As we mark International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR) 2024, UNDP Myanmar reflects on the ongoing need to enhance community resilience and preparedness in the face of increasing climate-induced disasters. The recent impact of Typhoon Yagi in September reminds us of the importance of disaster risk reduction at the community level. In September 2024, Typhoon Yagi caused heavy rains and severe flooding across nine states and regions, including Southern and Eastern Shan, Kayah, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Magway, Kayin, Bago, and Mon. Thousands of homes were submerged, and livelihoods disrupted, exacerbating the hardships faced by communities already dealing with conflict and socioeconomic challenges. In response to these challenges, UNDP, through its Enabling Community Recovery and Resilience (ENCORE) project, has been working closely with affected communities to support recovery efforts and build long-term resilience. The ENCORE project is a key part of our work to empower communities and foster preparedness for future disasters.  Immediate Response: Supporting Communities Post-Disaster
In the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, UNDP is distributing Household Emergency Assistance Packages (HEAP) to thousands of flood-affected households. These packages, including hygiene kits, food, tools, clothing, and basic medical supplies, are being delivered to the vulnerable communities in regions such as Nyaung U Township in Mandalay region, Kamma and Sinbaungwe in Magway region, Hpa An in Kayin State, Bago region and Southern Shan State, including Taunggyi, Kalaw, and Nyaung Shwe townships  Fostering Early Preparedness and Risk Awareness
A cornerstone of our efforts in disaster risk reduction is ensuring that communities are educated and equipped to respond before disasters strike. UNDP disseminates weather forecasts and early warning information through the SEAD Agro-Advisory Viber community, enabling real-time updates that help at-risk populations take precautions. Through this platform, we educate communities on understanding weather patterns, improving their disaster preparedness, and strengthening their capacity to act when emergencies arise.  Additionally, we are set to launch risk management and awareness training, aimed at helping communities recognize and address disaster risks more proactively. These initiatives are designed to empower local community leaders and residents with the knowledge and tools to take effective measures during crisis situations.Strengthening Community Infrastructure
A key aspect of resilience is ensuring that local infrastructure is built to withstand future disasters. Through the ENCORE project, UNDP is working with communities to reinforce vital infrastructure in flood-prone and vulnerable regions. These efforts include upgrading community facilities and improving infrastructure that can reduce the impact of natural hazards, ensuring that communities are better equipped to recover and thrive after crises. Moving Forward
As we commemorate IDRR 2024, our focus remains on sustainable community resilience. While addressing immediate needs is essential, long-term investments in disaster risk reduction and preparedness are critical to reducing vulnerability. UNDP Myanmar will continue working alongside local communities and partners to build stronger, more resilient societies that can adapt to and overcome future challenges. *This story was originally published on the UNDP Myanmar website. 

"The water rushed into my house. In just a few minutes, everything I owned was gone—my home, my small farm, livestock, and everything I belonged to. I can’t even imagine how we will recover from this," says Nang, a pregnant woman, her voice trembling with grief. Displaced by the floods that have swept through her village in Shan State, Nang, like so many other women, now faces an uncertain future in a crowded shelter.Her story is one of thousands emerging from Myanmar as the country battles one of its worst flood disasters in recent history. Torrential monsoon rains, exacerbated by Typhoon Yagi, have unleashed widespread devastation across Myanmar, affecting 1 million people across 70 townships. The floods, which began in early September, have submerged homes, destroyed farmlands, and forced entire communities to flee to temporary shelters.As the floodwaters continue to rise, the most vulnerable—women and children—are suffering the greatest impacts. Many, like Nang, have lost their homes and livelihoods. The flood has affected nearly half of Myanmar’s 14 states and regions, including Kayin, Mandalay, Rakhine, and Shan. Throughout the country, the scale of the disaster is overwhelming. Entire communities have been engulfed by floodwaters, destroying crops, livestock, and homes. Although humanitarian efforts are underway, they are encountering significant challenges. Damaged infrastructure, blocked roads, and ongoing conflict in certain states and regions have made it difficult to access many of those in need. The hardest-hit regions, including Mandalay, eastern Bago, Kayin, Mon, and southern Shan, are in urgent need of emergency aid as communities struggle with the loss of their homes and livelihoods.As the rainfall persists and river levels increase, the risk of more flooding remains high, and the difficulties of providing aid to affected areas are growing. The country is facing dual crises of conflict and flooding, leaving many women with nowhere to turn. According to the