United Nations Office for the Coordination Of

UNITED NATIONS

OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS

Myanmar Cyclone Nargis OCHA Situation Report No. 48 12 September 2008

OVERVIEW & KEY DEVELOPMENTS

• Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar on 2-3 May 2008, affecting some 2.4 million people living in Ayeyarwady and Yangon Divisions. Almost 140,000 people were killed or remain missing. Four months into the post disaster response, much of emergency distributions and programmes are finishing though some critical provisions such as food aid will continue with better targeting. Concurrently, clusters are gearing towards programming for early recovery as well as strategising for longer-term recovery. To aid these processes, clusters will undertake a township prioritization exercise in the coming weeks, driven at the field level. It is also hoped that this rapid exercise will clarify the outstanding humanitarian needs.

• The revised Appeal, launched on 10 July, is almost 42% funded (US$201 million out of US$ 481.8 million requirements) with US$33 million in uncommitted pledges, according to OCHA’s Financial Tracking Services (FTS). This is an incremental increase from the August figures (41%). Agriculture and Early Recovery continue to be the least funded sectors in the Appeal. Outside of the Appeal, FTS reports almost US$150 million worth of contributions and US$40 million as uncommitted pledges. The total funding to the Nargis response recorded in FTS is US$351 million (an increase of US$5 million from the previous situation report) with US$73 million in uncommitted pledges.

• The Tripartite Core Group (TCG), consisting of high-level representatives of the Government of the Union of Myanmar (GoUM), ASEAN and the United Nations, continues to provide a forum to foster cooperation and resolve issues affecting efficient delivery of post Nargis response. The TCG is also increasingly engaging in discussions on ways forward, in particular with view towards cooperation in the longer-term recovery phase. The 6th September marked the 100th day since the establishment of the TCG. On this occasion, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, together with the TCG chair H.E. U Kyaw Thu and TCG members, visited Seik Gyi village, Kungyangon township, the site of the Community-based Early Recovery Pilot Project, under the TCG umbrella.

• To regularly assess the progress made and identify outstanding needs in a comprehensive manner, the TCG will lead the periodic review of the Post-Nargis Joint Assessment (PoNJA). PoNJA was conducted under the umbrella of the TCG with support and participation by a wide range of partners and its report was released on 21 July. The periodic review will use the Village Tract Assessment (VTA) component of PoNJA as baseline and assess the same 30 townships so as to gauge the progress in recovery over time. The first review is planned for November with the presentation of the outcomes in mid-December. The first Technical Advisory Group meeting will be convened next week.

• All remaining IDPs vacated the 3 mile and 5 mile camps in Labutta as of 4 September. A total of 133 IDP households (467 people) from the 3 mile and 5 mile camps have resettled in Pein Nai Taung village (7 miles from the town proper) and 175 households (762 people) from the 3 mile camp in Min Kone village (14 miles from the town). These villages have been designated by the authorities as resettlement sites for the remaining IDP caseloads of 3 and 5 mile camps and 1-2 miles away from the main road. The Government’s contractor has build shelters for IDPs in these resettlement villages. It is reported that IDP households of less than five persons are sharing a house. WFP has provided food and Merlin is organising daily clinic services. Local authorities have provided hand pumps and limited sanitation facilities are available as well. Another 74 households, who previously left the 5 mile camp but decided to return again to the camp, have now been resettled in Kyauk Phyu village (4.5 miles from the town proper). UNHCR is providing shelter kits and these IDPs have been included in WFP’s food distribution.

CLUSTER UPDATE

Ten clusters are operational at the Yangon level, with the majority being rolled out to the field hubs in the Delta. Across the clusters, the availability of clean safe water after the monsoon season is emerging as a serious concern, particularly in light of the increasing forecast that the rainy season might end sooner than expected. Various inter-cluster discussions are being initiated, e.g., education, shelter and WASH for rain water harvesting in schools; health and WASH for the prevention of water-related diseases; and WASH and livelihoods on the role of water vendors. The need for Township level discussion on possible response plans is emphasized as each location would require different solutions.

