UNICEF responds immediately to the needs of Myanmar's children

Frank Susa, UNICEF USA

Donate now to support UNICEF's emergency response efforts on behalf of Myanmar's children and their families.

A boy takes a nap on a damaged wharf in Yangon May 6, 2008, after Cyclone Nargis slammed into Myanmar's main city on Saturday. On Tuesday, the Government of Myanmar raised its estimated death toll from the storm to nearly 22,500 with a further 41,000 missing.

NEW YORK (May 7, 2008) — Cyclone Nargis is far and away the worst natural disaster to strike the southeast Asian nation of Myanmar in recent history. The violent and largely unexpected storm has devastated the country's Irrawady, Yangon and Bago districts. Its impact was less severe further inland, but still significant, in Mon and Kayin divisions/states.

Early estimates indicate that more than a million people may be affected and hundreds of thousands are displaced. The cyclone tore down trees, power cables, houses and caused significant damage to buildings and structures. The Irrawaddy Delta is the worst hit with approximately 75 to 95 percent of the population affected.

The government of Myanmar has declared a state of emergency. There is no electricity and the supply of domestic and potable water is a major difficulty.

Immediate needs

Most houses in the affected areas have been either destroyed or severely damaged. Most displaced populations are living in community structures that are still standing, such as schools, monastic institutions and community shelters.

Initial assessments by UNICEF and partners reveal the need for basic necessities such as shelter materials and non-food items (basic familial necessities) including mosquito nets, safe water and sanitation facilities, and essential medicine.

A girl collects water on a street in Yangon, Myanmar | © REUTERS

A girl collects water on a street in Yangon, after a cyclone in the southwest region of the impoverished nation cut off basic necessities.

In any disaster, it is children who suffer most. Reportedly, a large number of children have died, while many survivors are separated from their families, injured and traumatized. Vulnerable to hunger, disease and trauma, children and women in the affected areas require urgent lifesaving assistance to survive.

What UNICEF is doing

Since UNICEF has had a permanent presence in Myanmar since 1950, emergency response efforts began immediately, drawing on pre-positioned emergency medical supplies. Along with its partners, including other UN agencies and international and national non-governmental organizations, UNICEF is working closely with the Government of Myanmar to respond swiftly and effectively to the crisis.

Some 130 UNICEF technical and operations staff are on the ground in areas affected by Cyclone Nargis, identifying the greatest threats to children and women and delivering lifesaving supplies. More staff and supplies are on the way.

Emergency supplies that UNICEF is now distributing include: water purifying solutions, oral rehydration salts, tarpaulins, UNICEF family kits (which include cooking and cleaning implements and jerry cans) and bleaching drums.

The provision of gender-appropriate, protected latrines for displaced persons at camps is another priority. In addition, UNICEF is concerned about orphaned and separated children and is working with partners and the government to ensure their protection. More detailed information about UNICEF's efforts is available in our Fieldnotes blog.