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URGENT APPEAL
For emergency shelter, health, water, sanitation, and logistical aid
USAIM is urgently seeking funding to support IOM's provision of emergency relief to cyclone-affected populations in Myanmar
IOM in Myanmar
With an operational presence in Myanmar since 2004 and 200 staff stationed in the capital and 7 field offices, IOM is strategically positioned to support rapid rollout of emergency humanitarian aid. Through its ongoing health and counter-trafficking programs IOM works closely with the Ministry of Health and communities and has ready knowledge of vulnerable populations, allowing for rapid identification of immediate and long term needs.
IOM Response
IOM Regional Representative for Southeast Asia immediately flew to Yangon the morning of 6 May to initiate emergency relief assessments. IOM has assembled a team of Asian emergency relief specialists and is today launching an appeal to international donors for an initial US $13,660,000 to fund the movement of relief goods and the provision of emergency shelter and medical aid to cyclone survivors.
News from the Ground
While accurate data on the impact of the storm remains sketchy, the UN estimates that as many as 1.5 million people may have been severely affected across five of Myanmar’s 17 States and Divisions.
Official estimates of nearly 23,000 dead and 42,000 displaced are expected to rise dramatically as the first aid workers access remote Irrawaddy delta villages submerged by the cyclone’s 12 ft storm surge.
The IOM team, which includes logistics, shelter and health experts, will strengthen the capacity of 200 IOM staff already in Myanmar and IOM’s regional office in Thailand to respond to the disaster.
IOM Regional Representative for Southeast Asia Irena Vojackova-Sollorano, currently in Yangon, warns that unless far more aid is brought into the country and the affected areas quickly, the humanitarian situation could deteriorate rapidly.
“A week after a cyclone of this magnitude, a massive effort combining the pooled resources of the international community to reach the victims and address their needs should already be underway. It is not and we need a solution fast,” Vojackova-Sollorano says.
The health situation is dire and likely to deteriorate. IOM is looking at quick ways to resolve logistical blockages and rapidly reach affected populations. Without shelter, the displaced are vulnerable to death and disease due to overexposure, lack of proper sanitation, potable drinking water, and access to health services.
There are already reports of diarrheal diseases, exacerbating the need for safe and secure water supplies. Proper waste disposal is also a critical necessity. IOM is examining the need for centralized relief sites and other settlements for the effective delivery of assistance to survivors.
IMMEDIATE IOM IDENTIFIED NEEDS/PROJECTS
1) Provision of Water, Sanitation & Hygiene in Disaster-Stricken Areas
Objectives:
To ensure access to safe water and sanitary latrines in schools and communities affected by the cyclone
Beneficiaries:
40,000 school children and their families who have lost their homes; residents from 200 communities including children.
Partners:
Ministry of Health, Water and Sanitation Department; Local Government Units, Private Sector, NGOs and school teachers, etc.
USD 1,550,000
2) Emergency Health & Nutrition Assistance in Affected Areas
Objectives:
1. Direct emergency medical assistance to victims, and/or displaced/vulnerable individuals, including treatment of injuries (outreach mobile clinics), and medical referrals, emergency transport of patients in need of special medical care to nearest health facilities, and support to community-based mid-wives and pregnant mothers in affected areas.
2. Support to the district health offices in the delivery of available medications and basic medical supplies from warehouses to the primary health centers and emergency health posts.
Beneficiaries:
Up to 6,000 cyclone-affected patients and family members.
Partners:
Local health authorities, international partners, Private Sector, community leaders, etc.
USD 3,000,000
3) Mainstreaming HIV-AIDS, other Sexual Diseases & Gender Based Violence Prevention within the initial Emergency Response
Objectives:
1. Awareness and information dissemination on HIV and gender-based violence for NGOs, security forces and humanitarian workers.
2. Develop and distribute HIV Information, Education and Communication materials that addresses heightened risk factors specific to current displaced populations.
3. Improve access to and availability of HIV prevention and RH commodities, including condoms, emergency contraception, and post exposure prophylaxis, sanitary wear for women and girls, (distribution will be made through mobile outreach clinics and food and NFI distribution sites).
Beneficiaries:
Total Number: 7,600
Household coverage: 2,604
Women: 3,000
Children: 2,000
Partners:
Community Based Organizations UNAIDS, Private Sector, etc.
USD 400,000
4) Emergency Shelter Assistance
Objectives:
Prevent death and disease from exposure to the elements and lack of basic household items, by providing shelter assistance (rapid response buildings) and logistics support for distribution of materials.
Beneficiaries:
Total number: 200,000 people or 40,000 households
Partners:
International NGOs, and MRCS, Private Sector, local authorities, etc.
USD 5,000,000
5) Transport Bridge Operations
Objectives:
1. To improve relief assistance and access to the joint delivery of NFIs, shelter, medical supplies and other relief aid (inc. tracking component) through an organized and coordinated manner in partnership with GOM and relevant agencies.
2. To achieve highest standards of coordination, maximized use of assets and more effective targeted humanitarian assistance.
Beneficiaries:
150,000 households in affected regions
Partners:
UN agencies, Government, NGOs, Private Sector, etc
USD 980,000
6) Community Communication Bridge Centers (Internet)
Objectives:
To increase communication and tracing of lost or dispersed families through access to timely and unbiased information related to reunification, aid distribution, shelter, medical supplies, and other needs and concerns by establishing Communication Centers using radio links and email communication.
Beneficiaries:
150,000 households in affected regions
Partners:
UN agencies, Government, NGOs, Private Sector, etc.
USD 890,000
7) Emergency Management of Relief Sites and Other Settlements
Objectives:
1. Affected population receives coordinated delivery of humanitarian services within every relief site based on a community based approach, which through the effective management of such sites. This will ensure that affected population participate in the identification of their humanitarian priorities and during the implementation of projects that responding to these concerns in a timely manner.
2. IOM also strengthens and supports the administration role of the Government of Myanmar in all relief sites across the cyclone affected areas to ensure that the sites are mainstreamed within the national plan for civil and public services.
3. IOM provides management and referral support to and from identified partners, including NGOs, Myanmar Red Cross/Crescent, and other UN agencies to avoid duplication and ensure the coverage of relief sites remaining unattended.
Beneficiaries:
150,000 individuals
Partners:
Government of Myanmar, Myanmar National Red Cross/Red Crescent, Cluster Partners, UN agencies, NGOs and Private Sector, etc.
USD 1,750,000
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