Following updates are provided by the cluster lead agencies.

AGRICULTURE Needs Assessments & Analysis • In support of cluster efforts to maximize available resources for the recovery of the agriculture sector, FAO is conducting a Beneficiary Results Assessment in eight of the worst affected townships where various kinds of FAO inputs have been distributed during the past months. A total of 4,656 households in over 400 randomly selected villages were interviewed in the process, without taking into consideration whether they were FAO beneficiaries. Data analysis is expected to be completed within the next few days. Preliminary results, highlighting among other aspects remaining priorities for the recovery of agriculture- and fisheries-based livelihoods, will be presented in the Yangon Agriculture Cluster meeting of 18 September.

Response & Achievements • Cluster partners continue planning and implementation of the distribution of an in-kind urea fertilizer donated by Singapore. 11 local and international organizations offered their support for the distribution of the fertilizer to over 38,000 farming households. During the past weeks, the supply of additional quantities of urea to the most vulnerable farmers was identified as one of the main priorities in order to achieve the target monsoon rice production. • UNDP has delivered 592 one- and two- wheel power tiller packages, all comprising diesel, maintenance and tools, and facilitated distribution of seed supplied by partner FAO, across the five townships and distributed to villages as required. Approximately 20,000 acres were cropped in the monsoon season, giving food security to over 6,500 households for one year. • UNDP also continues the delivery of 220 FAO water pumps across the five townships, in areas where supplementary irrigation is required; this will be in time for the winter cropping season. • FAO implementing partners Cooperazione e Sviluppo (CESVI) and Welt Hunger Hilfe (GAA) finished during the past 2 weeks the initial distributions of 605 family fishing kits in Dedaye and Bogale townships. • township level coordination in the agriculture sector has been further strengthened during the past 2 weeks. In Pyapon township, Mingalar Myanmar, a local NGO, has taken on the role as cluster focal point. • FAO continues to provide technical advice on fisheries and aquaculture issues through the well- attended weekly Agriculture Cluster Sub-Sector Technical Working Group on Fisheries and Aquaculture meetings. A technical fact-sheet on licensing requirements in the fisheries sector was made available. Selection of beneficiaries and determination of the modalities under which support is provided to beneficiaries has been made a priority subject for the meeting to discuss and exchange of information and experiences is facilitated.

Challenges • The issue of a possible dry spell that may affect the current crops has been raised as a growing concern in some affected areas. Recent meteorological data suggests that this year’s monsoon season might end sooner than usual. • Appropriate fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector rehabilitation partly requires additional assessment data. FAO, in close collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, is reviewing the feasibility of a needs assessment update for the inshore fishing segment. In the aquaculture sector, FAO will collaborate with the Myanmar Fisheries Federation to update the needs.

EARLY RECOVERY Response & Achievements • A three-member monitoring and evaluation team from the French NGO, Urgence Rehabilitation Développement, left Yangon on 6 September after completing a ten day field mission. Their initial findings were presented on 6 September to IASC representatives. The team will provide a draft on M&E strategies for incorporation into the Early Recovery Strategic Framework by the end of September 2008.

Challenges • The low level of funding to the Early Recovery sector of the Appeal (16%) continues to be the major impediment at the time when the up-scaling of Early Recovery activities across the clusters is becoming increasingly critical.

EDUCATION Needs Assessments & Analysis • The second Disaster Preparedness and Response Education (DPRE) working group (incorporating disaster risk reduction) met on 4 September, chaired by UNESCO and including representatives from the Ministry of Education. The WG is making progress towards its plan to introduce Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans in schools throughout the cyclone affected area. There will be a strong focus during the next few weeks on this issue in order to give guidance and prepare implementation of activities in schools.

