CARE Canada

Published purpose

On 2 May 2008, the Category 3 cyclone Nargis made landfall in southern Burma, and then moved northeast to hit Rangoon in the process leaving widescale devastation in its wake and affecting an estimated population of 13 million people. The official death toll as of May 19th, 2008 is nearly 78,000 dead, with 56,000 people missing. However, the UN estimates that the number of deaths are over 100,000, and approximately 220,000 people are reported to be missing. It is also estimated that between 1.6 to 2.5 million people have been seriously affected by the cyclone. Critical needs of the affected population are shelter, water and sanitation, emergency health, and food. The project aims to protect the lives and health of 50,000 beneficiaries by addressing the most immediate priorities of water, sanitation, hygiene, basic shelter and non-food items. Activities include: the distribution of water, water purification supplies, the restoration of water supply systems, the provision of plastic sheeting, mosquito nets, blankets, and the provision of basic supplies to local health centers.