced availability and high prices. The aggregate 2022 maize production is estimated at a near‑average level of 2.1 million tonnes, 12 percent less the previous year. The area planted reached an above‑average level driven by robust export demand and remunerative domestic prices. However, constrained access to agricultural inputs and below‑average precipitation amounts in the key maize‑producing northern areas resulted in the lowest average yields since 2015. Cereal production prospects for 2023 main crops, currently being planted and for harvest at the end of the year, are uncertain. Although the high cereal prices may encourage farmers to cultivate an above‑average area, shortages and elevated prices of agricultural inputs are likely to persist, potentially curtailing crop yields..."
Source/publisher: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Rome) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-06-14
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-14
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Description: "This regular update, covering humanitarian developments up to 9 June, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UN agencies. Response figures are based on self-reporting by organizations to clusters. The next humanitarian update will be issued in early July 2023. HIGHLIGHTS & KEY MESSAGES • The devastating impact of Cyclone Mocha, which landed on 14 May on Myanmar’s coastal area, and the ongoing armed conflict have compounded the suffering of people across the country. Needs are enormous especially with the monsoon season well underway. • Nationwide, more than 1.8 million people are currently displaced in Myanmar, with 1.5 million already displaced due to the conflict and insecurity since the 2021 military takeover. • Humanitarians continue providing critical life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable people despite access challenges and limited funding. During the first quarter of 2023, 1.4 million people were reached with humanitarian assistance (31 per cent of the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan target). • In the cyclone-affected zone especially in Rakhine, Northwest and Kachin, humanitarian organizations have been delivering assistance where they have stocks and approval. However, more supplies, wider access and increased funding are urgently needed to deliver at-scale and meet needs across all communities. • Restrictions on humanitarian operations and bureaucratic hurdles are impeding assistance efforts, also on the cyclone response. Of concern is the recent decision to suspend humanitarian access in Rakhine. In a press release of 12 June, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator urged the de facto authorities to reconsider this decision and prioritize the well-being of the people including of the cyclone-affected communities. • Generous funding is vital to alleviate human suffering and support the humanitarian response in Myanmar. The US$764 million Humanitarian Response Plan, plus an additional $122 million for new activities outlined in Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal, is crucial for recovery and relief efforts..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-06-13
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-13
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Description: "(Myanmar, 12 June 2023) – One month after Cyclone Mocha hit western Myanmar with brutal force, the State Administration Council has suspended humanitarian access in Rakhine State, crippling life-saving aid distributions to affected communities. “Four weeks into this disaster response and with the monsoon season well underway, it is unfathomable that humanitarians are being denied access to support people in need,” UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i Ramanathan Balakrishnan said. Since the cyclone hit on 14 May, humanitarians have been reaching a growing number of people with aid using limited travel authorizations granted to organizations with long-standing operations in Rakhine. More than 110,000 people across the affected areas have received shelter and other relief items, while food assistance has reached almost 300,000 people in Rakhine alone. This new access decision suspends that assistance, paralyzing the humanitarian response. “This decision is yet another devastating setback for more than a million people whom humanitarians had planned to reach with life-saving assistance in cyclone-hit Rakhine state over the weeks and months ahead. Just when vulnerable communities need our help the most, we have been forced to stop distributions of food, drinking water, and shelter supplies,” Mr. Balakrishnan said. Since the cyclone, humanitarians have had extensive discussions to scale up assistance in Rakhine and other cyclone-affected areas. After significant engagement at both Nay Pyi Taw and regional level, initial approval for distribution and transportation plans and additional travel authorization was received for wider distributions in June. This has since been rescinded, pending further clearances. Similar plans for distribution and transportation in Chin also remain pending. “This denial of access unnecessarily prolongs the suffering of those without food to eat or a roof over their head. It increases the risk of food insecurity and water-borne disease,” Mr. Balakrishnan said. “On behalf of humanitarian actors, I urge the State Administration Council to urgently reconsider this decision and re-instate the initial approval that was granted for distributions which will allow aid that is ready and waiting to flow to people who desperately need it.” On 23 May, humanitarians launched a US$333 million Flash Appeal for donor support to reach 1.6 million people affected by Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, Magway and Kachin. To date, just $10.3m has been received..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-06-12
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-12
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Description: "In Numbers 3.4 million people are living in Cyclone Mocha’s highest impact zone 1.6 million people targeted for the UN cyclone response At least 800,000 cyclone-affected people are prioritized for WFP’s food and nutrition support for an initial three-month period Highlights WFP has reached 394,400 people across Rakhine State within the first month of its cyclone response with emergency food assistance. WFP’s ongoing market monitoring in central Rakhine showed a decrease in the prices of some food commodities, particularly rice, following WFP’s in-kind food distributions. WFP will face a critical interruption in all its life-saving activities, starting from August 2023, without a fresh injection of critical funding. WFP urgently needs US$60 million to ensure uninterrupted emergency food and nutrition assistance. Situation Update The impact of Cyclone Mocha exacerbated an already precarious food security situation, particularly in townships and displacement sites in Rakhine State, where households experienced a substantial loss of food stocks and livelihoods, with their shelters destroyed. Local relief and recovery efforts are ongoing across several cyclone-affected areas. WFP’s initial rapid situation monitoring in five cyclone-affected townships showed that agricultural land, fishponds, and drinking water supplies have been impacted by saltwater intrusion. Extensive crop damage, including rice seed stocks for the planting season starting in June, adds significant pressure on the medium-to-longer-term food security of households who are already grappling with disrupted livelihood activities. Preliminary results of WFP’s ongoing market monitoring in central Rakhine showed a decrease in the prices of some food commodities, particularly rice, following WFP’s in-kind food distributions. WFP will continue to monitor the market situation, which will inform the gradual resumption and potential expansion of its cash-based transfer (CBT) activities in Rakhine..."
Source/publisher: World Food Programme (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
2023-06-12
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-12
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "This more comprehensive product now replaces the daily Flash Updates that were previously issued by OCHA Myanmar on Cyclone Mocha. This Sit Rep is produced by OCHA in collaboration with the seven operating humanitarian clusters and their sub-working groups in Myanmar. The humanitarian response section is not necessarily reflective of all humanitarian interventions undertaken on the ground but rather those voluntarily reported by partners. Sit Reps are now being issued weekly. HIGHLIGHTS The humanitarian access situation in cyclone-hit Rakhine state has deteriorated with existing travel authorizations (TAs) for humanitarian organizations suspended this week pending new, centralized discussions in Nay Pyi Taw. Initial approval for humanitarian distribution and transportation plans for cyclone-affected townships in Rakhine have also been rescinded pending further Nay Pyi Taw-level deliberations. Similar plans in Chin are also pending. Some requests for the replenishment of relief supplies from outside the country have been approved, but with significant conditions. Others remain pending. The suspension of access in Rakhine brings a stop to activities that have been reaching hundreds of thousands of people. To date, more than 110,000 affected people have received shelter and other essential relief items. Food assistance had reached almost 300,000 affected people in Rakhine state alone. In Rakhine, partners were distributing seeds and organic fertilizers to provide families with food to eat and sell. Further scaled-up distributions of agricultural inputs are critical to combating food insecurity in affected areas over the months ahead and are now also on pause. Humanitarians have also been prioritizing the wellbeing of children in the response, including through the establishment of hundreds of mobile and temporary child-friendly spaces, and the distribution of critical child safety messaging to nearly 28,000 people across Rakhine and the Northwest. The suspension of activities in Rakhine could not have come at worse time with the monsoon arriving. An urgent scale-up of the response is needed, expanding activities that had already been underway in the impact zone and adding to assistance being distributed by a range of local authorities and civil society organizations in different areas. SITUATION OVERVIEW The monsoon season has arrived in Myanmar, further worsening the living situation facing people whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Cyclone Mocha in mid-May. Heavy rains and some flooding were observed in areas that were already heavily impacted, further hampering the recovery process for people whose coping capacities are already stretched to the limit. Against this backdrop, access restrictions have escalated. Existing TAs that had been facilitating assistance delivery in Rakhine have been suspended pending centralized discussions in Nay Pyi Taw through the Disaster Management Committee. Using these existing approvals, humanitarians had been reaching a growing number of people in need. More than 113,200 people in the affected areas have received shelter and other relief items, while food assistance has reached more than 293,800 people in Rakhine alone. In addition, humanitarians have been working to ensure cyclone-affected children are looked after with the establishment of 240 mobile and temporary child-friendly spaces in Rakhine and the Northwest. These spaces provide safe environments for children to engage in recreational activities and receive vital psychosocial support after the trauma and disruption they have experienced. Approximately 28,000 people in Rakhine and the Northwest have also received important child safety messages. Humanitarians had been hoping to scale-up their operations in the coming weeks, but this centralized decision on TAs now puts that on hold. Initial approval for humanitarian distribution and transport plans across 11 townships have also been rescinded pending additional deliberations in Nay Pyi Taw. Similar plans for Chin are also not yet approved. Some import requests have been approved with conditions. Others remain pending. Flexible imports are critical for the replenishment of supplies. Scaled-up financial support is also urgently required to facilitate the timely procurement of vital supplies. According to the Financial Tracking Service (FTS), as of 6 June, only US$8 million in additional funds has been received against the $333 million Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal. This appeal aims to provide assistance to 1.6 million people most heavily impacted by the cyclone in Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, Magway, and Kachin..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-06-09
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-09
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Description: "1. On June 6, the Government of Japan decided to extend Emergency Grant Aid of USD 2 million to Myanmar and Bangladesh affected by Cyclone Mocha on May 14. 2. The western part of Myanmar and the Cox's Bazar district where displaced persons camps are located and other areas of Bangladesh have been severely affected by Cyclone Mocha and its subsequent flood. This Emergency Grant Aid is to provide assistance in the areas of food, water and sanitation, and shelter through the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). (Reference)Breakdown of the Emergency Grant Aid 1. Myanmar (1) WFP: Food [USD 1 million] (2) ICRC: Water and sanitation, shelter [USD 500,000] 2. Bangladesh IOM: Water and sanitation [USD 500,000]..."