Response & Achievements • To date, over 2,500 schools with 239,000 school children population have benefited from material support from cluster partners, in 21 affected townships. • 1,114 damaged schools were repaired to be able to re-open with minimal delay. Much damage was to roofs, and UNICEF has provided over 99,000 roofing sheets for repairs. • Where schools were completely destroyed, 1,074 temporary safe learning spaces are being established to allow learning to continue. Of these, over half have been completed and are operating. • 750 schools have received replacement furniture including desks, chairs and blackboards, and large amounts of school furniture are in the delivery pipeline, including 19,000 desks/tables, 77,000 chairs and 6,500 blackboards from UNICEF. • 600 schools-in-a-box have been provided, as well as 650 games kits, benefiting up to 48,000 children, while 208,000 children have received packages of essential learning materials. • 360,000 textbooks (including life-skills books) have been reprinted and are being delivered to basic education schools. • Support is also being provided to younger children, through supplies to 266 Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centres, including materials designed to help provide psychosocial support after Nargis. • Concept designs were presented to the Ministry of Education for Build Back Better, safer and more child-friendly schools, with environments more conducive to learning, and received initial approval after some modifications were incorporated. Final approval will be expected once technical architect plans have been presented. • Cluster co-leads have continued to travel to field sites in order to support and strengthen the cluster approach for education sector at the township and regional hub levels. Co-leads attended cluster meetings at hub level, introduced information management tools and identified focal persons to ensure information flow to and from Yangon. Close cooperation with OCHA hub offices, now staffed with IM associates, is being fostered to strengthen information flow. • Two additional cluster partner agencies have been approved to work in emergency relief in the education sector.

Challenges • Concerns have been raised about the monitoring of the building process for school construction, and the ongoing maintenance required for temporary safe learning spaces. In this regard, there is also a need for agencies to provide adequate support and training to field staff. • There is a serious concern about the longer-term supply of clean water to children and in schools in the Delta areas, particularly in view of the possible shorter rainy season this year.

Gaps and Future Planning

• The cluster is drafting a set of minimum requirements for schools, including elements to encourage a more child-friendly and safer learning environment. • It has been reported during field visits that there is still a great need for replacement school furniture. • A number of Head Teachers met during field visits have suggested that more health checks in school be introduced, indicating a rise in concern for children's general heath. • The Government is taking an increasing responsibility for the coordination of reconstruction of permanent schools. To date, 13 agencies have indicated an interest in building 114 schools (permanent and semi-permanent) in seven townships of Ayeyarwady Division. • The Government has shared draft procedures for application to rebuild schools. Agencies are expected either to build adhering to standard Department of Basic Education designs, or alternatively to submit a design together with a proposal. There a number of school designs being considered. Different standards have been proposed for three types of geographical area - Inland areas, which suffered wind damage; coastal areas, which experienced a tidal surge of height greater than 6 feet; and middle areas, which had a surge of less than 6 feet.

EMERGENCY TELECOMMUNICATIONS Response & Achievements • Radio communication training was conducted for UN agencies and NGOs in Mawlamyinegyun. In total, 305 humanitarian personnel have been trained through 8 September.

Challenges • Challenges remain the same as before - the restriction on the importation of telecommunications equipment and on the use of telecommunications equipment by NGOs in the Delta.

Future Planning • Radio communication training in Mawlamyinegyun and Pyapon is planned.

FOOD Needs Assessment & Analysis • The Food & Nutrition and Household Food Security Assessment by WFP / UNICEF / Ministry of Health, is now in the process of data collection. Data entry and cleaning is scheduled to be completed by the end of September. • Planning for the FAO/WFP Food & Crop Assessment continues. • In addition to introducing supplementary feeding and food-for-work activities in the Delta, partners continue to work on re-targeting exercises aiming to utilize the limited resources in most effective ways.

Response & Achievements • As of 11 September, 33,056 tons of food assistance has been delivered to affected areas, of which 27,778 tons have been distributed. • The food cluster has reached a total of 733,500 beneficiaries with food and cash assistance: 684,000 in the Ayeyarwady Division (food) and a further 49,500 in the Yangon Division (cash transfer). • The distribution of food commodities among beneficiaries in the Yangon Division (originally targeted through Cash Transfer Programme which had been suspended) is ongoing. WFP, in collaboration with two cooperating partners, is targeting 131,400 beneficiaries with the provision of a complete food basket for approximately 10 weeks. • The final tranche of a 3,125 tons purchase of parboiled rice from India has now been received by WFP. • WFP has received 1,963 tons of rice from Thailand (of the total 3,403 tons purchase). A further 3,500 tons of rice is expected to arrive from India by the end of September. • Following the recent programming of US$ 14 million in confirmed contributions into additional rice purchases, a total of approximately 11,000 tons has been purchased from Thailand and India. • In preparation for the instigation of supplementary feeding activities in October, 300 tons of corn-soya blend have been purchased and arrived in Myanmar. • The dispatch of various commodities into the Delta is continuing, and recently included the deliveries of 500 tons of rice to Bogale and Mawlamyinegyun, and 300 tons to Pyapon. • In response to the prohibition of local rice procurement, regional procurement is ongoing with available resources. If purchases are received in Myanmar expeditiously, these should be sufficient to cover requirements until at least January 2009.

Challenges • The prohibition of local rice purchases continues to pose a significant challenge and regional procurements will continue to be a high priority. Nevertheless, currently no pipeline break is expected for the month of September. • Logistical challenges in transporting sizeable quantities of commodities into the Delta for rapid dispatch to partners remain, especially during the ongoing monsoon rains.

Gaps & Future Planning • Planning for the local production of rice-based blended food for young children is underway. • Through bilateral consultation sessions with cooperating partners, planning for the instigation of food for work activities in the Delta in November has commenced. Dialogue on the concurrent introduction of a pilot cash-for-work project for 500 targeted households is also ongoing.

HEALTH Needs Assessment & Analysis • Increased incidence of acute diarrhoea has been reported for the past 2 weeks in Labutta and Pyapon. This is the time of the year when more cases of diarrhoea are usually reported. The MoH and health cluster partners are taking appropriate measures against diarrhoea. • Laboratory test results of water samples from 3 villages of Labutta, conducted by a cluster partner, showed a high E. Coli content in Labutta. Cluster partners in Labutta are taking necessary measures. • A marked reduction has been reported for the number of Dengue cases over the past 3 months - 670 cases for June; 873 July; and 326 August. an in-depth analysis will need to be conducted with the MOH to correlate the decrease in dengue cases after larviciding campaigns. • Case fatality rate of Dengue has been also low - 0.34% (8 out of 2335) in Ayeyarwady division and 0.57% (16 out of 2704) in Yangon division. Both numbers are lower than the 1% CFR used as the international standard.

Response & Achievements • The early recovery working group discussed training and capacity building of primary health care services and equipments needed. A concept paper is being developed by the WG which could be used for resource mobilisation. • 50 households in Mawlamyinegyun received abate larvicidal campaign. Mass abate campaign by health cluster partners were conducted in Kyaiklat last week. • Larvicidal survey conducted in Bogale in June showed 80% index. The more recent survey after the abate campaign showed the larvicidal index down to 10%, indicating the effectiveness of the campaign. • MISP (Minimum initial service package) training has been conducted in 14 townships, with hard copies of the training manuals/modules available for partners. • The MoH has given approval to one of the cluster partners for the construction of rural and sub-rural health facilities in Dedaye. Another cluster partner will also be constructing 4 sub-rural health centres in Kyaiklat. • The MoH and health cluster conducted psychological care training in Mawlamyinegyun on 27 August 2008. Participation from medical officers and nurses from township health department, general medical practitioners, local NGO’s and INGOs.

Challenges • A few areas in the Delta are endemic to malaria. There is no accurate figure available as to the number of mosquito nets already distributed. Some areas have received more than one round of nets distribution. Improved targeting is needed the distribution of the remaining stock of mosquito nets. Health cluster has therefore proposed to request township focal points to assist the TMO in conducting a “quick” survey on the distribution. • Some health partners are gradually phasing out their health activities. Alternative partners are needed to take over some of these activities.

