This report was issued by OCHA office in Myanmar. It covers the period from 10 to 14 July 2009. Previous issues can be accessed on Reliefweb at http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/doc106?OpenForm&rc=3&cc=mmr.
I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES
- Over 1,300 people have been affected and are in need of support following flooding and landslides due to heavy rains in northern Myanmar.
- The number of fatalities recorded so far stands at around 24 individuals.
- International agencies and local charity groups are providing food, non-food items (NFIs) and essential drugs to people in temporary displacement locations as well as the local hospital.
- Food and NFIs are expected to remain the most important needs. Although health and water and sanitation needs seem to be met at the moment, these needs will also persist.
- No formal, official request for assistance is anticipated at this stage.
II. Situation Overview
- On the 4th of July 2009, a landslide caused by heavy rains swept away a jade miners' settlement along the Uru River in Hpakant Township, northern Kachin State. Significant flooding also occurred in Hpakant town, after a water reservoir burst due to the heavy rains. Another jade mining city, Seng Tawng, was reported to have been affected by the floods, as well as surrounding villages.
- It is anticipated that clearer fatality and casualty figures will be available within the next days. The New Light of Myanmar, a State-run newspaper, reports the number of fatalities to be 24 at this stage.
- Latest reports from aid agencies indicate that a total of 1,351 people are currently staying in four major informal displacement locations, with several additional, smaller sites in surrounding villages. This figure includes 200 people in Tar Ma Hkan who are sheltering in a monastery. The sites are mainly located at monasteries as well as one company compound. One school which had previously been used as a shelter has reportedly re-opened on 13 July, while individuals have been relocated to a monastery as well as private homes. In addition, some people whose houses are still standing have started returning home.
- UNICEF, WFP, and UNDP personnel accompanied a mission by the Regional authorities to Hpakant on 12 and 13 July, in order to obtain an overview of the situation and discuss needs with the local authorities.
- International NGOs already present in the area before the recent events continue to provide assistance to the local health authorities as well as to the individuals in the informal displacement locations. These include Medecins Sans Frontieres-Netherlands (MSF) as well as Asian Harm Reduction Network (AHRN), who are providing food to these individuals in cooperation with the World Food Programme (WFP).
- Local authorities continue to provide support to the individuals in the informal displacement sites in the form of logistics and food supplies. Agencies are in close contact with local authorities.
- Local charity organizations and local businesses also continue to provide food and other support to the population in these locations.
- Road access to the flooded areas was restored on 9 July 2009, although access to some affected villages remains challenging. Access to telephone communication is also still limited.
- UN agencies and NGOs working around Hpakant Township, with the support of OCHA, are taking stock of their individual stockpiles in order to plan and coordinate distributions and support.
III. Humanitarian Needs and Response
Food
- Food is anticipated to remain the main priority for the affected population.
- WFP has commenced providing a monthly food ration to 1,056 individuals in the temporary displacement locations (a total of 15.840 metric tons, out of which 6 metric tons are already in Hpakant and the remaining amount will be delivered from Myitkyina in the coming days). The food rations are currently being distributed by WFP cooperative partners MSF-NL and AHRN (Asian Harm Reduction Network). MSF-NL has distributed food to individuals residing in monasteries in Hpakant, as well as Tar Ma Khan. AHRN has distributed rations in Seng Tawng, as well as to additional individuals in Hpakant.
Health
- MSF has been providing support to the local hospital in the form of infusions and antibiotics. UNICEF stands ready to provide additional basic medical supplies, if required.
- UNICEF has prepositioned essential drugs and water chlorination supplies in Myitkyina, which are ready for distribution, if needed. UNICEF is ready to supply more basic medical supplies, in consultation with the health authorities.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
- Clean drinking water and sanitation continue to be a priority for the affected population.
- No water shortage is reported at this stage. However, reports suggest that one of the two water bottling plants in Hpakant has been impacted by the floods; the consequence in terms of water availability for the weeks to come remains unclear.
- It is reported that currently a sufficient number of latrines are available at the informal displacement sites.
Non-Food Items
- Supplies of NFIs (such as blankets, bed-nets and kitchen sets) will remain essential, in particular as people are likely to soon start returning to their homes.
- UNICEF stands ready to supply 290 family kits (which include 28 items, including one tarpaulin, cooking equipment as well as hygiene items) to individuals in the informal displacement locations.
IV. Coordination
- An SPDC Township Disaster Management Team exists in Hpakant.
- The third inter-agency emergency meeting was convened by OCHA under the guidance of the RC/HC a.i., Mr. Shin Imai (FAO Representative) with the participation of several agencies including UNDP, UNICEF, IOM, Action Contre La Faim, World Vision, MSF-Netherlands, the NGO liaison officer, Shalom Foundation, Local Resource Center, IFRC, AHRN, WHO, JICA) to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the situation and discuss support needed to affected populations. The next meeting with these agencies is scheduled for Monday, 20 July 2009.
- The group discussed next steps and agreed that organizations should consider what appropriate actions - if any - might be necessary. Some partners suggested that potential DRR capacity building activities be offered.
- OCHA will keep the local donor community regularly apprised of the situation.
V. Funding
- OCHA and the RC/HC a. i. are in contact with local donor representatives and will keep the headquarter level updated as the situation unfolds. Based on indications from the meeting held on 14 July, need for external donor support is not anticipated at this stage.
VI. Contact
Please contact:
MYANMAR: Thierry Delbreuve, Head of OCHA
Email: delbreuve@un.org, Office: + 95 1 544 500 Room 801, Mobile: + 95
(0) 95 112 652
MYANMAR: Antonio Massella, Deputy Head
of OCHA
Email: massella@un.org, Office: + 95 1 544 500 Room 808, Mobile: + 95 (0)
95 17 99 12