Source/publisher: Government of Japan
2023-06-06
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-06
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Description: "The tropical storm devastated coastal communities in Rakhine State, destroying homes, infrastructure and livelihoods. Cyclone Mocha was one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in Myanmar when it made landfall in Rakhine State on 14 May, causing widespread devastation. At its fiercest, windspeeds reached more than 250 kilometres per hour. Almost 7.9 million people are estimated to have been in the cyclone’s path, which caused severe damage as it moved inland to the country’s northwest. The humanitarian community in Myanmar has launched a Flash Appeal to raise US$333 million to assist 1.6 million people. The scale of the work needed to recover is immense. The communities hit hardest were already among the most impoverished and disadvantaged in Myanmar, suffering years of conflict, displacement, and economic marginalization. Rakhine has the second-highest poverty rate in the country, with two-thirds of people living below the poverty line. In Rakhine State, some 1.9 million people have been affected. The de facto authorities report that at least 145 people died in the cyclone, although other sources put this higher. The storm surge and winds in Sittwe, the state’s capital, damaged almost every building. Bridges collapsed, fishing boats were left in ruins, and healthcare facilities and schools were destroyed. About 1,182 square kilometres of land were flooded, killing livestock, and contaminating drinking water and farmland. Prices of food and the supplies needed to repair damaged homes and infrastructure have soared. UNDP is responding to immediate needs, reaching more than 44,000 people so far. We are focused on helping communities recover as quickly as possible and supporting people to rebuild their livelihoods so they can get back on their feet. The first order of business is to repair infrastructure and clear roads. This enables businesses to stay open, aid to be delivered and essential services to resume. UNDP provides people carrying out this work an income, with most of the participants being women and people from internal displacement camps. Ma Mya Win, who fled fighting to a camp in Sittwe in 2019 and participated in UNDP’s debris clearance, said; “I have become jobless as the tailor shop I used to work in was destroyed by the cyclone. The building collapsed to the ground. The owner has been trying to rebuild it, but it is complicated as the price of the construction materials is double what they used to be. “I am thankful I found this job while waiting to be back to my tailoring job. I will use this money to buy food for my family. As you know, the food price in Sittwe doubled, and it is difficult for us to feed the children. And the back-to-school season is coming soon [in June] and that money would really help me buy stationery and pay tuition fees for my child.” Our teams are also distributing seeds and organic fertilizer to provide families with both food to eat and sell, as well as supplies to fix their homes before the monsoon rains come. With drinking water ponds inundated with salt water and mud, UNDP is drilling new boreholes, and cleaning wells. This is vital to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. UNDP has also brought people together through community kitchens in Sittwe, covering food and labour costs while local residents cook for as many as 1,000 people. UNDP is well-placed for both short- and long-term recovery, with a well-established presence in Rakhine State and a wide network of trusted partners. As soon as possible, we will also begin repairing critical infrastructure such as the bridges and village embankments that protect agricultural land. Other plans include providing support to fishers and farmers to restart their work, helping small businesses to gain access to markets and cash, and ensuring that women have equal employment opportunities. “The road to recovery for those affected by Cyclone Mocha will be long, but UNDP is ready to meet people’s critical and immediate needs,” said Titon Mitra, UNDP Myanmar Resident Representative. “We will help people rebuild their livelihoods as quickly as possible so they can earn a stable income and be more resilient to future disasters. We are committed to helping communities rebuild stronger, and ensuring support is sustainable for the weeks, months and years ahead.”..."
Source/publisher: United Nations Development Programme (New York)
2023-06-06
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-06
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Description: "Highlights Extremely severe Cyclone Mocha, one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in Myanmar, made landfall on 14 May 2023, impacting an estimated 3.4 million people in Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, Magway and Kachin. Multiple injuries and widespread damage to shelters and critical public infrastructure, including water supplies, health facilities, schools and electricity have been reported. The cyclone exacerbated already severe and deteriorating humanitarian and human rights crises for communities in the affected regions. Access of children and their families to essential services such as health care, protection, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, and education is severely constrained. It has been critically disrupted in cyclone-affected areas. These interrelated challenges threaten children's survival, development, safety and well-being. UNICEF requires US$217.9 million, an increase of $48.4 million as a result of the cyclone, in addition to ongoing multisectoral humanitarian needs. UNICEF's humanitarian strategy focuses on working with all stakeholders, including communities and local and international partners, to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance and ensure critical services reach children in need. HUMANITARIAN SITUATION AND NEEDS One of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in Myanmar, Mocha made landfall in Rakhine State on 14 May 2023.10 The cyclone continued inland, bringing heavy rains and winds, and leaving a trail of destruction through Chin, Sagaing, Magway and Kachin. An estimated 3.4 million people live in the areas most impacted. Significant damage to houses, shelters for internally displaced people, and public infrastructure has been reported. Around 17.6 million people were already in need of humanitarian assistance before Cyclone Mocha, including 4.5 million in severe conditions, mainly in conflict-affected rural areas. An additional estimated 500,000 in the five states and regions need humanitarian assistance following the cyclone. The widespread conflict has further deteriorated in 2023. Increased fighting has been occurring nationwide, with notable intensification mainly in the southeast, northwest, and Kachin states. More than 1.8 million people were internally displaced, including 1.5 million newly displaced after February 2021. Of these, over 1.2 million internally displaced people were living in the areas impacted by Cyclone Mocha. Communities in Sagaing Region, hardest hit by the conflict with nearly 763,100 people displaced, suffered additional trauma. Cyclone Mocha has further imperiled nearly 220,000 people living in protracted displacement in Rakhine and the extremely vulnerable non-displaced populations, especially 417,000 stateless Rohingyas and communities affected by conflict, insecurity and rising poverty. Grave child rights violations, mainly due to the indiscriminate use of heavy weapons, airstrikes, and explosive ordnance, continue to be largely reported. Attacks on schools and hospitals have continued at alarming levels, while all armed actors' recruitment and use of children remain a grave concern. As a result, women and children are at increased risk of violence, exploitation and abuse. Millions of children and adolescents are deprived of the right to education because their safe access to education has been disrupted. Camp closures, forced return, and relocation remain key protection concerns for displaced people. The security and protection of humanitarian and front-line workers is also a serious concern, as they are increasingly targeted by parties to the conflict and subject to arbitrary arrests and detentions. There has been a notable shrinking of humanitarian space, with access to cyclone and conflict-affected populations constrained by new restrictions on nongovernmental and civil society organizations. In addition, analysis shows that 60 per cent of landmine incidents reported in the first quarter of 2023 were in areas affected by Cyclone Mocha, highlighting the high risks of landmines/unexploded ordinance contamination in cyclone-affected areas - creating an additional potential threat to populations and humanitarian assistance efforts..."
