UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Published purpose

On 2 May 2008, Category 3 cyclone Nargis made landfall in southern Burma before moving in a northeasterly direction to hit the capital of Rangoon. The official death toll as of 19 May is nearly 78,000 dead, with 56,000 people missing. The UN estimates that over 2.4 million people have been affected by the cyclone of whom more than half (1.4 million) are in severely affected areas requiring prioritized assistance. Critical needs of the affected population are shelter, water and sanitation, emergency health, and food. CIDA's contribution is used to improve access to emergency shelter and basic household items for 250,000 people most affected by Cyclone Nargis in Burma. Emergency items distributed include tents, plastic sheeting, mosquito nets, kitchen sets and jerry cans. These items enable beneficiaries to establish a basic roof or shelter, prepare meals, carry water, and protect themselves from malaria. Partners operating in the shelter cluster coordinate geographic coverage to avoid duplication and prioritize needs.