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Cyclone in Myanmar 7 May 2008 On early Saturday morning 3rd of May, a cyclone hit the coastal region of Myanmar with speeds of 120mph. The capital (5m inhabitants) was at the centre of the devastation. The state declared a state of emergency in five regions. At this early stage it is not yet possible to work out the full extent of the disaster. Estimates of fatalities range between 4,000 – 10,000, many more injured. The infrastructure in the capital city and much of the surrounding area has been destroyed. This means there is neither water nor electricity for the whole city, and most of the roads are blocked, making transport and communication difficult. Tens of thousands of the wooden houses that are typical for the region, have been left in ruins, leaving over 100,000 homeless and people have taken refuge in monasteries and schools. Inflation in food and water prices is rampant and set to continue. The Order of Malta, through Malteser International, has been working in Myanmar since 2001. Projects there have been focused on improving the access to basic healthcare and helping the fight against malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Given the region’s predisposition toward cyclones. Malteser International had also been helping local agencies prepare for emergencies such as this, and have been securing the supply of safe drinking water and basic sanitation in schools and health facilities. Within hours of the disaster the local teams had already started taking action to help protect the water supplies and are distributing water purification equipment and tablets to the local population. A detailed impact assessment is already underway, evaluating where and how we can best help the population The International Network of the Order of Malta is currently collecting funds to support a locally coordinated effort, and the British Association has already pledged a significant donation. |