Source/publisher: UN Children's Fund (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-06-03
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-03
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Description: "This more comprehensive product now replaces the daily Flash Updates that were previously issued by OCHA Myanmar on Cyclone Mocha. This Sit Rep is produced by OCHA in collaboration with the seven operating humanitarian clusters and their sub-working groups in Myanmar. The humanitarian response section is not necessarily reflective of all humanitarian interventions undertaken on the ground but rather those voluntarily reported by partners. The next Sit Rep will be issued on Wednesday, 7 June 2023. HIGHLIGHTS The humanitarian response in cyclone-affected areas continues to expand, however much wider access is still needed to reach the 1.6 million people targeted as part of the Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal across Rakhine, Chin, Magway, Sagaing, and Kachin. More than 95,000 people in areas affected by the cyclone have received shelter and other relief items. Almost 267,000 people have received food assistance, and approximately 3,380 metric tons of rice and high-energy biscuits have been distributed to cyclone-affected people in Rakhine. Between 25 and 31 May 2023, health partners conducted more than 7,800 consultations in the most severely affected townships. With the scale-up in the response, the looming monsoon and a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, the replenishment of humanitarian supplies from Yangon and overseas is becoming increasingly urgent. The swift approval of transport and importation requests, a detailed two-week distribution plan, and further travel authorizations (TAs) for the cyclone response are imperative to meet immediate shelter needs and prevent waterborne disease outbreaks. Generous funding is also vital to support the scaling up of humanitarian operations, facilitate procurement, transport, and distribution of supplies, and ensure the well-being of affected communities. As of 2 June, the Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal has received US$4.6 million according to FTS. Simultaneously, local authorities have been working to support recovery through debris clearance and the restoration of power, water and telecommunication services in Rakhine. In parallel, other actors are also providing support to the recovery effort, including in rural areas. SITUATION OVERVIEW Humanitarian response operations continue to expand through organizations with new and existing TAs across the cyclonestricken regions of Rakhine, Chin, Magway, Sagaing, and Kachin, with shelter and food assistance particularly gathering pace. More than 95,240 people in areas affected by the cyclone have received shelter and other relief items. More than 266,500 people have received food assistance, and approximately 3,380 metric tons of rice and high-energy biscuits (33 per cent of the total plan) have been distributed to cyclone-affected people in Rakhine. In the Northwest, food distribution for 78,000 people in Magway is pending approval. Between 25 and 31 May 2023, health partners conducted more than 7,800 consultations in the most severely affected townships of Rakhine, the Northwest, and Kachin, ensuring access to essential healthcare services. However, this work is still only meeting a fraction of overall needs and wider access for distributions is desperately required. The clock is ticking with the monsoon looming and another low-pressure area being closely monitored in the Bay of Bengal. Severe damage to agricultural land, loss of livestock and damage to the fishing fleet are also shaping as major food security issues over the weeks ahead. Approval is pending for the transport of supplies from warehouses inside the country and from outside Myanmar. Approval is also pending for a twoweek distribution and related travel authoritzation for Rakhine and Chin. Timely approval of these requests will allow partner organizations to provide safe shelter, address immediate needs, avert potential waterborne disease outbreaks, and mitigate against protection risks. Local authorities have been working on recovery measures in priority areas, particularly in Sittwe and Rathedaung. Debris clearance from Sittwe's streets has improved access to areas that were previously blocked by fallen trees and collapsed electricity poles. Power is gradually being restored to most of the affected regions, and the repair of streetlights along Sittwe town's main thoroughfares has enhanced visibility and safety. Telecommunication services are also coming back online which is vital to engage with the cyclone affected communities as well as for effective coordination and timely response efforts among partners working across the various townships. Work has also been underway to repair schools and deliver water in Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, and Sittwe townships. A 14 member ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT) was deployed to Rakhine to support assessments and response by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM). They have now wrapped up their work. In parallel, other actors are also providing support to the recovery efforts, including in rural areas. They have also been measuring the impact in affected communities and delivering assistance to the extent of their resources and access. Civil society organizations, private donors and religious networks are working to support affected communities. Communities themselves have also swung into action, clearing debris from blocked roads, and providing shelter to those who have lost their homes. Funding is critically needed to support the scale-up of humanitarian operations, facilitating urgent procurement, transport, and distribution of vital supplies to support affected communities. According to Financial Tracking System (FTS), as of 2 June, $4.6 million in additional funds has been received for the $333 million Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal, which seeks to support 1.6 million people affected by the cyclone in Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, Magway, and Kachin..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-06-03
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-03
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Description: "HIGHLIGHTS Extremely Severe Cyclone Mocha hit Myanmar’s Rakhine State with force on 14 May 2023, making impact close to its capital, Sittwe. This was one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in Myanmar, with windspeeds of up to 250 kmph. IOM launched its Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal on 26 May 2023, requesting USD 11.25 million to target 75,000 people with life-saving humanitarian assistance. IOM’s Flash Appeal is fully aligned with the Inter-Agency Flash Appeal. IOM Mobile Clinics have so far seen 1,094 patients in Rakhine State, while negotiations for broader access are ongoing. SITUATION OVERVIEW It has been almost three weeks since Extremely Severe Cyclone Mocha made landfall near Sittwe, Rakhine State, on 14 May 2023, bringing winds of up to 250 kmph. It was one of the strongest cyclones ever to hit the country. As the monsoon season approaches, humanitarian actors are working to rapidly respond to humanitarian needs. Safe shelter remains a key priority, along with health assistance, clean water, safe and functional sanitation facilities, non-food items (NFIs) and food assistance. Aid organizations have been working to deliver assistance where possible, as well as to bring stocks of needed items to Rakhine from Yangon, as markets in the affected areas are struggling to meet demand and prices of key commodities have skyrocketed. However, the many political and bureaucratic challenges in Myanmar are limiting the movement of relief items into and around the country, while wider access to transport humanitarian supplies and movement of responders is urgently needed. There continues to be obstacles to the roll out of comprehensive inter-agency needs assessment, due to bureaucratic impediments, limited access in specific areas due to the ongoing conflict and logistical barriers. With telecommunications and electricity not yet fully restored, information remains limited. However, some sectoral information has started to emerge from partners who were already on the ground, highlighting shelter, NFIs, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and food as the key priority sectors for the response. Shelter/NFI: Initial estimates that up to 90 per cent of houses in Rakhine have been unroofed are particularly worrying as wetter and warmer conditions are predicted for affected regions for the next week. Markets are heavily disrupted while large scale shelter and NFI assistance has not been able to reach affected areas yet due to the abovementioned constraints. Health: Most health facilities in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Pauktaw, and Sittwe townships in Rakhine, where IOM is implementing health programs, were damaged and most remain non-functional. Teams report that traumatic injury cases remain common but lesser in number compared to the first week. Other common morbidities diagnosed include acute viral infection (AVI), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), diarrhoea, and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. WASH: Cluster partners in Rakhine have reported that over 200 water sources were flooded by seawater, affecting over 100,000 people in seven townships. According to WASH Cluster partners active in the Northwest, around 700 households in Chin, 4,800 households in Magway, and 2,800 households in Sagaing have been affected. These figures are strictly indicative and are expected to continue to rise, particularly considering the mentioned obstacles to comprehensive assessments. Food: In Rakhine, initial field observations make clear that seawater has devastated agricultural land and that livestock and food stocks have been destroyed at large scale, affecting both immediate food needs and longerterm food security..."
Source/publisher: International Organization for Migration ( Switzerland) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-06-02
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-02
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Description: "This more comprehensive product now replaces the daily Flash Updates that were previously issued by OCHA Myanmar on Cyclone Mocha. This Sit Rep is produced by OCHA in collaboration with the seven operating humanitarian clusters and their sub-working groups in Myanmar. The humanitarian response section is not necessarily reflective of all humanitarian interventions undertaken on the ground but rather those voluntarily reported by partners. The next Sit Rep will be issued on Wednesday, 7 June 2023. HIGHLIGHTS The humanitarian response in cyclone-affected areas continues to expand, however much wider access is still needed to reach the 1.6 million people targeted as part of the Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal across Rakhine, Chin, Magway, Sagaing, and Kachin. More than 95,000 people in areas affected by the cyclone have received shelter and other relief items. Almost 267,000 people have received food assistance, and approximately 3,380 metric tons of rice and high-energy biscuits have been distributed to cyclone-affected people in Rakhine. Between 25 and 31 May 2023, health partners conducted more than 7,800 consultations in the most severely affected townships. With the scale-up in the response, the looming monsoon and a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, the replenishment of humanitarian supplies from Yangon and overseas is becoming increasingly urgent. The swift approval of transport and importation requests, a detailed two-week distribution plan, and further travel authorizations (TAs) for the cyclone response are imperative to meet immediate shelter needs and prevent waterborne disease outbreaks. Generous funding is also vital to support the scaling up of humanitarian operations, facilitate procurement, transport, and distribution of supplies, and ensure the well-being of affected communities. As of 2 June, the Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal has received US$4.6 million according to FTS. Simultaneously, local authorities have been working to support recovery through debris clearance and the restoration of power, water and telecommunication services in Rakhine. In parallel, other actors are also providing support to the recovery effort, including in rural areas. SITUATION OVERVIEW Humanitarian response operations continue to expand through organizations with new and existing TAs across the cyclonestricken regions of Rakhine, Chin, Magway, Sagaing, and Kachin, with shelter and food assistance particularly gathering pace. More than 95,240 people in areas affected by the cyclone have received shelter and other relief items. More than 266,500 people have received food assistance, and approximately 3,380 metric tons of rice and high-energy biscuits (33 per cent of the total plan) have been distributed to cyclone-affected people in Rakhine. In the Northwest, food distribution for 78,000 people in Magway is pending approval. Between 25 and 31 May 2023, health partners conducted more than 7,800 consultations in the most severely affected townships of Rakhine, the Northwest, and Kachin, ensuring access to essential healthcare services. However, this work is still only meeting a fraction of overall needs and wider access for distributions is desperately required. The clock is ticking with the monsoon looming and another low-pressure area being closely monitored in the Bay of Bengal. Severe damage to agricultural land, loss of livestock and damage to the fishing fleet are also shaping as major food security issues over the weeks ahead. Approval is pending for the transport of supplies from warehouses inside the country and from outside Myanmar. Approval is also pending for a twoweek distribution and related travel authoritzation for Rakhine and Chin. Timely approval of these requests will allow partner organizations to provide safe shelter, address immediate needs, avert potential waterborne disease outbreaks, and mitigate against protection risks. Local authorities have been working on recovery measures in priority areas, particularly in Sittwe and Rathedaung. Debris clearance from Sittwe's streets has improved access to areas that were previously blocked by fallen trees and collapsed electricity poles. Power is gradually being restored to most of the affected regions, and the repair of streetlights along Sittwe town's main thoroughfares has enhanced visibility and safety. Telecommunication services are also coming back online which is vital to engage with the cyclone affected communities as well as for effective coordination and timely response efforts among partners working across the various townships. Work has also been underway to repair schools and deliver water in Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, and Sittwe townships. A 14 member ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT) was deployed to Rakhine to support assessments and response by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM). They have now wrapped up their work. In parallel, other actors are also providing support to the recovery efforts, including in rural areas. They have also been measuring the impact in affected communities and delivering assistance to the extent of their resources and access. Civil society organizations, private donors and religious networks are working to support affected communities. Communities themselves have also swung into action, clearing debris from blocked roads, and providing shelter to those who have lost their homes. Funding is critically needed to support the scale-up of humanitarian operations, facilitating urgent procurement, transport, and distribution of vital supplies to support affected communities. According to Financial Tracking System (FTS), as of 2 June, $4.6 million in additional funds has been received for the $333 million Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal, which seeks to support 1.6 million people affected by the cyclone in Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, Magway, and Kachin..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-06-02
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-02
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Description: "Highlights Almost three weeks after Cyclone Mocha hit Myanmar, the response in the Northwest remains constrained for 48,000 affected individuals, particularly for essential WASH needs. Cases of children and adolescents participating in unsafe reconstruction and income generation to support their families have been reported in some parts of Rakhine. UNICEF partners are provided essential learning packages to mitigate learning loss due to the delay in restoring learning infrastructure, especially in the Northwest. UNICEF partners stepped up primary healthcare services with additional fixed and mobile clinics and cold chain equipment to strengthen routine immunization in affected areas in Rakhine..."
