Myanmar Cyclone Nargis

Cyclone Nargis, a Category 3 storm, hit Myanmar (Burma) on May 2, 2008. High winds, heavy rain and flood waters affected more than two million people, killing an estimated 78,000 and displacing 500,000 from their homes. Nargis was the worst natural disaster in the history of Myanmar and the most devastating cyclone to strike Asia since 1991.

Destruction of houses was widespread, especially in the Irrawady delta area. Haing-gyi Island on the country’s southwest coast was the hardest-hit area. The towns of Bogaly, Labutta and Patnaw, along with many small villages in the delta area, were almost completely destroyed. Approximately 800,000 houses were affected by the cyclone, with about 450,000 houses totally destroyed and about 350,000 more lightly damaged.

Habitat’s response

• Phase one
  In January 2009, Habitat completed the construction of 280 homes in three villages in the first phase of its partnership with international nongovernmental organization World Concern. Houses were constructed with a combination of timber and locally-available materials and protected by a corrugated iron roof. The houses are elevated to help protect them against flooding.
  
  Habitat also helped supervise the construction of jetties and the repair of roads through a cash-for-work program for affected families funded by World Concern. The first phase of shelter reconstruction took place in the villages of Aima, Aung Hlaing Kone and Ah Mat Gyi. Access to these remote communities is gained by a five- to seven-hour boat ride from Labutta on the southern tip of the devastated delta.
• Phase two
  Habitat is building homes in the villages of Chan Thar Kone and Poulong Lay in the Ayeyarwaddy delta.

Community-based methodology
Habitat for Humanity uses a community-based program methodology that relies on the local Peace and Development Council to take an integral role in construction. Led by the village head, the council selects families to be helped and prepares the site for construction. Construction teams provide labor and oversee the actual home construction. Habitat provides technical supervision, skill transfers, materials and logistics.

Solar lighting
In Aima, Habitat for Humanity also piloted an initiative to distribute two rechargeable LED lamps to each of 110 families and installed a community solar recharger. Solar lighting is an affordable technology which costs less than US$30 per family to deploy. If used for up to six hours every night, a recharged lamp lasts for three nights. The families drop off their lamps at the solar recharging station in the morning and pick them up again in the afternoon.

Storm shelters
There are also plans to build at least three cyclone-resistant community storm shelters. In normal times, these buildings will serve as community centers and schools; but in severe weather, they will provide a secure shelter for residents.

How you can help
You can help Myanmar by making an online donation that will support response initiatives around shelter and housing in Myanmar. Donate to Habitat for rebuilding Myanmar.