report by UNOCHA as of 27th September 2024, 600,000 women were affected by the flood nationwide, with 270,000 of them being of reproductive age and 13,000 pregnant. Thida, who is eight months pregnant, is living in a crowded shelter after her home was destroyed by the flood. She described the overwhelming fear that grips her daily. "I was already worried about my pregnancy because of the conflict," she says. "Now, with the flood, it feels like everything is against us." Road blockages and damaged infrastructure have made it nearly impossible for her to access healthcare, leaving her uncertain about her baby’s safety. UNFPA partners' mobile clinics play a crucial role in this challenging environment. These clinics offer vital sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including maternal health care and family planning (contraceptive) services to the affected population. Despite the logistical challenges posed by the floodwaters, these mobile units are reaching women in remote areas and shelters, providing life-saving care. For many women, these clinics are their only access to healthcare, as local health facilities have been affected by floods or are still inaccessible.Moe Moe, an eight-month-pregnant woman from Kayin State, shared how the mobile clinic made a crucial difference for her. “I experienced flooding three times in the recent months of 2024. I was so worried for my baby in this difficult situation. I hadn’t been able to see a doctor since the flooding started. When the mobile clinic came to the place near where we live, I was so happy. They checked my baby’s health and gave me the vitamins and a clean delivery kit. I finally feel like I can breathe again, knowing I have the support and care I need for me and my baby,” she said with relief. UNFPA’s clean delivery kits have provided critical support for pregnant women like Moe Moe, who are unable to get to a health facility during a crisis or emergency situation, preventing deadly infections and ensuring safe deliveries. "I was terrified that I wouldn't have access to a safe delivery. The mobile clinic brought me a clean delivery kit, and it gave me hope that, even in this situation, I can give birth safely," she says. The kits contain sterile supplies for childbirth, including a plastic sheet, a sterile towel, sterile gloves, an apron, soap, a sterile blade, an umbilical cord tie, and an information sheet for safe delivery.
  In addition, Dignity kits containing essential hygiene products like sanitary pads, soap, and undergarments are another crucial intervention for humanitarian-affected women and girls. For Thandar, a 30-year-old woman, these kits have made an enormous difference. “Unlike men, women could not stay at the displacement shelter without proper clothing and protection. Having these hygiene products helps us feel a little more in control and confident,” she says. Yet, despite the relief these UNFPA’s dignity kits provide, the overwhelming need for safe, gender-segregated sanitation facilities in the shelters remains unmet. Many women, displaced by the floods and living in temporary shelters, are also struggling to access contraceptives. Nway Nway, a mother of three children, expressed her concerns. “After the repeated floodings in Kayin during this rainy season, I couldn’t get my contraceptives, and I’m not ready to have another child. I went to the mobile clinic, and they were able to provide me with what I needed. Without that, I don’t know what I would have done,” she explained.The mobile clinics are providing not just maternal health services but also essential contraceptive services to women who would otherwise be left vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies or unwanted pregnancies in already dire conditions. With healthcare centres damaged and transportation routes cut off, these services are critical for women to regain control over their reproductive health. In the displacement camps and temporary shelters, women are facing more than just the loss of their homes and livelihoods. Many have become targets of violence, as the displacement caused by the floods has made them even more vulnerable. The lack of privacy, overcrowded living conditions, and insufficient security in the camps have led to an increase in Gender-Based Violence (GBV). GBV prevention and response have become increasingly challenging in the ongoing conflict, where access to affected areas is restricted, and GBV support services are limited. A local GBV organization supported by UNFPA shared the challenges they face: “In the midst of floodings, we are trying every option and using every available resource to continue supporting displaced women affected by GBV at their home or temporary displacement shelter. The political situation makes it even more difficult, but we know we need to help and protect each other in these challenging times with the limited support available.” At the heart of the response are community volunteers like Htar, whose dedication has been instrumental in supporting affected women and girls during the floods. Volunteers have been working tirelessly alongside UNFPA and other partners to distribute relief items such as dignity kits and raise awareness about available health services. They also serve as crucial links between the affected communities and healthcare service providers, ensuring that women in the most remote areas are reached.Htar, a local youth volunteer from Kayin State, spoke passionately about the urgency of their work: “In a disaster like