Source/publisher: UN Children's Fund (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-06-02
Date of entry/update: 2023-06-02
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Description: "HIGHLIGHTS: Tropical Cyclone Mocha has affected over 3.4 million people in affected areas. The flash appeal for the cyclone affected is at 333 million USD. Clearing work has begun in Rakhine, Chin, Magway, Kachin and Sagaing. ADRA completed its Rapid Needs Assessment in Sittwe and Kyauktaw Townships in the Rakhine State. ADRA’s Response plan includes provision of Tarpaulins and Food items to most impacted communities in Kyauktaw and Sittwe..."
Source/publisher: Adventist Development and Relief Agency International
2023-05-22
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-31
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Description: "This rapid Market Snapshot presents data to support Cyclone Mocha disaster response efforts. Data were collected through observation and KIIs during May 23-24, 2023. Reports available at www.themimu.info/market-analysis-unit. KEY FINDINGS Market damage remained a major concern for vendors ten days after Cyclone Mocha made landfall; Market operations in Rathedaung and Pauktaw were particularly limited; Plastic tarp prices were up 200-300% across markets, and many shelter materials were still in short supply; Food prices were far more stable than NFI prices, al-though rice prices were increasing somewhat; Metal roofing, nails and tarps were understocked, with demand outpacing retailer's ability to resupply; Retailers lacked access to suppliers, and poor transportation/communication networks inhibited restocking; Both in-kind and cash assistance remain important aid modalities as the speed and degree of market and Supply chain recovery continues to vary by location..."
Source/publisher: Mercy Corps ( Portland, Oregon, United States) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-05-31
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-31
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Description: "This more comprehensive product now replaces the daily Flash Updates that were previously issued by OCHA Myanmar on Cyclone Mocha. This Sit Rep is produced by OCHA in collaboration with the seven operating humanitarian clusters and their sub-working groups in Myanmar. The humanitarian response section is not necessarily reflective of all humanitarian interventions undertaken on the ground but rather those voluntarily reported by partners. The next Sit Rep will be issued on 2 June 2023. HIGHLIGHTS Two weeks after Cyclone Mocha hit western Myanmar safe shelter remains a key priority for cyclone-affected people who have been left without a roof over their head as the monsoon approaches. Cyclone Mocha has exposed significant safety and security challenges for cyclone affected communities. To date, shelter and other relief items have been distributed to more than 63,000 people. More than 230,000 people have received food assistance but household food reserves are dwindling, and communities are having difficulty buying food due to price rises and crop damage. Loss of agricultural inputs and livestock is a growing problem. The cyclone has created an education emergency with approximately 80 per cent of schools and educational infrastructure reportedly sustaining damage ahead of the start of the new school term. Work is underway to reinstate Temporary Learning Spaces (TLSs), disseminate learning kits to children, and restore schools and learning centers to operation. While humanitarians continue to ramp up support where they have authorizations and supplies, so far it has only been possible to reach a fraction of the 1.6 million people identified for assistance in the $333 million Flash Appeal launched last week. Wider access for distributions is urgently needed, along with permission to transport humanitarian supplies from in-country warehouses and into Myanmar from other countries. Detailed plans for the transport and distribution of supplies have been shared and are pending approval. Pledges of additional funding from generous donors have started arriving, but much more is needed to adequately support vulnerable people and ensure prompt distributions of critical supplies. SITUATION OVERVIEW Two weeks have passed since Cyclone Mocha struck Myanmar the humanitarian response is gathering pace but aid agencies still require more supplies, expanded access and additional funds to distribute assistance at-scale. Needs are enormous across all communities. The consequences of the cyclone reach far beyond the physical destruction of houses and public infrastructure, with a range of safety risks now also threatening the well-being of the affected population. These risks include the movement of unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in flooded areas, instances of sexual and gender-based violence, loss of civil documentation, looting, extortion, and robbery. Such risks pose a direct threat to affected communities, potentially exacerbating negative coping mechanisms such as high interest borrowing and children begging due to the lack of job opportunities of their parents. This situation increases the likelihood of child labor, exploitation, and abuse. The cyclone's impact has eroded community support systems among affected populations. Reports from partners on the ground indicate that parents are struggling to adequately care for their children while they are rebuilding their damaged homes or are seeking employment to sustain their families. Of particular concern is the situation faced by displaced communities, that are currently enduring overcrowded living conditions that lack privacy, sanitation, and proper lighting in many areas. These conditions pose the risk of sexual abuse and harassment, particularly targeting women and adolescent girls. Adding to the gravity of the situation is the destruction or damage to most of the Women and Girls’ Centers in the affected areas. Despite ongoing access challenges, humanitarian partners are ensuring that field observations continue in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cyclone's impact, especially among vulnerable groups. Simultaneously, those who have access are intensifying their response efforts, delivering critical and lifesaving assistance to affected communities in the Rakhine, Chin, Magway, Sagaing, and Kachin..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-05-31
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-31
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Description: "UNHCR and its partners continue to respond to the devastating impact of Cyclone Mocha, which affected millions of people in Myanmar and Bangladesh, destroying homes and infrastructures. UNHCR declared an internal Level-2 emergency on 29 May for Myanmar and Bangladesh to mobilize further internal capacity to respond to this new emergency. In Myanmar, UNHCR is supporting response and coordination efforts as part of the United Nations Humanitarian Country Team. Latest reports indicate that an estimated 7.9 million people were in the path of over 90km per hour winds, damaging houses and infrastructure. 3.4 million are estimated to be need of humanitarian assistance. Rakhine State bore the brunt of the cyclone. In Bangladesh, some 2.3 million people were residing in areas affected by the cyclone. UNHCR is supporting the government-led response and is working closely with the humanitarian community via the Inter-Sector Coordination Group (ISCG), displaced and host communities, as well as community leaders and volunteers. Inter-agency Flash appeals were issued for both Myanmar and Bangladesh on 23 May, building on the existing Humanitarian Response Plan for Myanmar and the Joint Response Plan for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh..."
Source/publisher: UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-05-30
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-30
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Description: "1. SUMMARY UPDATED SITUATIONS. Weeks after Tropical cyclone MOCHA impacted Myanmar, the actual condition of the affected areas has become clearer. According to the analysis of earth observation satellite images as well as ongoing rapid assessments on the ground, damages are confirmed to be 80-90% of buildings in the affected areas, especially in Sittwe and Rathedaung in Rakhine State, Myanmar. On-the-ground assessments conducted between 22 to 25 May 2023 by ASEAN-ERAT validated some of the damages that have been identified in Rakhine State, Myanmar (Annex 1, 2, 3, and 4). In agreement, data from the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) show an increase in confirmed structural damages as well as livestock lost due to the cyclone. According to the latest information from Disaster Management Centre (DMC) as of 29 May 2023, there have been improvements in the overall condition particularly in Rakhine such as reconstruction for the education sector is at 51% and the health sector is 36%. The telecommunication network coverage in Rakhine also has regained 91%. However, particularly on education sectors and health sectors, reconstruction for the damaged school and other health facilities are still needed. Some of the problems also still exists in the affected areas such as access to power, water, and usual food sources, as utility lines remain damaged, and access to usual food sources is limited. Lastly, according to the information from DMC, there are no more people in the shelters who were evacuated in Rakhine State, all the evacuees due to TC MOCHA had already returned to their places. PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE: a. On 28 May, the ASEAN-ERAT held a meeting to present the results of the ASEAN-ERAT rapid assessment to Myanmar Authorities. During the meeting, ASEAN-ERAT also presented the findings and recommendations of the assessment in the affected areas by Tropical Cyclone MOCHA. On 29 May, the ASEAN-ERAT departed for Yangon, Myanmar and further demobilised and departed for their home countries on 30 May through Yangon International Airport. b. The AHA Centre mobilised Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) relief items in response to Tropical Cyclone MOCHA in Myanmar since 21 May. A total of 221K USD worth of relief items in the form of jerry cans, shelter repair kits, toolkit shelters, tarpaulins, family tents, and kitchen sets have arrived in Yangon, Myanmar for further distribution to the affected community. The AHA Centre is working on mobilising additional items from the DELSA Warehouse in Subang, Malaysia. c. A total of 17 townships in Rakhine State and 4 townships in Chin State have been declared by the Myanmar Authorities as Natural Disaster-affected areas due to Tropical Cyclone MOCHA..."
Source/publisher: ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance
2023-05-30
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-30
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Description: "SITTWE – WFP and its local partners have reached over 230,000 people with life-saving food assistance in the wake of Cyclone Mocha, the most destructive storm to strike Myanmar in over a decade. Within 72 hours after landfall on 14 May, WFP began food distributions in Sittwe, Rakhine’s state capital, which suffered considerable damage. The cyclone has flattened houses, destroyed livelihoods, and disrupted telecommunications, power, and supply chains. “This is a climate emergency within a much larger complex emergency. Being already displaced, cyclone survivors now have been left with next to nothing, rendering them even more vulnerable,” said Stephen Anderson, WFP Country Director in Myanmar. “WFP and partners are moving quickly to transport and distribute our existing stocks of food to all those in need wherever they are, but these supplies are rapidly dwindling. Support from the international community is urgently required.” Here is an update on WFP’s response in the aftermath of the cyclone: So far, WFP and partners have supported over 230,000 cyclone-affected people with life-saving food assistance in Rakhine state and Magway region. This includes families previously displaced by conflict and Rohingya communities living in camps in central Rakhine and villages in northern Rakhine. WFP food assistance has so far reached affected people in Kyauktaw, Kyaukphyu, Mrauk-U, Myaebon, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung and Sittwe townships in central Rakhine and Buthidaung and Maungdaw in northern Rakhine, with plans to expand. WFP is mobilizing resources to provide 800,000 people with emergency food and cash for an initial three months in areas devastated by Cyclone Mocha. WFP is appealing for US$60 million to deliver emergency food and nutrition assistance to 2.1 million highly food-insecure people until the end of the year throughout the country. This includes US$ 23 million just to support 440,000 people newly affected by the cyclone. Unless additional funding is confirmed soon, all of WFP’s life-saving programmes will be interrupted in August 2023. In the hardest hit areas, the most pressing needs are food, shelter, drinking water and sanitation, according to early monitoring by WFP and partners. The destruction caused by the cyclone impacts immediate and longer-term food security. Salt water has contaminated farmland and fishponds, while rice seed stocks and livestock have been devastated. The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change..."
