FLOOD EMERGENCY: Children and families in Myanmar have lost their homes and belongings to severe floods.

Nearly one million people have been affected by widespread flooding across Myanmar. According to the government, more than 100 people have been killed and over 1.2 million acres of rice fields have been flooded or completely destroyed.

Heavy monsoonal rains coupled with strong winds from Cyclone Komen have caused severe flooding, wind damage and landslides across large areas of Myanmar. Thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed, trees uprooted, and bridges and roads have been washed away in the torrential flood waters. Several regions have been declared disaster zones by President U Thein Sein.

Sadly, there are many areas that cannot yet be reached and the final death toll is likely to be significantly higher. Emergency evacuation camps have been established to provide temporary shelter to the thousands of families whose homes have been washed out.

“The floods are the worst we have seen in many years. Most of the country is underwater, children and families are living in camps,” says Nini Htwe, ChildFund Myanmar’s Country Representative. “ChildFund is responding by providing emergency food, water and blankets, and we are further assessing the situation to ensure that children and their families are kept safe during this serious emergency.”

ChildFund is responding through local partners to the urgent needs of affected families, many who have been left with just the clothes on their backs.

Our initial emergency response is focused on helping 10,000 people, many of whom are living in relief camps. Each person will receive enough food (rice and beans) to last up to two and a half weeks, during which time it is hoped the flood waters will recede and families can return home. ChildFund will continue to monitor the emergency and provide further assistance if the situation does not improve.

Please consider supporting ChildFund to help provide rice, beans, dry blankets and clean water to children and families who have been impacted by the flood waters.

Each person will receive enough food to last up to 2 and a half weeks, during which time it is hoped the flood waters will recede and families can return home. ChildFund will continue to monitor the emergency and provide further assistance if the situation does not improve.
The heavy rains are expected to continue over the next few days and it could take weeks for the flood waters to subside.

You can donate through ChildFund Australia via this link. Please donate now