Gaps & Future Planning • Regular feedback and response system to improve surveillance system will be discussed at township level. There is need to strengthen the sharing of information between Yangon to township. • Health cluster invited WASH and Nutrition cluster leads to share information of those sectors to have a better future collaboration of activities with WASH and Nutrition Cluster at the households’ level.

Needs, resources availability and approaches of WASH cluster were shared. Nutrition cluster also shared integrated approach that will be useful to provide better impact on provision of health. Joint monitoring of activities and provision of services were stressed.

NUTRITION Needs Assessment & Analysis • Nutrition assessments by partners (L and I-NGOs and MOH) are ongoing and the results are used in programme adjustment. More than 200,000 under-five year old children have been assessed by MUAC. 5-6% children were reported as being acutely malnourished and 15% identified as at risk (MUAC 12.5-13.5 cm).

Response & Achievements • Nutrition supplementation with CSB and WSB to all 5-69 months children and pregnant and lactating women in 4 townships (Pyapon, Bogale, Labutta & Mawlamyinegyun) will be launched in October by WFP and partners. 1,306 metric tons are expected to arrive at the end of September. • Targeted nutrition intervention programmes (therapeutic and supplementary feeding) have reached more than 20,000 malnourished children in 12 severely affected townships. • Five partners (ACF, AZG, MHAA, MOH, SC) are giving emphasis to IEC activities on Infant Feeding in Emergency. 6,845 women have been reportedly provided with IEC on IFE. • Operational guidelines for “Infant and young child feeding in emergencies” has been translated into Myanmar language. 10.000 booklets and 30 breast feeding flip charts are ready for distribution to partners. Breast feeding video shot with Myanmar language narration is under processing. • Guideline for safe preparation of infant formula for required groups has been translated and shared among the partners for standardization

Gaps & Future Planning • There still need to intensively address the issue of BMS found in the field and at the same time to tackle the issue of proper training and education to community and care-giver of those who are in need. • Operationalizing the coordinated actions among nutrition, health and WASH has already been initiated at the central level with the MOH being the active participant. • Project review and re-adjustment has been in process according to the updated information from the field.

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN & WOMEN Needs Assessment & Analysis • Child protection agencies are finalizing the report “Initial Assessments: Child Protection in Emergencies Technical Working Group, Response to Cyclone Nargis,” for presentation to the Department of Social Welfare. • The Women’s Protection/Department of Social Welfare’s Assessment for all cyclone-affected areas is progressing. The assessment tool will be pilot-tested on 15-17 September. The data collection is planned for 29 September –17 October.

Response & Achievements (As per reporting to the Integrated Monitoring Matrix, August 2008) Indicator Count* Details The number of functioning 537 - 264 functional child-friendly spaces established protection systems and - 138 community support groups for children and women established services for children and - 71 child protection awareness raising activities conducted women in place by April 2009 - Child Protection agencies are registering separated and unaccompanied children in 22 townships - Child Protection agencies are reunifying separated and unaccompanied children in 22 in 22 townships The number of affected 44,683 - 42,515 children are accessing child-friendly spaces children and women who - 816 separated or unaccompanied children are receiving Individual case access protection and management support services and systems by April - 531 (240f/291m) separated children have been registered 2009 - 190 (62f/128m) unaccompanied children have been registered - 112 (43f/69m) orphans have been registered - 86 (47f/39m) extremely vulnerable children have been identified

- 433 (243f/190m) missing children requests have been received The number of people with 2,408 - 70 government staff have been trained on child protection issues strengthened skills and - 166 local NGO staff have been trained on child protection issues knowledge on the protection - 75 UN/INGO staff have been trained on child protection issues of children and women - 1,690 community members have been trained on child protection issues - 60 people have been trained on psychosocial responses (other than child- friendly spaces) - 347 non-protection staff in child protection agencies have been briefed on family tracing & reunification processes The number of mainstreaming 3 - 10 non-protection agencies briefed on family tracing & reunification initiatives focused on children - Protection of Children and Women Cluster Code of Conduct to Prevent any and women's protection Form of Sexual Abuse or Exploitation has been distributed to 13 carried out by April 2009 organizations - Agencies are using standardized forms & sharing information systematically with regard to family tracing & reunification Total estimated beneficiaries 45,928 - Children accessing child-friendly spaces, people trained on child protection reached related issues and beneficiaries of family tracing and reunification efforts

