Cyclone Nargis-Latest Updates 5th May 2008
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On 5th May IFRC reported that:
- Yangon International Airport is open
- Road access is a challenge, barge operations may be a potential option
- The main port of Thilawa is closed.
On 4th May OCHA reported that:
1. Category 3 Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar on 2 May. The cyclone made landfall in the Irrawaddy delta region, then tracked inland in an ENE direction, directly hitting the capital Yangon itself late the same night.
2.Latest reports indicate that five areas have been affected: Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) Division, Yangon Division, Bago Division, Kayin (Karen) State, Kayah State and Mon State.
4. Detailed information on the impact has not been available due to downed communications and blocked roads.
5. Information on the situation outside Yangon is even more limited, including in the southwest of the delta region, which is believed to be the worst-hit area and was affected both by strong winds and a sizable storm surge.
6. The authorities have indicated that many villages in this area have been completely flattened.
7. The intensity of the storm decreased significantly as it moved through Kayin State and towards the Thai border.
8. The cyclone has caused widespread devastation in Yangon.
9. Telecommunications lines were cut. Electricity is unlikely to be restored for several days. Water supplies are also likely to be a major problem.
10. Many roads remain impassable, either due to flooding or fallen debris and the airport has been closed until further notice.
11. The authorities have reported a total of 138 confirmed deaths. The numbers in need of assistance are expected to be sizable.
12. Urgent needs are expected to be plastic sheeting, water purification tablets, cooking sets, mosquito nets, emergency health kits and food.
13. Fuel shortages have also already been reported.
14. The Government has established an Emergency Committee headed by the Prime Minister. Five central and southern regions – Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Bago, Mon and Kayin states – have all been declared disaster areas.
15. No formal request has yet been issued for international assistance, though there are indications that such assistance may be welcomed.
See attached MAP.
Activities :
Type of document : Update
Country : MM MMR 104 Myanmar
Publication date 2008-May-04