Source/publisher: World Food Programme (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
2023-05-30
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-30
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Description: "CRISIS IMPACT OVERVIEW • On 14 May 2023, the extremely severe cyclonic storm Mocha made landfall between Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh and Kyaukpyu township in Myanmar. The cyclone caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, houses, and shelters in western and northern Myanmar, including Chin, Kachin, Magway, Rakhine, and Sagaing states, and in Bangladesh’s southeastern Chattogram division (ECHO 17/05/2023; OCHA 17/05/2023 a). • In Myanmar, initial estimations suggest that the cyclone has affected approximately 5.4 million people in Chin, Magway, Rakhine, and Sagaing states, with 3.2 million potentially in need of humanitarian assistance (OCHA 16/05/2023). As at 17 May, 41 people had died and around 700 were injured. The cyclone has resulted in the evacuation of approximately 100,000 people. Among the worst-affected areas is western Rakhine, where the cyclone has extensively damaged numerous IDP camps for Rohingya people. Severe flooding has also affected more than 100,000 people in villages located in Magway and Sagaing (ECHO 17/05/2023). • In Bangladesh, as at 19 May, the cyclone had affected approximately 2.3 million people, destroyed over 2,000 houses, and damaged more than 10,000 houses in Chattogram division (in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, and Noakhali districts) (ISCG et al. 17/05/2023; UNHCR 19/05/2023). A pre-existing high needs level meant that Rohingya refugees living in the camps were the most affected (ECHO 17/05/2023; OCHA 17/05/2023 a). • The main needs reported for those affected in Myanmar are shelter, drinking water, latrine reconstruction or repair, health assistance, relief items, and food. The subsequent flood poses a high risk of spreading waterborne disease in the affected areas (OCHA 16/05/2023). Need assessments are underway but access constraints create more security risks and access obstacles in the cyclone-affected areas (OCHA 19/05/2023; The Guardian 19/05/2023). In Bangladesh, rapid needs assessments are underway (ISCG et al. 17/05/2023)..."
Source/publisher: ACAPS via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-05-23
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-27
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Description: "The MAU tracks market prices in in Southeast Myanmar. Data are collected from three vendors per product per market in the last week of each month. The data include prices from Hpapun (Kamamaung market), Hsiseng (main), Kawkareik (main), Loikaw (Thiri Mingalar) and Taungoo (Nat Htet). Data will soon be available online at www.themimu.info/market-analysis-unit. KEY FINDINGS Prices increased notebly for a second straight month and they rose more widely than in March; Prices for rice and pulses rose 11% or more in several markets, although stable palm oil prices remained relatively close to April 2022 levels; Prices increased widely in Kawkareik and Loikaw makets in April, while prices were stable in Hpapun and mixed in Taungoo; Meat and fish prices rose by 12% in most markets, yet they largely tracked with changes at this time last year; Rice and some NFI prices may rise further in May if Cyclone Mocha impacts regional demand and supply networks; Stable prices in Hpapun are likely to rise in May, while Loikaw may be able to look forward to some price relief absent major market disruptions. Product-Level Price Changes Essential Foods – Essential food prices were stable or rising in April. Prices for rice and pulses rose 11% or more in several markets, although palm oil prices remained stable. The picture for essential foods differed slightly by township, with Loikaw in particular seeing higher prices. Vegetables – Vegetable prices were stable or rising in April, although onion prices fell sharply. Many vegetable prices rose 7% or more in April. The only vegetable prices which fell in April included onion and a few products in Hpapun. Kawkareik stood out for particularly large vegetable price increases. Hygiene Products – Prices for hygiene products fluctuated in April, rising and falling in different markets. Prices for hygiene products were stable or falling in Taungoo and Hpapun and rising in Kawkareik and Loikaw. Prices for hygiene products fell 7-11% in Hpapun, but some prices rose 40% or more in Kawkareik; price increases were due partly to stockouts of goods in smaller packaging. Meat and Fish – Most meat and fish prices rose sharply in April. Meat/fish prices increased 12% or more in most markets in April. Kawkareik and Taungoo saw the most-widespread meat/ fish price increases, while Hpapun stood out for unsually-stable meat/fish prices; dried fish and pork prices fell 6% in Hpapun. Other NFIs – NFI prices lurched upward in April, particularly in Kawkareik and Loikaw. Most NFI prices Kawkareik—which were stable last month—rose 9% or more in April, and they rose 3% or more in Loikaw. Stockouts of products in smaller packages caused some larger price swings in April (i.e., products were only available in larger sizes). Hpapun township was an outlier in April, with fairly-stable NFI prices..."
Source/publisher: Myanmar Information Management Unit (Myanmar) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-05-19
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-27
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Description: "This more comprehensive product now replaces the daily Flash Updates which were previously being issued by OCHA Myanmar on Cyclone Mocha. This Sit Rep is produced by OCHA in collaboration with the seven operating clusters and their sub-working groups in Myanmar. The humanitarian response section is not necessarily reflective of all humanitarian interventions undertaken on the ground but rather those voluntarily reported by partners. The next Sit Rep will be issued on or around 30 May 2023. HIGHLIGHTS • With the monsoon looming, the humanitarian community is in a race against time to respond to a shelter, water, sanitation and food emergency in areas most heavily affected by Cyclone Mocha that smashed Myanmar on 14 May. • Aid organizations have been delivering assistance where they have stocks and approval, but more supplies, wider access and increased funding are urgently needed to deliver an operation at-scale and meet needs across all communities. • Based on discussions in Nay Pyi Taw, a detailed two-week distribution plan has been submitted for approval, along with transportation plans for the movement of stocks within Myanmar and from outside the country. • The humanitarian community has launched a Flash Appeal seeking $333 million to provide assistance to 1.6 million people affected by Cyclone Mocha. Immediate funding is crucial to support vulnerable populations in the hardest-hit zones across Rakhine, Chin, Magway, Sagaing, and Kachin. • Shelter and other relief items are being distributed where access is possible with 7,700 households reached so far across 8 townships in Rakhine, while cash assistance for shelter repairs has been distributed in the Northwest. • Distribution of drinking water and hygiene kits has also continued. More than 30,000 litres of drinking water have been distributed to affected villages and displacement camps and sites in Rakhine over the past few days, while more than 4,500 affected households in at least six townships in Chin and Magway are already being provided with hygiene kits. Increased cases of Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) have already been recorded. • Immediate assistance is needed to provide food to vulnerable populations. So far since the cyclone, at least 107,000 people have been reached with food support by WFP across all communities in Rakhine alone. In Rakhine in total, more than 2,000 metric tons of rice and mixed food commodities and 111 metric tons of high energy biscuits have been distributed to food insecure people since the cyclone. • Distributions have also been underway in the Northwest. The agriculture and fishery sectors have been badly hit, causing a severe loss of assets crucial for livelihoods and posing a longer-term threat to food security. • Health services are being provided, but damaged infrastructure poses challenges. Many township hospital buildings, IDP camp clinics, and rural health centers have been impacted, Mobile health teams are operating where they can. • Explosive ordnance (EO), loss of civil documentation, mental health, overcrowding, and separation of children from caregivers are significant protection issues. Partners are delivering EO safety messages, conducting reunifications, establishing child-friendly spaces, providing awareness-raising messages, and offering psychosocial support wherever possible. Continued efforts are needed to address these protection immediate safety and wellbeing concerns. SITUATION OVERVIEW Extremely Severe Cyclone Mocha made landfall in Myanmar’s Rakhine state on 14 May packing winds of 250 kmph as it approached the coast, making it one of the strongest cyclones on record to hit the country. The cyclone has devastated coastal areas, leaving hundreds of thousands of already vulnerable people without a roof over their heads with the monsoon just weeks away. The cyclone also brough heavy damage as it advanced inland bringing strong wind, heavy rain and flooding across areas in Chin, Sagaing, Magway and Kachin. An estimated 7.9 million people experienced winds in excess of 90km/h, with 3.4 million facing destructive winds over 120 km/h. The strength of shelters and pre-existing vulnerabilities are emerging as the key determining factors in the severity of impact and needs. Barely a home has escaped damage in the state capital Sittwe and in Rathedaung where the impact of the cyclone was strongest. An estimated 85 per cent of the shelters in IDP camps and sites are thought to have been destroyed. Many of those most severely affected are now living in temporary sites, in monasteries or in the open. A massive debris clearance and rebuilding effort has been underway across the impact zone since the cyclone with local authorities working to gradually reconnect telecommunications and electricity services particularly in the state capital Sittwe. Schools have been heavily affected, and efforts are underway to have learning facilities available for the start of the school term in June. Health facilities have also been badly damaged. In the Northwest, severe flooding affected more than 120,000 people across Chin, Sagaing, and Magway, with an estimated 150 villages and wards across 20 townships impacted. Infrastructure has been damaged and destroyed while floods have washed away animals, crops and personal belongings. Over 300 community learning centers were partially or totally damaged, with roofs ripped off and walls broken. Cyclone Mocha also significantly impacted the agriculture and fishery sectors across all affected areas and communities, causing a severe loss of assets crucial for livelihoods. Furthermore, the cyclone exacerbated pre-existing humanitarian needs arising from years of conflict, displacement, statelessness, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic instability. Post-cyclone, markets have reopened but with surging prices for basic shelter materials and food, straining the already impoverished population. Local communities have begun clearing debris and cleaning up, and telecommunications are gradually stabilizing. Despite access issues, ongoing conflict, and communications difficulties, humanitarian partners with access have scaled-up their support, providing critical and lifesaving assistance to affected communities in Rakhine, Chin, Magway and Sagaing, as well as Kachin..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-05-27
