Through already established networks of community-based
organisations, members of the global alliance, Action by Churches
Together (ACT) International, have assisted more than 100,000
people since the days immediately following the Burma
cyclone.
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| Aid is reaching the needy through community based organisations. Photo: Act International |
The representative explained that ACT member-supported local
organisations are mobilising hundreds of volunteers and are
procuring relief goods locally in Yangon and in the Delta region.
With 134,000 people dead or missing, the UN estimates that 2.4
million people are severely affected. “Few countries possess
the capacity and resources to cope on its own with disasters of
this magnitude,” expressed the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon
in a press conference following his visit to Burma two
days ago.
“Under difficult conditions, the Government of Burma and the
people have put together a functioning relief program, together
with the international community. But much, much more needs to be
done. We need to show unity of purpose and act with a real sense
of urgency,” Ban stated.
Locals mobilise to help their communities
“The effects of the destruction are seen almost everywhere…
But what is striking is the coping mechanisms of the Burmese
people,” explains an ACT member representative.
“The people are so calm and strong -- even in the midst of
tragedy -- they still manage to smile. They are survivors. It’s
the nature of their culture. They are mobilising themselves to
help their families and their communities,” added the
representative.
As one component of ACT member responses, community-based
organisations are sending teams of local doctors, nurses and
students trained in psychosocial care to visit the shelters
housing cyclone-affected families.
“There are fantastic human resources inside Burma and they are
being mobilised,” said the representative.
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| The local organisations travel mainly by boat to reach the families in need. Photo: Act International. |
An ACT member reported that one of its supported local
organisations traveled five hours by boat to support families in
remote villages that had not received any aid three weeks after
the cyclone -- illustrating the capacity of communities to help
themselves.
“The conditions were very bad -- people had nothing,” the
local organisation reported. “The pond they normally use to
collect drinking water in the rainy season has turned into slime.
It has been filled with salt water and all the water lilies have
died. Now, we are trying to clean it up, but with the lack of
diesel and water pumps, it is difficult,” the local
organisation concluded.
ACT members plan to provide safe water to communities through
the rehabilitation of 5,000 water points. Other planned
assistance includes emergency shelter for up to 340,000 people
along with at least 10 days of food aid for up to 68,000 people.
Members are also planning distribution of non-food items for up
to 112,000 people.
“People want to get back on their feet and they want to plant
seeds for the second harvest,” said an ACT member
representative. “Farmers only have six weeks for planting. They
need seeds, small tractors, livestock and fertilizer. Our goal is
for people to return home and to be able to plant their first
crop.”
An ongoing catastrophe
“This is an ongoing humanitarian catastrophe -- and the
opportunity (for cyclone survivors) to plan for the future is
being eroded day by day,” said the representative.
ACT International launched a preliminary appeal for US
$5,156,215 to provide emergency assistance over the next six
months. ACT alliance members have launched national appeals for
funding and have mobilised staff to support the initial response.
“Despite the enormity of devastation, the people of Burma
are showing their strength and resilience, and are working to
restore a future with hope,” said an ACT member
representative.
DanChurchAid is a member of ACT International - a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies.