Summary: Since mid-July 2015, torrential rains in Myanmar have caused floods and landslides that have resulted in loss of lives, widespread displacement and loss of livelihoods. Further, Cyclone Komen, which eventually made landfall in Bangladesh, was sitting off the coast of western Myanmar bringing with it strong winds and further heavy rains, worsening the situation in parts of Myanmar. Of the 14 states in Myanmar, 12 have been severely affected. As of 20 August, the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) reports that over 1,615,000 people have been severely affected by floods and landslides in July and August. This includes a cumulative number of 384,905 households that have been, or remain, temporarily displaced during this period.
The government estimates that over 1.4 million acres of farmland have been inundated from June to August, destroying more than 667,000 acres of crops and significant damage to livestock, causing food insecurity amongst the population. While floods have receded in some areas and people have started to return to their homes, some still remain in evacuation centres. Though communications have been re-established, few affected areas remain cut-off as they are affected by flood waters flowing south. Further, access to remote areas is still limited due to mud and sediments, hampering assessments and relief efforts.
The needs of the affected population in different areas are varied, but most of the affected families’ needs include food, water and sanitation, access to health care, non-food items, and temporary shelter. Restoring livelihoods is identified as another priority need as the floods hit during the planting season which is usually the primary source of income for the affected families.
Local authorities, government of Myanmar, local civil society organizations, national and international nongovernment organizations, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement are continuously responding to the disaster. The Government continues to lead the emergency response and is providing guidance to ensure that recovery planning lays the foundation for longer term development. The government formed a Recovery Coordination Committee on 10 August to develop a recovery action plan that covers both early and long-term recovery activities.