The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, one of just a few organisations with operations in Myanmar, was at the forefront of the relief response.
Myanmar Red Cross Society volunteers started working immediately after the cyclone struck, providing life-saving support in the worst-affected areas. More than 155 Red Cross relief flights landed in Yangon, carrying shelter kits, jerry cans, tarpaulins, kitchen sets, mosquito nets and hygiene parcels.
So far, an estimated 260,000 households affected by the cyclone, in Yangon and the Ayeyarwady delta, have been reached with relief items.
Red Cross relief
Tens of thousands of volunteers played a major role in the response. Red Cross teams are helping to build shelters, construct water and sanitation facilities, and provide healthcare.
Emergency shelter has been provided to over 80,000 households and plans are underway to strengthen community buildings and assist 10,000 households who do not yet have housing.
Recovery operation
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched an emergency appeal to support 100,000 families over the next two and a half years and recovery assessments are underway. The focus will be on restoring livelihoods and the ability of those affected to generate much-needed income.
The Federation is continuing to work in-country training local staff and volunteers in emergency health and care. Once trained, they are deployed to the affected areas to assist in public health and psychosocial support by providing emotional and practical care.