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-27
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Description: "Highlights Rehabilitation and cleaning up debris from schools and learning centres is a high priority to ensure readiness for school re-opening, planned for early June, as it is reported that 1,380 basic education schools across 17 townships of Rakhine have been affected. Cyclone Mocha badly damaged Rakhine markets, resulting in significant increases in the price of essential food, non-food items, and services. UNICEF and partners reached 31,725 affected population through distribution of family hygiene kits, soaps, buckets, jerry cans, and water purification sachets and water trucking for most affected villages in Rakhine. The catastrophic Cyclone Mocha had a devastating impact in Chin State, affecting 1813 households, 18 religious’ structures, and 9 educational institutions in Matupi, Hakha, Kanpalet, Palettwa, Mindat, Falam, Thantlang and Tedim. In the Northwest, UNICEF is working with implementing partners on the distribution of essential learning package kits (5,440 sets) and short-term home-based learning materials (2,472 sets) to IDP camps affected by the cyclone and armed conflicts. Situation in Numbers 3.4 million people in affected areas (OCHA) 1.6 million people targeted for humanitarian assistance (OCHA) 500,000 new additional caseload (OCHA) Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs The humanitarian situation in regions and states affected by Cyclone Mocha continues to be a concern, as a number of affected sectors will have an impact on children’s survival, wellbeing and development. The latest assessments from the Market Analysis Unit (MAU) indicate that Cyclone Mocha badly damaged Rakhine markets, resulting in significant increases in the price of essential food, non-food items, and services. In Sittwe, electrical outages have impacted water supply and water pumps. Prices for water hand- pumps has doubled, rising from 42,000 MMK (USD 14) prior to the cyclone to 83,000 MMK (USD 28) afterward. The price of distilled water has increased by 17 per cent, rising from 600 MMK/20L (0.2 USD/20L) to 700 MMK/20L (0.24 USD/20L). Many households are struggling to access purified bottled water due to the rising cost. In Mrauk-U’s main market, vendors interviewed reported fewer inventory losses than vendors in Sittwe. Prices for hygiene-related items were fairly stable in Mrauk-U, although soap prices were up 25 per cent. In Ponnagyun, prices of non-food items, both for shelter and hygiene products, increased sharply. Blanket prices were up 17 per cent, while those for plastic tarps were up 60 per cent and prices for mosquito nets have doubled. Jerry cans were not available. Toothpaste prices were up 19 per cent, while soap was up 50 per cent and sanitary pad prices were stable. Assessments from the Market Analysis Unit indicate that the implementation of large-scale cash transfer programmes should be undertaken with caution due to supply constraints and potential market impacts. Cash assistance can be effective in Sittwe, Mrauk-U and Ponnagyun, where markets are damaged but still functional. Humanitarian cash assistance will likely grow more important in the coming weeks as regional supply chains recover. In Rakhine, 1,380 basic education schools across 17 townships of Rakhine have been affected. The number of children estimated in the need of education support stands at about 335,000. In addition, teachers and volunteer teachers have had their homes partially or destroyed and most of the affected population are now living in monasteries and with relatives. It has been challenging to get safe spaces and shade to deliver preventive and curative nutrition services, especially for Sittwe, Pauktaw and Kyauktaw areas. Temporary tents are urgently needed to deliver nutrition services to vulnerable people in shade and safe spaces. The catastrophic Cyclone Mocha cyclone had a devastating impact in Chin State, affecting 1,813 households, 18 religious structures, and 9 educational institutions in Matupi, Hakha, Kanpalet, Palettwa, Mindat, Falam, Thantlang and Tedim..."
Source/publisher: UN Children's Fund (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-05-27
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-27
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Description: "SITUATION OVERVIEW The impact of the cyclone has caused significant infrastructural and shelter damage across Rakine state and the northwest of Myanmar. In Rakhine state, the worst affected areas are believed to be Sittwe and Rathedaung, followed by Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Maungdaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Pauktaw, and Ponnagyun, with coastal areas particularly destroyed. The townships of Kyaukpyu, Ramree, Munaung, Myebon, and Ann also suffered significant damages, though less severe than in other areas of Rakhine. In the northwest, (Chin, Magway and Sagaing) access limitations, ongoing conflict and communication challenges have hindered the ability of humanitarian partners to fully understand the scale of damages. In Chin, the worst affected areas are believed to be Paletwa, Matupi, Mindat, Hakha and Kanpetlet; in Magway, Gangaw, Tilin and Saw; and in Sagaing, Mingin, Pinlebu, Taze, Kyunlha, Kani and Pale..."
Source/publisher: International Organization for Migration ( Switzerland) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-05-26
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-26
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Description: "SUMMARY UPDATED IMPACTS. Weeks after Tropical cyclone MOCHA impacted Myanmar, the actual condition of the affected areas has become clearer. According to the analysis of earth observation satellite images as well as ongoing rapid assessments on the ground, damages are confirmed to be 80-90% of buildings in the affected areas especially in Sittwe and Rathedaung in Rakhine State, Myanmar. On-the-ground assessments conducted since 22 May 2023 by ASEAN-ERAT have validated some of the damages that have been identified in Rakhine State, Myanmar. In agreement, data from the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) show an increase in confirmed structural damages as well as livestock lost due to the cyclone. Access to power, water, education, usual food sources, and health remain a major problem as utility lines remain damaged, a significant number of schools and hospitals/clinics destroyed, and access to usual food sources limited. PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE: a. The AHA Centre mobilised Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) relief items in response to Tropical Cyclone MOCHA in Myanmar since 21 May. As of 26 May, a total of 221K USD worth of relief items in the form of jerry cans, shelter repair kits, toolkit shelters, tarpaulins, family tents, and kitchen sets have arrived in Yangon, Myanmar for further distribution to the affected community. The AHA Centre is working on mobilising additional items from the DELSA Warehouse in Subang, Malaysia and the satellite warehouse in Chainat, Thailand as well as the available stocks in Myanmar. b. On 26 May, ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT). The ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) concluded the assessments in the affected areas by Tropical Cyclone MOCHA in Rakhine State, Myanmar. c. A total of 17 townships in Rakhine State and 4 townships in Chin State have been declared by the Government of Myanmar as Natural Disaster-affected areas due to Tropical Cyclone MOCHA..."
Source/publisher: ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance
2023-05-26
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-26
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Description: "In Numbers 3.4 million people are living in Cyclone Mocha’s highest impact zone (Myanmar), of which 1.6 million are targeted for the cyclone response 780,000 people in Bangladesh, including refugees in all 33 Rohingya refugee camps, plus Bangladeshi communities, were affected Highlights In Myanmar, WFP has reached 115,900 people in the first ten days of its cyclone response across Rakhine State with emergency food and cash. In Bangladesh, WFP reached over 14,100 Rohingya refugees with hot meals and biscuits from 13 to 20 May. WFP is providing common services to other United Nations (UN) agencies by transporting relief cargo and providing warehousing support. Situation Update Cyclone Mocha hit an already vulnerable area, with substantial numbers of displaced and crisis-affected people reliant on humanitarian assistance. In Myanmar, 3.4 million people were living in the highest impact zone.3 In Bangladesh, the cyclone severely affected 780,000 people, including 536,000 Rohingya refugees and 243,000 Bangladeshis. In Myanmar, an estimated 8,500 mt of rice and USD 1.5 million in cash-based transfers (CBT) will be required to assist 800,000 existing and newly cyclone- affected beneficiaries during the first month of the cyclone response. Out of these 800,000 planned beneficiaries, 360,000 were existing beneficiaries in Rakhine before the cyclone and 440,000 are newly targeted people affected by the cyclone. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is coordinating the transfer of humanitarian relief items from Bangladesh to Myanmar. WFP stands ready to provide logistics support to this initiative, subject to approval from the authorities in Bangladesh and Myanmar, as well as the availability of funding..."
Source/publisher: World Food Programme (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
2023-05-26
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-26
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Description: "Executive Summary The chapter one explainsthe importance of community Support Group (CSG) and linkage with primary health care (PHC), universal health coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO)set up a vision for PHC in the 21st century: towards UHC and the SDGs in 2018. CSG is the one of the three key essential components of the PHC which provide the foundation and impetus for achievement of UHC and health related SDGs. PHC is “a whole-of-society approach to health that aims at ensuring the highest possible level of health and well-being and their equitable distribution by focusing on people’s needs and as early as possible along the continuum from health promotion and disease prevention to treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care, and as close as feasible to people’s everyday environment.” (WHO and UNICEF) (2018) UHC means that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need withoutsuffering financial hardship. It includesthe fullspectrum of essential, quality health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care across the life course. The 2023 Agenda of Sustainable Development provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. There are 17 SDGs which can provide impetus to the Alma Ata and Astana principles (PHC) as follows. end poverty (SDG 1), equity (SDG 10), community participation (SDG 16), and intersectoral collaboration (SDG 17) There is growing global consensusthat effortsto bridge health system and community through collaboration and partnership will be key contributor to the achievement of SDG and UHC. Basic health staff (BHS) have over-workload to cover many villages and with a lot of tasks. It is hard to reach to all villages regularly. Accessibility of the community to health center is also difficult in some areas because of geographical terrain and other conditions. Even the BHS arrive in the village, they could not meet with caregivers at all visits with many reasons. Therefore, CSG composed of villagers and voluntary health workers is essential to fill up the gap to achieve UHC and SDG. The chapter two outlines guidance to operationalize the community Support effectively and efficiently. There are 6 Steps for setting up and operationalize the CSG in the village. SOG 1: Advocate and Communicate SOG 2: Form CSG SOG 3: Build Capacity SOG 4: Select and Implement Appropriate Interventions SOG 5: Monitor and Provide Supportive Supervision SOG 6: Ensure Functioning and Sustainability of CSG There are seven action points from the above SOGs. UNICEF develops the advocacy messages, and it can be adapted as per local situation. Project/ Responsible Person conduct advocacy meeting. Community form CSG by themselves with one month after advocacy meeting. Project staff visit to village and conduct meeting with CSG ensuring formation is as per set criteria and explain the roles and responsibilities of CSG. The staff discuss with CSG members and set the date for capacity building and prepare and conduct accordingly. CSG and CBHWs implement all or selected interventions according to the needs. The respective project staffs provide supportive supervision, support and observe the progress of CSG. They facilitate and serve as a technical advisor and not include in decision making. They have to ensure the establishment of effective community feedback and complaints mechanism. Project has to provide necessary supports for functioning and sustaining of CSG and ensure that CSG has ability to stand independently in long term. The chapter three outlines and guides the detail implementation of each intervention. There are 13 interventions and CSG and Community Based Health Workers (CBHW) will implement all or selected interventions based on the needs of the respective community. The interventions are as follow. Community Mobilization IYCF counselling Active Case Finding and Prevention and Treatment of Acute Malnutrition Establish Referral System Support Nutrition Promotion Month Campaign and Regular Nutrition Activities such as Group monitoring and Promotion (GMP), Micronutrient Supplementation and Deworming Anti-Natal Care Community Based Newborn Care Community Case Management of pneumonia and diarrhoea WASH Early Childhood Development Income Generation Activities Data Management and Others based on local needs..."
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Source/publisher: UN Children's Fund (Myanmar) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-01-02
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-25
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Size: 1.44 MB (146 pages) - Original version
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Description: "SITUATION AT A GLANCE 4.5 MILLION People Targeted for Humanitarian Assistance in Burma UN – January 2023 1.4 MILLION IDPs in Burma Displaced Since February 2021 UNHCR – May 2023 5.4 MILLION People Adversely Affected by Tropical Cyclone Mocha in Burma UNHCR– May 2023 960,539 Estimated Number of Refugees in Bangladesh UNHCR – March 2023 1.5 MILLION People Targeted by 2023 Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis Joint Response Plan UN – March 2023 Tropical Cyclone Mocha made landfall over Burma’s Rakhine State on May 14, adversely affecting approximately 5.4 million people in Burma and an estimated 2.3 million people in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar District. Access restrictions imposed by military authorities hinder the delivery of aid to cyclone-affected individuals across Burma. USG partners provide life-saving assistance to thousands of households adversely affected by Tropical Cyclone Mocha in Burma and Bangladesh..."
Source/publisher: US Agency for International Development (Washington, D.C.) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-05-24
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-24
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Description: "SUMMARY UPDATED IMPACTS. A week after the Tropical cyclone MOCHA impacted Myanmar, the actual condition of the affected areas has become clearer. According to the analysis of earth observation satellite images as well as ongoing rapid assessments on the ground, damages are confirmed to be 80-90% of buildings in the affected areas especially in Sittwe and Rathedaung in Rakhine State, Myanmar. On-the-ground assessments conducted since 22 May 2023 by ASEAN-ERAT have validated some of the damages that have been identified in Rakhine State, Myanmar. In agreement, data from the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) show an increase in confirmed structural damages as well as livestock lost due to the cyclone. Access to power, water, education, usual food sources, and health remain a major problem as utility lines remain damaged, a significant number of schools and hospitals/clinics destroyed, and access to usual food sources limited..."
Source/publisher: ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance
2023-05-24
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-24
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Description: "Highlights • It is estimated that 3.4 million people live in the areas highly impacted by Cyclone Mocha, hit by >120km/h wind speeds. • Analysis conducted by the Mine Action Area of Responsibility shows that 60 per cent of landmine incidents reported (first quarter of 2023) were in areas affected by Cyclone Mocha, and 90 per cent of the incidents were in the red zone (where winds of over 120km/h were recorded). This implies high risks of landmines/unexploded ordinance contamination in cyclone-affected areas, creating a potential threat to populations and to relief and recovery efforts. • UNICEF and partners provided 50 recreational kits and three child protection kits to the cyclone-affected villages of Buthidaung and Maungdaw. Fifty Child Friendly Spaces have been set up, providing psychosocial support to 520 children affected by Cyclone Mocha. Situation in Numbers 3.4 million people In affected area (OCHA) 1.6 million people targeted for humanitarian assistance (OCHA) 500,000 New additional caseload (OCHA) Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs Sittwe and Rathedaung Townships are the most impacted by cyclone. Power lines are severely damaged in both Sittwe and Rathedaung Townships, which is also disrupting the water supply systems. The camps and shelters for people previously displaced by conflict in Maungdaw, Buthidaung Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw townships have also been severely impacted. In Rakhine, more than 100 temporary learning spaces were damaged, including with roofs being blown off, collapsed walls and fallen pillars. It is estimated that about 113 schools in Sittwe Township have been totally or partially destroyed, while around 80 per cent of schools in Buthidaung Township have been affected by the cyclone. An increase in the number of unaccompanied children in Rakhine has been reported. WASH, health, nutrition and child protection are the priority needs of the affected people. In the Northwest, severe flooding has affected more than 120,000 people in Chin, Sagaing and Magway. An estimated 150 villages and wards in 20 townships were affected, with the damage ranging from partially or fully destroyed infrastructure to floods having swept away animals and personal belongings in agricultural fields. Over 300 community learning centers were partially or totally damaged, with roofs ripped off and walls broken..."
Source/publisher: UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) (Myanmar) via Reliefweb (New York)
2023-05-24
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-24
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Description: "Highlights Two flash appeals were launched on 23 May, seeking to support 1.6 million people in Myanmar, and 780,000 people in Bangladesh. In Myanmar, WFP has reached 87,000 people in central and northern Rakhine State through emergency cyclone response and regular relief distributions. Situation Update Cyclone Mocha hit an already vulnerable area, with substantial numbers of displaced and crisis-affected people reliant on humanitarian assistance. In Myanmar, 3.4 million people were living in the highest impact zone. In Bangladesh, the cyclone severely affected 780,000 people, including 536,000 Rohingya refugees and 243,000 Bangladeshis. Cyclone Mocha flash appeals were launched for Myanmar and Bangladesh yesterday, 23 May. o In Myanmar, a US$333 million flash appeal was launched, seeking to support 1.6 million people across five areas (Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, Magway, and Kachin). o In Bangladesh, the Rohingya Refugee Response and the Humanitarian Country Task Team issued a flash appeal amounting to US$42.1 million to respond to Cyclone Mocha and enhance preparedness for the monsoon season a few weeks away. o In northern Rakhine State, WFP has so far reached 22,400 cyclone-affected people and 10,900 people through regular relief distributions. Both cyclone response and regular relief distributions are ongoing. WFP’s available rice stocks (500 mt) in Sittwe – one of the hardest hit areas – will be distributed today and tomorrow. WFP is working to temporarily divert or loan other stocks to central Rakhine State and is assessing the feasibility of distributing cash to some beneficiaries. Fifteen trucks carrying 142 mt of HEBs arrived on 23 May in Sittwe from Yangon, and another ten trucks carrying 200 mt of rice are en route. WFP has requested travel authorization to move a further 2,000 mt of rice by road from Yangon to Sittwe as soon as possible..."
