Myanmar (Burma) cyclone

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cyclone Nargis which hit Myanmar on Saturday 3 May.

What are the total funds committed by Oxfam to the Myanmar cyclone response?

Worldwide Oxfam has already committed USD$1.8 million (approx £900,000) as our initial response to the cyclone in Myanmar which includes funds channelled through other agencies working on the ground to identify the most urgent humanitarian needs.

What can you tell us about your partner agencise in Myanmar?

We have now made grants to organisations working inside Myanmar to deliver relief to tens of thousands of people in the Irrawaddy and Yangon regions. These organisations have excellent networks of national staff and volunteers who can move freely around the country. They are distributing essential life-saving items such as rice, beans and oil, drinking water, soap, clothes, family first aid kits, and plastic sheeting for emergency shelter. They are also repairing damaged wells and providing basic sanitation facilities – activities essential for preventing the spread of disease.

When does Oxfam expect to be granted humanitarian access to Myanmar?

It’s not clear yet when or if we will be granted humanitarian access.  But what we know is the humanitarian needs on the ground are huge and if we’re permitted to directly respond to the crisis, we’re confident we can make an immediate impact on reducing the risk of disease and saving the lives of vulnerable men, women and children.

After all we and other agencies have decades of experience responding to humanitarian disasters and especially providing water and sanitation to disaster affected people.  For example if our water engineers were allowed access to Myanmar we could operational within about 60 hours pumping clean water to thousands of people – that’s based on our experience in previous emergencies such as the Bangladesh floods and Indian Ocean tsunami.

Is Oxfam prepared to work in Myanmar if permitted?

Yes absolutely.  We have pre-positioned relief supplies and equipment and have a significant number of people in the region and globally on standby in case we’re able to run a significant humanitarian programme in Myanmar.

Is Oxfam frustrated that you can't get aid to people in Myanmar?

This is a difficult situation for us.  Oxfam is very concerned for the millions of men, women and children affected by this disaster.  Oxfam and others have the experience and expertise to save lives and make a difference following a disaster like this and we’d obviously welcome a chance to play our part assisting those people affected.  Meanwhile we’ll continue to support to our partners on the ground so they can continue their life saving work.

Why is it necessary for aid agencies to have access to Myanmar?

It is doubtful that even the world’s richest countries could handle a disaster on this scale alone.  The destruction is on a scale rivaling that of the Indian Ocean tsunami and already the number of deaths has is reported to have at least 100,000.  Oxfam and others believe that Myanmar will need massive support from international aid agencies skilled in disaster response.  And that’s why we support a call to lift visa restrictions on international aid agencies wanting to assist disaster affected people in Myanmar.

But should Oxfam be raising money when it doesn't have access to Myanmar?

It is true that Oxfam is accepting donations from the public even though we’re not able to directly provide life saving assistance to the millions of affected men, women and children.  However we’re able to channel funds through our partners on the ground.  Already we’ve provided in grants to organisations working on the ground and that’s just the start of it.

What are likely needs of the people in cyclone affected areas?

Based on past experience we know roughly what to expect but every situation is different.  It’s the basics for life such as clean water sources, food and shelter as well other items such as mosquito nets, buckets for collecting water and soap.

Can I volunteer to help with the emergency relief effort in Myanmar?

In common with many other major overseas charities, Oxfam does not send volunteers overseas. Any relief efforts that Oxfam supports are actually managed by development agencies local to the country or region in need, or by our specialist emergency staff.

In Myanmar, we will also be working in conjunction with the UN and other agencies to respond to immediate needs and support people’s recovery by providing cash funding, technical expertise and equipment where required. If volunteers are required to help with the relief effort it will be much quicker and more appropriate to recruit people from the local population. This a more practical and cost-effective approach.

Find out more about Oxfam's response to the Myanmar cyclone