UNICEF Myanmar Humanitarian Situation Report No. 8 (Cyclone MOCHA): 27-29 May 2023

Highlights

• Cases of child neglect are reported, as caregivers are preoccupied with survival and suffering from psychosocial distress, increasing child protection risks, including physical risks of playing in debris or water unsupervised, as well as exposure of children to trafficking, violence or exploitation.
• 1,113 primary health care consultations have been provided in Rakhine through mobile health clinics from May 22 to date.
• UNICEF and partners continued to provide mental health and psychosocial support, including psychosocial first aid, to 1,432 people (653 girls, 623 boys, 88 women, 68 men) through safe spaces and mobile child-friendly spaces in both Rakhine and Northwest.

Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs

The humanitarian situation in regions and states affected by Cyclone Mocha continues to be a concern, as challenges in a number of affected sectors will have an impact on children’s survival, wellbeing and development.

Telecommunication remains the major constraint for collecting and sharing information in both Rakhine and the Northwest. Electricity resumed with limited hours (4-8 hours) in almost all areas of the Northwest while Rakhine State remains with no electricity. Humanitarian access to the affected population continues to be a challenge due to bureaucratic impediments, ongoing conflict and restrictions on movement and supply transportation. Affected people, including children and women, are at risk of explosive ordnance, mainly in conflict-affected areas. UNICEF’s Rakhine field office is replenishing stocks to scale up or continue assistance to affected children and populations. Transport takes longer than usual and there are delays in the arrival of supplies due to administrative process and several checkpoints.

According to WASH Cluster partners, about 700 households in Chin State, 4,800 households in Magway, and 2,800 households in Sagaing Region have been affected. These numbers may increase, as partners are still collecting information in some areas. To date, approximately 41,500 people have been identified as having suffered impacts from the cyclone, with WASH assistance - especially safe drinking water, emergency latrines, and hygiene supplies - the priority needs.

WASH Cluster partners reported that 208 ponds/ wells were flooded by salty water, affecting 101,378 people from 9,152 households in seven townships of Rakhine State affected by the cyclone. 193 open wells’ roofing sheets and wooden structures were damaged by storm winds in 46 villages in six townships (Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Mrauk U, Minbya, Maungdaw, and Man Aung). Two LifeStraw buildings were damaged in two villages in Minbya Township. Over 2,800 latrines were damaged in protracted camps and displacement sites in eight townships.

Among 14 static nutrition treatment out-patient therapeutic programme and supplementary feeding program (OTP/SFP) centres in Rakhine, four centres were totally destroyed by the cyclone and need new buildings/ reconstruction, while an additional 10 centres need minor repairs.

Partners reported that children are roaming around without clothes, often unsupervised, increasing child protection risks, including physical risks of playing in debris or water unsupervised, as well as exposure to trafficking, violence or exploitation. There is a need for support to caregivers, who require mental health and psychosocial support, as distress is impacting their capacity to care for their children. Cases of child neglect are reported, as caregivers are preoccupied with survival and suffering from psychosocial distress. Children and caregivers with disabilities need additional support.

Adolescent girls are exposed to risks of sexual abuse, as they report travelling long distances to fetch household water.