this, we know that time is everything. The sooner we reach the affected people, the better chance they have of staying healthy and safe. With the support of UNFPA, we’ve been able to distribute dignity kits and clean delivery kits in the affected areas within 72 hours. Some team members are providing relief support in affected areas, while others are trying to connect with local donors and service providers for immediate support, and some are collecting data on the affected to identify urgent locations in need. We know that our work is risky, and the conditions are tough, but seeing the smiles on people’s faces makes all the hardship and exhaustion fade away.”As the floodwaters begin to recede, the challenges remain immense. Women and girls continue to bear the brunt of the crisis, facing heightened risks of GBV, poor access to reproductive healthcare, and disruption of their livelihoods and incomes. UNFPA’s support through partners on the ground, including mobile clinics, dignity kits, clean delivery kits, and family planning services, is critical to ensuring their health, safety, and dignity. However, the need for more funding and resources is urgent. According to UNOCHA, only 28% of the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan has been funded, leaving large gaps in the response. This funding shortfall is even more acute in services aimed at GBV prevention and response, with only about 12% of the required funds received, which is less than half of that for the overall HNRP. This drastic underfunding severely limits the ability to provide adequate support to women and girls who are at an increased risk of gender-based violence in the chaotic conditions of displacement camps. For women like Nang, Moe Moe, and Nway Nway, the flood has completely disrupted their lives in ways they never anticipated. However, with the ongoing support of community members, youth volunteers, local service providers, and humanitarian partners, there is hope that they can start to rebuild not only their homes but also their futures.The story of Myanmar's flood crisis is full of challenges, but it also reflects resilience and hope. With continued support, the women of Myanmar can transition from merely surviving to thriving, guiding their communities toward a stronger, more resilient future.  *This story was originally published on the UNFPA Myanmar website. 

In the shadow of the ongoing conflict in Rakhine State, Myanmar, Mi Mi’s story of resilience and overcoming her fears echoes through the disrupted lives of many. At seven months pregnant, Mi Mi, a 32-year-old woman from a township ravaged by conflict, faces uncertainties that concern her health and the safety of her soon-to-be-born baby. "I was working various jobs to support my family, even as a mason. But now, due to my pregnancy and the escalating conflict, I worry about delivering my baby safely in these harsh conditions," she shares, her voice a mixture of hope and anxiety.The escalating conflict in Rakhine has not only shattered the economy but has also devastated the healthcare infrastructure and services crucial for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and girls. Facilities that once offered health care are now inaccessible due to the ongoing conflict. In the townships affected by armed conflict like Maungdaw, Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, and Sittwe etc., the lack of access to essential healthcare creates a life-threatening threat for women, particularly pregnant women living in those areas.Despite the challenging context in Rakhine, the Myanmar Medical Association (MMA) and Relief International (RI), with the support of UNFPA, strive against the odds to deliver sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services through static and mobile clinics for those in urgent need. These clinics, particularly the mobile units, have become lifelines to those affected by the conflict, reaching out to vulnerable areas to ensure that essential SRH services are not just a privilege but a right that is upheld even in the most dire situations. Their work is vital, offering everything from prenatal check-ups to emergency obstetric care, proving indispensable in a landscape where people, including displaced persons, cannot access local healthcare facilities amid the armed clashes. The situation for Mi Mi is dire. "I always worry about my health and my baby. Without access to medical facilities, it feels like we are abandoned," she says.Amidst the turmoil, stories of gratitude in the face of desperation surface from the women affected. Hnin Yu Lwin, who recently gave birth, credits the antenatal care she received at MMA’s clinic, which saved her and her baby’s life. "Without the support from the clinic, I cannot imagine how my child and I could have survived," she reflects. Reflecting on her experience, she continues, " Receiving healthcare from professional health workers is so important. Without their care, we (pregnant women) would have been left to face the uncertainty and health-related risks alone. Their effort saves many of our lives in the community."  Nuha Mina, from a village in Sittwe township, voices the collective fears of her community, "Many women here in my community are giving birth at home, without any professional care and assistance, facing life-threatening complications. I am lucky that I have connected with this service. I do not want my regular visits to the clinic to be interrupted due to the conflict. That’s my constant worry everyday." 
