UNICEF Myanmar Humanitarian Situation Report No. 6 (Cyclone MOCHA): 20-23 May 2023

Highlights

• It is estimated that 3.4 million people live in the areas highly impacted by Cyclone Mocha, hit by >120km/h wind speeds.
• Analysis conducted by the Mine Action Area of Responsibility shows that 60 per cent of landmine incidents reported (first quarter of 2023) were in areas affected by Cyclone Mocha, and 90 per cent of the incidents were in the red zone (where winds of over 120km/h were recorded). This implies high risks of landmines/unexploded ordinance contamination in cyclone-affected areas, creating a potential threat to populations and to relief and recovery efforts.
• UNICEF and partners provided 50 recreational kits and three child protection kits to the cyclone-affected villages of Buthidaung and Maungdaw. Fifty Child Friendly Spaces have been set up, providing psychosocial support to 520 children affected by Cyclone Mocha.

Situation in Numbers

3.4 million people In affected area (OCHA)

1.6 million people targeted for humanitarian assistance (OCHA)

500,000 New additional caseload (OCHA)

Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs

Sittwe and Rathedaung Townships are the most impacted by cyclone. Power lines are severely damaged in both Sittwe and Rathedaung Townships, which is also disrupting the water supply systems. The camps and shelters for people previously displaced by conflict in Maungdaw, Buthidaung Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw townships have also been severely impacted. In Rakhine, more than 100 temporary learning spaces were damaged, including with roofs being blown off, collapsed walls and fallen pillars. It is estimated that about 113 schools in Sittwe Township have been totally or partially destroyed, while around 80 per cent of schools in Buthidaung Township have been affected by the cyclone. An increase in the number of unaccompanied children in Rakhine has been reported. WASH, health, nutrition and child protection are the priority needs of the affected people.

In the Northwest, severe flooding has affected more than 120,000 people in Chin, Sagaing and Magway. An estimated 150 villages and wards in 20 townships were affected, with the damage ranging from partially or fully destroyed infrastructure to floods having swept away animals and personal belongings in agricultural fields. Over 300 community learning centers were partially or totally damaged, with roofs ripped off and walls broken.