UNICEF Myanmar Humanitarian Situation Report No. 3 (Cyclone MOCHA): 16 May 2023

Highlights

• Information on the impact of the cyclone in Myanmar is gradually becoming available, confirming significant levels of destruction in the locations where the cyclone has passed.

• In Rakhine, initial reports indicate major damage to shelters, latrines (structures, flooding in some camps) and contamination of water sources (though hand pumps are functioning). Health services are reported to be non-functioning and the hospital which serves the camps has been badly damaged. Taing Nyo IDP site in Mrauk-U, one of the largest, is reported to be seriously affected.

• In the Northwest, heavy damage has been reported in Magway and Sagaing, as well as in Chin, Bago and Ayeyarwaddy

• UNICEF, in coordination with OCHA and other humanitarian organisations, is still working to assess the situation and needs on the ground. Clearance for rapid needs assessments in the field is still pending approval of Travel authorisation.

• The UNICEF funding situation is critical: to date the Myanmar 2023 Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal for USD 169.6 million is only 11.8 per cent funded.

Situation in Numbers

16 million people potentially exposed to Cyclone Mocha, including over 1.2 million already internally displaced (UNOSAT/UNITAR, 13 May 2023)

5.6 million children potentially exposed to Cyclone Mocha

8 States/Regions potentially cyclone-affected: Rakhine, Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Ayeyarwady, Chin, Bago and Naypyitaw (UNOSAT/UNITAR, 13 May 2023)

Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs

As information is beginning to reach the humanitarian community, emerging priority needs are for shelter, drinking water, latrine reconstruction / repair, and food due to the limited functionality of markets.

In the Northwest, an estimated 22,209 people from 34 villages in 2 townships of Sagaing, and 2,462 people from 2 townships of Magway have been evacuated /relocated.

Massive damages are reported in Magway and Sagaing, as well as in Chin, Bago and Ayeyarwaddy. In the northern areas of Magway and Sagaing, electricity has been intermittent since Monday 14 May and around 3,676 houses partially or fully damaged in 98 villages in Magway region due to flash flooding and heavy rains. Drinking water is reported as a critical issue in downtown Sittwe, as due to the electricity cuts the municipal water supply is not operating. The roofs of 724 houses, 9 schools and 10 churches were reported to have blown off and be partially or fully damaged due to strong winds in Chin state.

In northern Rakhine state, Maungdaw, electricity and telecommunication are not yet restored. A number of causalities were reported due to damage/collapse of temporary buildings. Some initial reports indicate that significant damage has been incurred in all the Sittwe camps, with shelters and latrines damaged . UNICEF Field Office team has been communicating with partners and collecting information on the areas and numbers of people affected by the cyclone. Passenger ferries / boats began arriving in Sittwe this morning from Mrauk U. Telecommunication across Rakhine remains a challenge due to the severe damage to the main telecoms tower during the cyclone. UNICEF partner reported that: in Mrauk-U 25-40% building were damaged; one whole village – Nge Swal destroyed with no place for people to take shelter.

Sittwe airport remains closed for commercial flights. The road between Mrauk U and Sittwe is operational for vehicles but not trucks (according to UNDSS). Opening the road from Yangon to Sittwe is being prioritized by authorities. The status of road conditions from Yangon to Mrauk U are still to be confirmed. The jetty area in Sittwe has some damage, but the is partially open and movement by boat is possible.

The UNICEF office in Sittwe suffered some additional rain damage overnight due to broken windows. UNICEF staff will work from the OCHA office as an interim measure while a temporary office is being identified. Cleaning and moving of supplies from the damaged should be completed on 17 May. UNICEF stocks in the Maungdaw warehouse are in good condition.