The conflict has not only disrupted healthcare facilities but has also severely restricted the transportation and distribution of essential reproductive health commodities. Supplies such as contraceptives and maternal health products, once readily available at the UNFPA-supported clinics, have become difficult to deliver due to logistical challenges and travel restrictions.Sanitary pads, categorized as medical items in Rakhine, are also in short supply. With logistical constraints impeding distribution, countless women and girls have been deprived of access to menstrual hygiene products, compromising their dignity and well-being. "Not having sanitary products is more than just an inconvenience," says Myaa, a woman with disability from the internally displaced camp in Sittwe. "It affects our health, confidence, and basic rights." Dr. Myo Aung Hlaing of MMA explained the immense challenges faced by the mobile clinic teams: "Travel authorisations are difficult to obtain in this security context. It is a significant challenge for mobile service delivery. As an alternative, MMA provides transportation costs for women of some IDP camps so they can come to our static clinic in Sittwe to receive health care. This arrangement is to help those in need access our services in this difficult time.” This support does not completely solve all the issues faced by people in the community. The scarcity of medicines, travel restrictions, banking issues, and price fluctuations of basic household items are all worsening the situation in Rakhine. Dr. Myo added, “Previously, we had 500 patients per month, but in the last two months, we’ve only seen 200. This gap in access to life-saving SRH services will negatively impact the well-being of women and girls." For women like Nuha Mina, this support is invaluable. "The conflict has taken so much from us—jobs, security, peace. But the transportation help from MMA has been a lifeline. It's not just healthcare; they recognise our struggles and make sure we can get there. I don’t have to choose between healthcare and other essentials for my family. Their support has lifted a huge weight," she says.MMA’s initiative, with UNFPA support, is more than just about healthcare—it’s about ensuring that women in conflict-affected areas can access the care they deserve without added burdens. Through this holistic approach, MMA is not only improving health outcomes but also restoring a sense of dignity to women in Rakhine. The United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) and its partners are tirelessly working to provide essential health care and support to those affected by the conflict. The mobile and static clinics, in particular, are a testament to the commitment to providing life-saving SRH services amid the deteriorated situation in Rakhine, overcoming logistical challenges to reach those most in need. In 2023, MMA provided sexual and reproductive health services such as antenatal care, postnatal care, emergency maternal referral, and family planning services to 25,000 women in Sittwe township, while 14,000 among them received maternal healthcare services. RI, through their mobile clinics, provided sexual and reproductive health services for 5,000 women in four townships of Rakhine. 3,000 pregnant women received maternal healthcare, and 2,000 women received family planning services.Despite these efforts, the needs continue to outpace the services available, not only in Rakhine but also in different states and regions across the country affected by the conflict. There are significant gaps in healthcare access, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas where security and mobility issues complicate service delivery. UNFPA and its partners are actively working to bridge these gaps by strengthening local partnerships to expand reach. However, there is still much to be done to meet the healthcare needs of women and girls, including persons with disabilities. Each step forward is crucial in ensuring that no one is left behind. As the echoes of conflict continue to reverberate through Rakhine, the words of a community woman resonate deeply, underscoring the dire need for sustained support: "We, in the community, do not expect much for our lives, but to hold our hands, keep us safe, and treat us with dignity. The mobile clinics are the places we don't want to disappear." In these words lies a powerful plea for humanity—a call to ensure that amidst the deterioration, the essential lifelines of health and dignity are preserved. These clinics are more than just medical facilities; they are beacons of hope and resilience to women and girls affected by the conflict.*This story was originally published on the UNFPA Myanmar website.

