ID :
22111
Wed, 10/01/2008 - 16:58
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/22111
The shortlink copeid
MYANMAR'S CYCLONE EFFORT GETS LESS THAN HALF OF REQUIRED AID By D. Arul Rajoo
BANGKOK, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- Nearly five months into the post-disaster response in Myanmar, more than 33,000 metric tonnes of food have reached over 733,000 people affected by Cyclone Nargis.
However, international contribution has hardly reached the required US$482
million (US$1 = RM3.39).
The Tripartite Core Group (TCG), which is overseeing the reconstruction,
said distribution of food had been successful in the prevention of outbreaks of
waterborne diseases, as well as dengue, in the cyclone affected areas.
In its latest report released by the Asean Secretariat Tuesday, TCG said
the
needs of the estimated 2.4 million Cyclone Nargis victims were still great and
that increased and committed financial support was necessary to continue
assistance to the cyclone survivors.
Almost 50 per cent of the requirements in the revised United Nations Flash
Appeal remain unfunded, citing UN Office For the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs (OCHA) Financial Tracking Services that reported total contribution as
standing at US$240 million.
Agriculture and early recovery continue to be the least funded sectors,
said
TCG, which was officially established in May, this year, comprising high-level
representatives of the Myanmar Government, Asean and the UN.
Over 2.4 million people were affected by the cyclone in South of Yangon
and
Irrawaddy Delta on May 2 and 3 which saw 132,000 people dead or missing while
780,000 hectares of agriculture land were submerged in 19 townships.
TCG said it continued to foster cooperation and serve as a mechanism to
resolve issues affecting efficient aid delivery, such as access.
Currently, 1,676 visas for foreign aid workers have been issued and 2,036
group travel authorisations provided.
"Solid relief efforts have been done. The Government of Myanmar appreciates
the support by the international community and welcomes the continued
operations," said TCG chairman and Deputy Foreign Minister U Kyaw Thu.
UN Resident Coordinator Bishow Parajuli underlines the importance of
continuous support through the various recovery phases and calls upon the
international community not to forget the cyclone survivors as the months
pass.
There are concerns of possible water scarcity in the coming dry season
because of the increased salinity of pond water due to the cyclone and the far
below-average rainfall.
However, international contribution has hardly reached the required US$482
million (US$1 = RM3.39).
The Tripartite Core Group (TCG), which is overseeing the reconstruction,
said distribution of food had been successful in the prevention of outbreaks of
waterborne diseases, as well as dengue, in the cyclone affected areas.
In its latest report released by the Asean Secretariat Tuesday, TCG said
the
needs of the estimated 2.4 million Cyclone Nargis victims were still great and
that increased and committed financial support was necessary to continue
assistance to the cyclone survivors.
Almost 50 per cent of the requirements in the revised United Nations Flash
Appeal remain unfunded, citing UN Office For the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs (OCHA) Financial Tracking Services that reported total contribution as
standing at US$240 million.
Agriculture and early recovery continue to be the least funded sectors,
said
TCG, which was officially established in May, this year, comprising high-level
representatives of the Myanmar Government, Asean and the UN.
Over 2.4 million people were affected by the cyclone in South of Yangon
and
Irrawaddy Delta on May 2 and 3 which saw 132,000 people dead or missing while
780,000 hectares of agriculture land were submerged in 19 townships.
TCG said it continued to foster cooperation and serve as a mechanism to
resolve issues affecting efficient aid delivery, such as access.
Currently, 1,676 visas for foreign aid workers have been issued and 2,036
group travel authorisations provided.
"Solid relief efforts have been done. The Government of Myanmar appreciates
the support by the international community and welcomes the continued
operations," said TCG chairman and Deputy Foreign Minister U Kyaw Thu.
UN Resident Coordinator Bishow Parajuli underlines the importance of
continuous support through the various recovery phases and calls upon the
international community not to forget the cyclone survivors as the months
pass.
There are concerns of possible water scarcity in the coming dry season
because of the increased salinity of pond water due to the cyclone and the far
below-average rainfall.
