Situation:
Continuous monsoon rains in recent weeks have caused flash floods in many areas of Myanmar (Burma), most seriously affecting the southeast part of the country. The UN reports 23,884 people now displaced by the floods in the states of Kayin, Mon, Tanintharyi and Rakhine and the Ayeyawady region. The Kayan state reports 18,842 persons displaced.
CWS has been monitoring the situation with its local partner GOLD Myanmar. There still are areas where humanitarian gaps are evident, especially those where access is difficult because of poor infrastructure. Affected communities cannot easily access the assistance given at relocation sites. Access to affected communities is very difficult because roads leading to these communities were destroyed by the floods.
The current priority is to provide immediate assistance to communities in need, and then to move quickly to rehabilitate areas that have farm fields. Officials want to guard against food insecurity resulting from flood damage to fields.
CWS Response:
CWS initially is working in Pha Ann Township in Kayin state, specifically in the villages of Lar ka Myin, Kawt Yin, and Kyar Inn Seik Kyi. The assistance includes food for more than 800 households. Further assessments are being conducted.
CWS is working with other members of ACT Alliance, as well as government bodies, the UN, local partners and international NGOs.
How to Help:
Contributions to support CWS emergency response efforts may be made online, sent to your denomination or to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515
Church World Service is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy.
CWS Development and Humanitarian Assistance Program/CWS New York office: (212) 870-3151