Emergency phase not yet over for cyclone survivors in Burma: WFP

by Solomon

Friday, 15 August 2008 17:58

New Delhi – After more than three months, victims of Cyclone Nargis continue to face a huge requirement of emergency food supply and equipment to rebuild their lives, the United Nations' World Food Programme said on Friday. Three months after the cyclone struck Burma leaving more than 2.4 million people homeless and hungry, WFP said "The emergency phase is not yet over," as victims continue to struggle to get basic food. "While aid is reaching people and, to some degree, stability is returning to peoples lives, the critical period is still far from over, Emergency phase is not yet over," Chris Kaye, WFP Country Director and Representative in Burma, told Mizzima. Kaye said basic subsistence including – food and shelter – remains the utmost need for survivors of Cyclone Nargis that lashed Burma in early May. "Food assistance continues to provide a vital lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people affected by the cyclone," Kaye said, adding that it will continue until harvest and people have the tools needed to restore their livelihoods. Kaye said, though WFP have continued to provide emergency food assistance to over 730,000 people, the group is faced with logistical challenges of getting the needed quantities of food to the people who most need it because of the difficulties of moving around the delta during the monsoon. "The Burmese government has agreed to continue the use of the helicopter operation albeit with a reduced fleet," Kaye said. Kaye added that the WFP will continue using two helicopters to support the emergency response through to the end of the monsoons, which is approximately until the end of October. The WFP said they planned to continue supplying food to cyclone survivors until April 2009, for which it has estimated the total cost will be US$ 115 million. "We still need US$ 41million to secure our planned assistance up to the end April 2009," Kaye added. Meanwhile, the Canadian Government on Thursday announced that it will provide an additional fund of US$ 11.6 million for cyclone victims in Burma. "The Government of Canada is proud to match, dollar for dollar, the donations of the Canadians so that the men, women and children affected by the terrible tragedy can receive life-saving food, water, shelter and medical attention that they need," Honorable Beverley J.Oda, Minister of International Cooperation Canada said in a press statement. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) said it will ensure its contribution to the 10 projects that are helping cyclone survivors reach the people and not the government. Canada's announcement was immediately welcomed by the Canadian Friends of Burma, whose executive director Tin Maung Htoo said, "We are very pleased with Canada's quick response to the cyclone victims in Burma." Chris Kaye said, currently the most important needs of the cyclone survivors are food and materials to help rebuild livelihoods, including boats, fishing nets, and agricultural tools. < Prev   Next >