Oxfam is on the ground responding to widespread flooding in Myanmar and Bangladesh and is scaling up its emergency response as the death toll climbs and thousands more are left homeless.
Despite communication issues and difficulties reaching remote townships, Oxfam is already distributing relief items to communities in the worst hit regions. Monsoonal flooding and landslides in Bangladesh and Myanmar have left dozens dead with hundreds of thousands of people severely affected.
In Myanmar, parts of the country have been declared “national disaster affected regions” by the Government. Initial assessments suggest more than 300,000 people have been severely affected and at least 27 people have been killed, yet Oxfam anticipates those figures to rise. Oxfam has already distributed hygiene kits and installed critical water and sanitation in Kyauk Taw, one of the worst hit areas of Rakhine State.
Tropical storm Cyclone Komen and widespread flooding have had devastating consequences in Bangladesh. Early reports suggest about 200,000 people have been severely affected. Of those, 124,800 people are displaced and 27,600 are still living in cyclone shelters. Oxfam is distributing hygiene kits and scaling up its response, in partnership with local NGOs, to best deliver humanitarian aid to the region.
Oxfam Australia’s Humanitarian Manager Meg Quartermaine said the needs in both countries were high and as more information comes to hand we anticipate our response to ramp-up.
“We have teams in place responding to the needs of people impacted by flooding in both Bangladesh and Myanmar,” Ms Quartermaine said.
“Given the scale of the floods and the remoteness of some villages it will take some time before we know the full impact, but we are already on the ground providing much-needed support. We will continue working closely with other agencies to best respond as the situation becomes clearer.”
Donations can be made to Oxfam’s International Crisis Fund at www.oxfam.org.au/icf or by phoning 1800 034 034.
To arrange interviews or for more information contact Oxfam Australia Media Coordinator Bianca Wordley on 0407 799 365.
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