Gaps & Future Planning • The Child Protection in Emergencies Technical Working Group will hold a training workshop for field based Child Protection staff on 17-19 September, focusing on family tracing and reunification. • The Women’s Protection Technical Working Group continues to receive reports about cases of gender-based violence and is focusing on getting information to actors in the field about how to support survivors and provide care. Access to health care and psychosocial support is a priority. A draft document on referral pathways has been developed and will be disseminated when finalized • A cluster survey has been be undertaken to seek feedback on the current functioning of the PCW Cluster, particularly to gauge as to how to make the cluster more useful for all participants. The survey report will be soon disseminated.

SHELTER Needs assessments & Analysis • The Shelter cluster has commissioned a survey assessing residual needs for emergency shelter items and the pace and capacity for further self-recovery. The results are expected early October 2008.

Response & Achievements • Various reports confirm that the initial fast pace of self-recovery for basic shelter has not sustained itself. Many shelter structures and cover materials are temporary and will quickly deteriorate. The Shelter cluster is now focusing on the distribution of household kits and grants to member organisations for near future assistance in a total value of US$1.4 million. • The emergency shelter operation is tapering off quickly in August, including for NFIs and tool kits. Distribution is still ongoing, especially targeting remote areas. Over 636,000 plastic sheets distributed by the cluster, covering 65% of the estimate affected households. 56,000 tool kits have also been distributed, along with 391,000 blankets, 818,000 mosquito nets, 420,000 jerry cans and 181,000 kitchen sets. • Shelter organisations will still continue to provide NFIs in the months ahead, especially household kits. New activities being set up will mainly focus on the distribution of building materials and some training to owners and artisans.

Challenges • Funding for shelter support is insufficient. The number of specialised shelter staff is expected to drop by 40% over the coming months, below the levels of the initial deployment in June. • Communities will have little protection from near future storms or cyclones, while organisations will be thin on the ground for rapid assistance in the case of adverse weather.

Gaps & Future Planning • Shelter organisations will also take on the rehabilitation of community centres as safe havens and a new Technical Work Group will be set up soon. • Technical parameters for “Building Back Safer” have been approved and will be disseminated through flyers and posters among member organisations and villages.

WASH Needs assessments & Analysis • WASH agencies are conducting assessments for planning early recovery interventions. • Draft format for Village Water Availability Assessment has been prepared

Response & Achievements • About 1,800 ponds have been cleaned; many more still need to be cleaned. Re-cleaning the ponds is becoming a necessity since the cleaned ponds are reporting salinity. • Pond rehabilitation is underway. It comprises controlling the access by fencing of the pond area, strengthening of embankments etc. • Some agencies have resorted to tube-well drilling. 31 tube wells have already been drilled in Bogale township. • About 50,000 hygiene kits have been distributed.

Challenges • Engaging government and local NGOs for cluster coordination at township level is a new challenge. However it is felt that the gradual engagement of these stakeholders would help in strengthening the township level cluster coordination. • Responding to the dry season water scarcity is another challenging issue, particularly since it needs a inter-cluster approach and concerted efforts from different stakeholders at various levels. There would be no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.

Gaps & Future Planning • WASH cluster agencies now need to plan for improved sanitation facilities, going beyond the emergency latrines. Solid Waste Management, Medical Waste Disposal, Drainage Disposal would be the topics that need to be handled. Prioritisation would vary, for each township. • Dry season household water security strategy is being drafted and discussed at central and township level. Focus is on developing the township specific basket of options.