Experiencing a flood is difficult and devastating for anyone, but especially so for children and their families. If you live in an area at risk of flooding, follow these expert tips to keep yourself and your family safe.Facts about floodsWhat is a flood?Floods are an overflow of water onto land that is usually dry. Inundation floods develop slowly over a period of hours or days while flash floods occur suddenly and often without warning. River floods are caused when consistent rain or snow melting forces a river to exceed capacity. Coastal floods are caused by storm surges associated with tropical cyclones and tsunamis. Floods are predicted to become more frequent and severe due to climate change.What causes floods?Floods can occur during periods of intense rainfall, or when dams break.How to prepare for a flood Talk to your family about floodsSpend time together talking about floods and why they occur.Practice your safety planFind a safe evacuation route to take in the event of a flood and practice it with your family. Talk together about having a meeting point in case you get separated. Create an “emergency kit” that includes non-perishable foods, medicines, a first aid kit, flashlight and batteries and water for several days in case you need to leave your area or services are cut off. Check with your child’s school and learn what the school’s plan is in case of a flood.Know your riskLearn about the kind of flooding that can take place in your community and your local emergency contacts to reach out to for help if one occurs. Keep an eye on the forecast to be informed of any potential flooding and learn about your local alert system by researching who provides alerts, how they are broadcast and with how much notice. It is also important to know your home’s risk level.Teach children to swimThe majority of deaths that occur during floods are due to drowning. Teaching children how to swim can help protect them in emergency situations.Keep documents safeStore any important papers like ID papers high up or in something that can protect against water damage (like a sealable plastic bag) to minimize the risk of damage.What to do during a flood Listen to local authoritiesTune in to your local news or radio station for weather updates and official advice. If you are advised to evacuate, grab your emergency kit and ID papers and do so immediately. If first responders have set up barricades, do not try to pass them – they have been set up to safely direct people around dangerous areas.Secure your homeUnplug appliances and turn off any utilities like electricity, gas and elevate items that need to be preserved.Get to high groundTo avoid standing, flowing or rising water, move to higher ground. Never try to walk, swim or drive through fast-moving flood water. Never try to cross fords, spillways, bridges, culverts or roads with fast-moving floodwaters. If you have to move in a flooded area, you must use a life jacket or other floating objects. If you are in your vehicle and it is filling with water, get onto the roof. If you are trapped in a building, get to the highest level and only go onto the roof if necessary. Do not go into an enclosed space at the highest level of your home, such as a loft or attic, as this could result in being trapped by rising floodwater.Do not allow children to go into moving or stagnant flood watersClosely supervise and remind your child not to play, or swim in flood water, and warn them not to go through flooded areas or where flood water flows through, as flood water can be deeper and faster than it seems, which is easy to cause accidents.Update your loved onesAs soon as you are somewhere safe and communication channels are available, make sure to inform your other family members or those close to you. What to do after a flood Listen for updatesMonitor updates from local authorities and only return home when it is declared safe.Look after your family’s healthThe contaminated water created by flooding poses many health risks to you and your family, such as water-borne illnesses like cholera and typhoid. Keep your children away from floodwater as much as possible – it is likely dirty and contaminated by germs. If your child was exposed to flood waters, make sure to bathe them as soon as you are able and have them wash their hands frequently.  If you or anyone in your family is feeling ill, see a doctor as soon as you are able.Keep food and water safeKeep food and water covered to protect from contamination and boil water collected from untreated water sources for at least three minutes before use. Use boiled water to cook and wash food as well as pots, pans and spoons or other things you use for eating. Never drink contaminated water or eat food that has gotten wet.Clean up safelyWear protective gear while cleaning, including rubber gloves and boots. Be careful if you pump water from your home. Do it slowly and keep an eye out for hazards such as debris and electrical wires. If you can, dry as much as you can within 24 to 48 hours, keep wet areas well-ventilated and throw away anything that can’t be dried or fixed.  As much as possible, limit your children’s participation in cleaning up. Before children and teens can safely return, toys, clothing and living spaces should be cleaned and disinfected. Belongings that have been badly contaminated by floodwater should be discarded.Comforting your children after a flood Start the conversation and keep it openMake sure you provide your child with opportunities to talk about how the flood made them feel and encourage them to share any worries or feelings of fear or anxiety.Show them that you are listening carefully and care deeply about how they are feeling.Provide reassuranceLet them know that the flood and its aftermath are not permanent and explain to them that they are natural events, and not anyone’s fault.  Give your children reassuring affection by spending time together and providing lots of extra hugs.Watch for signs of emotional distressWhile many children will seem okay for a month or so following a disaster, the numbness can wear off and they can begin showing symptoms of trauma. Some ongoing anxiety is to be expected, but if it does not stop after a few months or if your child is experiencing more extreme symptoms, such as panic attacks or wanting to harm themselves or others, reach out to your family doctor or mental health professional immediately.Practice calming exercises togetherDeep belly breathing is very helpful and is something you can do together with your older children. If you have a younger child, you could make it into a game: Every hour on the hour, see how you can calm your mind and body down by slowing down your breath.Try to maintain some kind of routineThough it may be incredibly difficult, going to bed or eating at the same time will help your child to feel a bit more connected to their life before the flood.*This story was originally published on the UNICEF Myanmar website.