Source/publisher: World Food Programme (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
2023-05-24
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-24
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Description: "(Myanmar, 23 May 2023)- The humanitarian community in Myanmar has launched a $333 million Flash Appeal to assist 1.6 million people affected by Cyclone Mocha that devastated the country’s west on 14 May. “This perfect storm has devastated coastal areas, leaving hundreds of thousands of already vulnerable people without a roof over their heads as the monsoon looms,” Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for Myanmar, Ramanathan Balakrishnan said. “We are now in a race against time to provide people with safe shelter in all affected communities and prevent the spread of water-borne disease. For this life-saving work, we need the generous financial support of the international community.” The Flash Appeal requests an urgent injection of funds for activities to support vulnerable people in the highest impact zone across Rakhine, Chin, Magway, Sagaing and Kachin. “This is a humanitarian catastrophe in one of country’s poorest areas, where there are high pre-existing needs, and we need donors to dig deep to support scaled-up distributions to the most vulnerable ahead of the rains,” the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. said. The Flash Appeal includes a combination of $211 million in prioritized activities from the 2023 Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan that are being pivoted to support the cyclone response in affected areas, plus $122 million for additional activities or support to people newly affected by this disaster. The 1.6 million people identified for support under this appeal include those who have lost their homes, people who lack access to health services and clean water, people who are food insecure or malnourished, displaced people living in camps, stateless people, women, children and people with a disability. Extremely Severe Cyclone Mocha crossed the coast in Rakhine State just over a week ago, before moving inland bringing flooding, landslides and strong winds. The cyclone recorded wind speeds of more than 250kmph as it approached the Rakhine coast, making it one of the strongest cyclones ever to hit the country. “In the Rakhine State capital, Sittwe, almost no house was spared damage and displacement camps in the path of the cyclone have been left in splinters. Those affected are facing a long, miserable monsoon season if we cannot mobilize resources to deliver life-saving supplies,” Mr Balakrishnan said. Myanmar Flash Appeal: https://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/myanmar-cyclone-mocha-flash-appeal-may-2023 Images, video and other background materials: Press handout from the UN in Myanmar on Cyclone Mocha For further information, please contact: Danielle Parry, Officer in Charge, [email protected], +95 9797002713 (Phone/Signal) Suhad Sakalla, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, [email protected], +95 9797007815, +972 054433 4202 (Signal/WhatsApp) Lesly Lotha, Communication Specialist, [email protected], +959 796139223 (Phone/Signal) For more information, please visit www.unocha.org | https://reliefweb.int/country/mmr | https://www.facebook.com/OCHAMyanmar Disclaimer UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-05-23
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-23
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Description: "Situation Overview This multi-sectoral Flash Appeal targets approximately 1.6 million people affected by cyclone Mocha and its aftermath across five areas of Myanmar – Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, Magway and Kachin. A total of US$333 million is urgently required for this response plan to address needs in areas in all communities affected by the cyclone and its aftermath. The cyclone and the flooding that followed hit an area of high pre-existing vulnerability, with large numbers of displaced, returned, stateless and crisisaffected people, who were already targeted for support under the existing 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). Thus, the financial requirement for this Flash Appeal includes some activities originally costed under the 2023 HRP that can now be pivoted to support people affected by the cyclone. It also identifies completely new or scaled-up activities that will support the cyclone response to the existing HRP target populations, as well as costing support to entirely new people with needs as a result of the disaster across all communities. Communities and humanitarian responders are now in a race against time to implement the response outlined with the monsoon imminent and hundreds of thousands of people either homeless or living in damaged shelters with limited access to clean water. A dramatic scale-up of funding is imperative to support the activities outlined given the scale of the disaster and the dire existing funding gap for the HRP (10 per cent funded). The day before the cyclone, the Humanitarian Coordinator initiated a $2m Reserve Allocation under the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund to kick-start procurement of supplies and cash responses to affected people. On 18 May, the Emergency Relief Coordinator also approved a $10m allocation under the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) Rapid Response window to support the Humanitarian Country Team to expand operations. However, much more support is needed to deliver a disaster response at-scale. This plan outlines immediate responses to be implemented during the initial months after the cyclone. The HCT may decide to revise this appeal once more information becomes available or may choose to fold these activities into a wider HRP revision at a later date. Context and Needs Overview Extremely Severe Cyclone Mocha hit Myanmar’s Rakhine with brutal force on 14 May. One of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in Myanmar, the eye made landfall between Cox’s Bazaar and Kyaukpyu township, approaching the coast with maximum sustained winds of around 250 km/h and wind gusts of up to 305 km/h, before continuing inland and impacting communities with heavy rain and winds on 15 May. This appeal addresses needs generated by the cyclone and its aftermath in communities across five states and regions – Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, Magway and Kachin. An estimated 7.9 million people live in areas that experienced winds in excess of 90kmph during the cyclone. Of these, 3.4 million faced very destructive winds of more than 120 kmph, placing them at very high risk given the poor shelters in these locations and their pre-existing vulnerabilities. Heavy rainfall, storm surge and strong winds associated with the cyclone caused widespread damage across affected locations, including flooding in low-lying areas of Rakhine, particularly in and around the state capital, Sittwe, as well as the townships of Kyauktaw, Maungdaw, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, and Rathedaung. Almost all buildings in Sittwe and Rathedaung have suffered damage, leaving hundreds of thousands of people either homeless or living in damaged houses. Significant damage has been suffered by displacement camps, where long houses were left in splinters and access bridges have been washed away. Extensive areas of farming land and coastal areas have been affected, with severe losses of assets that are crucial for the agriculture and fishery sectors. The destruction of the local fishing fleet and heavy loss of agricultural inputs will have serious implications on livelihoods and are likely to see the adoption of negative coping strategies in the months ahead. As the weather system moved inland into the country’s Northwest and Northeast, continuous heavy rain caused flooding in townships in Magway where the Ayeyarwady River overflowed. In Chin, houses were reportedly damaged or destroyed. In Magway and Sagaing, floodwaters reportedly damaged infrastructure and agricultural fields and washed away livestock and personal belongings. Later, in Waingmaw Township in Kachin, shelters were damaged in Shanjai, which is home to more than 1,000 displaced people, as well as in the Maga Yang/Sha It Yang, Hka Shau, and Pajau/Janmai displacement camps. Significant damage has been reported to public infrastructure in all affected areas, including hospitals, health centres, banks, schools, bridges, and religious buildings. Water systems, sanitation facilities, water supply infrastructure and latrines have also been affected, reducing access to safe drinking water and basic hygiene services, and increasing the risk of outbreaks of water-borne disease. Although most markets have re-opened, the soaring prices of basic shelter materials needed for rebuilding, including tarpaulins, metal sheeting, and nails, has made this task unaffordable for most affected people in these very impoverished parts of the country. Food costs have also spiked in many locations, putting a strain on households that were already living on the edge of survival. For example, the price of one kilogram of rice in Mrauk-U township has increased from MMK 1,300 ($0.62) before the cyclone to MMK 1,500 ($0.71) one week after the disaster. Even prior to the cyclone, the affected areas were characterized by heavy humanitarian needs resulting from years of conflict, displacement, statelessness, COVID-19, and economic instability. This new disaster has now added a devastating new dimension to the humanitarian situation facing people in the country’s west. Preparedness and early response The Myanmar Humanitarian Emergency Response Preparedness Plan was activated at the national and sub-national levels ahead of the cyclone making landfall. Humanitarian organisations ramped up their preparedness efforts, pre-positioned personnel and supplies wherever possible, and disseminated safety messages to affected areas. Since the cyclone hit, humanitarian personnel have been working to gauge the full impact of the disaster on affected people through a series of field missions and early support where they had permission to start distributions particularly of food, non-food items (NFIs), shelter and hygiene items. Based on discussions in Nay Pyi Taw, a detailed two-week distribution plan will soon be shared for approval, outlining further support that is ready to be provided to across all affected communities in Rakhine and Chin. Efforts are also underway to move more supplies to the impact zone from both Ya ngon and various locations outside the country. The national Natural Disaster Management Committee was activated in Nay Pyi Taw before the cyclone and local authorities carried out evacuations in high-risk areas. In areas under the control of the State Administration Council (SAC), local authorities deployed personnel to start initiating debris clearance, restore communications and begin distributions. The ASEAN Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) deployed staff to support the Emergency Operations Centre in Nay Pyi Taw before the cyclone hit. A 14 member ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT) has been deployed to Rakhine to support the response by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM). The first three plane loads of AHA shelter supplies arrived in Myanmar on 21 May and were handed over to DDM for distribution in affected areas. OCHA continues to coordinate closely with AHA on the response. In areas outside SAC control, various ethnic and resistance groups have been measuring the impact in affected communities and delivering assistance to the extent of their resources and access. Civil society organizations and religious networks are working to support affected communities. Communities themselves have also swung into action, clearing debris from blocked roads, and providing shelter to those who have lost their homes..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
2023-05-23
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-23
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Description: "SUMMARY UPDATED IMPACTS. A week after Tropical cyclone MOCHA impacted Myanmar, the actual condition of the affected areas has become clearer. According to analysis of earth observation satellite images as well as ongoing rapid assessments on the ground, damages are confirmed to be 80-90% of buildings in the affected areas especially in Sittwe and Rathedaung in Rakhine State, Myanmar. Satellite imagery assessments also showed flooding, especially in areas closer to the track of Tropical Cyclone MOCHA. Onthe-ground assessments have revealed that access to power, water, and usual food sources have become a challenge. Electric posts remain toppled, water systems remain non-operational, but markets have started to reopen. Access to healthcare has been made limited as hospitals and clinics have reportedly been damaged to the point of being destroyed. Schools reportedly face the same problem as thousands have been destroyed. The affected communities are also fazed by the reported significant loss in livestock. Positively, clearing of debris have started, carried out by Myanmar authorities..."
Source/publisher: ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance
2023-05-22
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-22
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Highlights In Myanmar, WFP has reached 36,000 people across Rakhine State through emergency food and cash distributions, including 5,000 people who received their regular monthly assistance. In Bangladesh, since the onset of Cyclone Mocha, WFP has reached more than 6,200 refugees with hot meals and fortified biscuits in Cox’s Bazar since 13 May, and more than 5,500 refugees with fortified biscuits in Bhasan Char on 14 May. WFP reaches cyclone-affected households in Rakhine State with food. Situation Update • A week since Cyclone Mocha - the strongest ever cyclone to strike Myanmar - made landfall, the scope of its destruction has become clearer. According to OCHA, Sittwe and Rathedaung townships are hardest hit in Rakhine State. The cyclone significantly damaged shelters in all communities in these areas. In Rathedaung, all rural health centres, hospitals, and public schools have been destroyed. • WFP estimates that at least 800,000 people are in urgent need of food assistance in Rakhine State, of whom 360,000 are existing beneficiaries and 440,000 are new beneficiaries affected by the cyclone. • The destruction of public infrastructure and disruption to water systems limit access to clean drinking water. Cases of diarrhoea outbreaks, especially among children, have been reported. • The field-level logistics sector coordination mechanism has been established in Sittwe, with WFP as chair and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) as co-chair..."
Source/publisher: World Food Programme (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
2023-05-22
Date of entry/update: 2023-05-22
Grouping: Individual Documents
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