Plan International is preparing to launch an urgent humanitarian response as Myanmar continues to grapple with widespread flooding.
Intense flooding, exacerbated by Cyclone Komen in recent days, means the needs of children and vulnerable communities in Myanmar must be prioritised immediately.
Due to the flooding in Myanmar, thousands of children and families have been left vulnerable and in desperate need of food and potable water. On August 4, the Government of Myanmar appealed for international assistance.
With extensive programmes in Rakhine State – which has been badly hit – Plan International is preparing a humanitarian response to provide essential assistance to children and families displaced by the flooding.
According to John McDonough, Country Director of Plan International Myanmar: “Currently, there is no electricity in these flood-hit areas, phone lines are out and access in, and out, is severely limited. Information is difficult to obtain from these areas, however our emergency teams are on the ground, identifying the needs of affected communities.
“The tropical storm season is only just beginning. If heavy monsoon rains continue or there are more cyclones, the humanitarian situation could worsen.
“It is essential we continue to build resilience across Myanmar, as the multiple disasters confronting this country prove time and time again, that preparedness is the only way to build a better future for children.”
Plan International will be providing urgent humanitarian support to children, families and vulnerable communities devastated by this crisis. The organisation’s response will focus on distributing life-saving aid, such as clean water, food and other essential items to the affected population, currently seeking shelter in evacuation centres in Minbya, in Rakhine.
Plan is one of the oldest and largest children's development organisations in the world, founded 77 years ago, working in 51 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas and supported by 21 donor countries. Plan is independent, with no religious, political or governmental affiliations.
Media contact: Adam Cathro, Plan International Australia, Media Relations Manager, 0488 202 945