ATLANTA (July 30, 2008) - Access to clean water and proper sanitation remain a severe problem three months after cyclone Nargis slammed into Myanmar, killing an estimated 130,000 people and affecting 2.4 million survivors. Yet the survivors and humanitarian organizations assisting them see positive signs of recovery amid the devastation.
"People are rebuilding their houses with any material they can salvage," said Rigoberto Giron, director of CARE USA's emergency operations. To help, CARE transported 200,000 bamboo logs to six areas in the hardest-hit Irrawaddy Delta region, where entire towns were destroyed, water sources contaminated, and livelihoods interrupted.
CARE has worked in Myanmar for more than 14 years, in food security, health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and water and sanitation. With 500 staff members working on projects in 120 villages and towns across the country, CARE was well positioned for early response. An additional 300 staff have joined the CARE Myanmar team for the recovery and rebuilding phases. "We estimate at least $16 million will be necessary for immediate relief and recovery over the next three years," Giron said.
Among the areas of continuing involvement are food and livelihood security, and health. Because fields and crops drowned in the flooding, thousands of people still need help to feed themselves and their families until they can support themselves. CARE continues to distribute food in partnership with the United Nations World Food Program. At the same time, CARE funds projects to restore agriculture, livestock, fishery and other livelihoods.
Ongoing health projects include those focused on people living with HIV/AIDS and TB, pregnant women and nursing mothers, and other vulnerable populations. CARE provides rehydration salts, first aid kits, mosquito nets, and works with other organizations to facilitate measles vaccinations.
"One of CARE's biggest challenges is transporting supplies through the maze of waterways that make up the Irrawaddy Delta. Many areas were we work are reachable only by boat, and the rivers are filled with downed trees and sunken fishing boats," Giron explained. "Our national staff and their knowledge of these areas continues to be crucial to the success of our response."
During his recent visit to Myanmar, Giron was struck by the enormity of the devastation and the deep needs but uplifted by the resilience of the people. "The scope of the disaster could be overwhelming, yet everywhere men, women and children pitched in immediately to clear away debris and get on with the business of restoring their lives. In one school in the village of Mya Pago, children sang joyfully and drew scenes from the disaster to help ease the trauma they suffered; a sign of early recovery to what has been one of the most devastating cyclones in Asia recently. With help from the international community, I believe the people of Myanmar can replant, rebuild, and take measures to lessen the impact of future natural disasters on their communities," he concluded.