FIELD COORDINATION

Bogale • The Tactical Commander of the township holds regular coordination meetings with national staff from UN agencies and local / international NGOs every Friday. In addition, the Tactical Commander and the Township & Village Peace and Development Council of Bogale hold internal coordination meetings twice a month, to which the Tactical Commander invites national staff of UN agencies and L/INGOs so that they can discuss gaps and overlaps with village leaders. • It has been noted that most agencies are focusing their activities in villages while the need of semi- urban areas of Bogale Township have to a certain extent been overlooked. Currently, only IOM has a plan for housing activities in semi-urban areas. • The weekly General Coordination Meeting, chaired by OCHA, is now scheduled to monthly. • ACF requested OCHA for information on gap areas. As a result, ACF assessed Hpoe Lay, Tha Pyay Kan, Paung The and Kha Naung village tracts and plans to start distribution of shelter and WASH items.

Mawlamyinegyun • Shalom Foundation, a local NGO based in Yangon, plans to commence its psychosocial project in September. They will train 25 volunteers who will be assigned to villages from 15 September. • The first livelihood sector meeting in Mawlamyinegyun held on 10 September, with participation of UNDP/ICDP, PACT, MECS/FRC and Save the Children. Save the Children has provided 50,000 kyats worth of livelihood items each to 3,206 households. According to their data, 855 households requested pigs, 700 fishing boats, and 433 fishing nets.

Pyapon • The humanitarian situation in the areas on the borders between Kyaiklat and Maubin, and Kyaiklat and Pyapon, remains unclear, due to the lack of common understanding of the situation through structured assessments.

• While the focus continues to shift towards early recovery, food aid remains the critical ongoing needs. There is also a growing indication that small scale plantation farmers will need more attention as many of them have not received as much support as rice farmers. • The 3rd General Coordination Meeting for Pyapon was held on 28 August, chaired by OCHA. Twelve agencies participated in the meeting. The TCC chair and the township SPDC chair also participated, for the first time. OCHA facilitated streamlining of reporting to local authorities by relief agencies so that they can report through TCC in a consolidated manner.

Yangon/Dedaye • New NGOs have recently started working the areas of hub coverage: o Dedaye township: Islamic Relief, HelpAge, Mingalar Myanmar, Peace Winds Japan, Mercy Malaysia. o Kungyangon township: Tzu Chi Buddhist friendship (Taiwan), Myanmar/Burma Emergency Action Network (MBEAN). • CESVI is withdrawing from Dedaye township, except its agriculture activities. This will create a significant gap as they have covered three islands in the east and provided support in health, WASH, food aid, NFIs and agriculture. Relief International is expanding its mobile health coverage to Dedaye by shifting one team from Kungyangon to cover the gap post-CESVI departure from the area. • As with the update by Pyapon, small scale farmers in Twantay and Kungyangon also are in need of support. They used to grow betel leaves and fruits. • OCHA is organising the first TCC meeting in Kawhmu on 12 September.

CONTACTS

OCHA Yangon: OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific: Mr. Thierry Delbreuve Mr. Markus Werne Mob: +95 9 504 3425 Tel. +66 81 917 8940 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] UNIC Press Contact in Yangon: OCHA Press Contact in Bangkok: Mr. Aye Win (UN Information Centre) Ms. Amanda Pitt Tel: +95 1 546 933, +95 1 542 910 - 9 ext 110. Tel: +66 (0) 2288 1195 Mobile: +95 9 512 3952 Mob: +66 (0) 81374 1035 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] OCHA Asia and Pacific Desk New York: OCHA Myanmar Desk New York: Ms. Agnes Asekenye-Oonyu Mr. Ivan Lupis Tel: +1 212 963 1773 Tel. +1 917 367 2056 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] OCHA Press Contact in NY: OCHA Press Contact in Geneva: Ms. Stephanie Bunker Ms. Elizabeth Byrs Tel: +1 917 476 6164 Tel: +41 22 917 26 53 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

For more information, also visit: http://myanmar.humanitarianinfo.org.