Updated on 25 June 2008
On Saturday 3 May 2008, Cyclone Nargis devastated the south-western coast of Myanmar (Burma) – killing and displacing thousands of people. The cyclone also caused major structural damage and destruction to the region. For more information on the scale of the devastation please click here
Since the cyclone, The World Federation has been working hand in hand with its agency in Myanmar to determine the current state of the situation on the ground and how to best address the needs of our Shia brothers and sisters affected by the cyclone for the middle to long term.
Cyclone Nargis has further devastated the already impoverished lives of our brothers and sisters residing in Myanmar. Given the ongoing research and investigation, the agency that The World Federation partners has developed a long-term vision to assist our brothers and sisters in Myanmar from the ground up, so to speak. By providing them with homes that are fit for human habitation, medical care, education, and the nutrition they need and deserve, the plan is to transform a frail and fatigued community which is unable to help itself, to one that is thriving and self-sustaining.
The agency has surveyed the devastated areas inhabited by Burmese Shi'ah on the fringes of Yangon and the Irrawaddy delta. Due to the inaccessibility of some of the areas in these districts, especially in the Irrawaddy delta, the information that is being gathered is still ongoing and we shall try and update Mumineen as much as possible.
MOST AFFECTED AREAS OF BURMESE SHIAS
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Area |
Impact |
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Dedaye Township
By far the region in which the Shia Muslims have been hardest hit by the cyclone, located in the Irrawaddy Division.
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§ 212 families affected by the storm
§ 161 casualties, including 40 dead
§ Most of the houses were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable; Whilst the residents have received some assistance in rebuilding their homes from government approved aid agencies, it has unfortunately proved far from adequate
§ To date financial support, medical treatment, medicines, blankets, and mosquito nets have been provided to the affected families to help meet their short term needs
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Wakema Township:
Also situated in the Irrawaddy Division, this township was spared the widespread destruction suffered by Dedaye 100 km to the south.
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§ 8 families lost their roofs which our agency quickly replaced.
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Yangon (Rangoon) Township:
Although Yangon (Rangoon) was not subjected to the flooding which other regions of the delta were, it bore the full brunt of the cyclone’s 200 kph winds.
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§ The flimsy dwellings of the Shia Muslims living in shanty towns on the outskirts of the city were greatly damaged
§ 382 families were affected in Yangon Division and 58 casualties have been officially reported
§ Our agency has set up a temporary medical clinic staffed by two community doctors for the treatment of non-critical injuries. These doctors refer the more serious patients to specialist clinics, provide assistance in obtaining X-Rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic tests to patients suffering from severe bone fractures and/or major diseases. Additionally, the clinic has started to dispense medicines to the needy.
§ Our agency has also ensured that those people requiring emergency medical care are hospitalised at no cost them.
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SHORT-TERM AID PROVIDED TO THE BURMESE SHIAS:
In the past six weeks, short term support has been provided to our brothers and sisters in Myanmar by our agency there:
- Provided emergency petty financial aid to 451 families
- Rebuilt 28 houses using low-cost materials as well as provided temporary re-roofing on 109 dwellings
- Supplied rental accommodation for 23 families pending their homes being rebuilt
- Repaired an additional 291 houses to make them habitable during the monsoon season
- Provided financial support to enable 206 students, who would otherwise have been unable, to attend school
Dr Ahmed Hassam, President of The World Federation stated that: 'After reviewing the recent report of the current situation in Myanmar, I was saddened to learn of the significant continuing effects the cyclone will have on the community there. We are committed to helping our brothers and sisters in Myanmar for the long run.’
HOUSING: BUILDING A LASTING SOLUTION
Whilst our agency has been doing everything within its power to alleviate the sufferings of the cyclone-ravaged victims, there is yet so much more to be done. There is an urgent need to provide substantial, long-term aid. Given the desperate housing crisis that our brothers and sisters in Myanmar are faced with, The World Federation will focus its efforts on this particular area.
Here are at least two current issues facing housing:
- Thus far, low-cost materials have been used for nearly all of the dwellings which have been repaired or rebuilt in the hope that they may survive the monsoon season which began shortly after Cyclone Nargis struck. This is merely a temporary solution and a long-term answer to the problem of housing desperately needs to be addressed.
- Although some families have been provided with provisional rental accommodation in whilst their dwellings being rebuilt or repaired, the local Burmese, who own the vast majority of property in the country, are reluctant to even rent or lease their properties. Rental prices have climbed steeply since the tragedy struck due to the increased demand for housing.
Since the cyclone hit, The World Federation has been receiving donations for the Myanmar Cyclone Appeal. Given the above information, findings and recommendations by our agency in the region The World Federation is committed to the long-term and continued support for the recovery and upliftment of our brothers and sisters in Myanmar and will therefore continue to keep this fund open.
To Donate to the Myanmar Cyclone Appeal:
In Canada or USA, (via NASIMCO), click here
In Europe, (via CoEJ), click here
In Europe and Rest of the World, (via The World Federation), click here
For more information, please email relief@world-federation.org