Heavy rain that is forecast to hit the cyclone-ravaged Irrawaddy delta over the coming days could severely exacerbate an already dramatic situation for hundreds of thousands of Cyclone Nargis survivors, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned today.
According to the International Research Institute (IRI) for Climate and Society, based at Columbia University in New York, 12 centimetres of rain are forecast to fall on the area worst affected by the 2 May tropical cyclone over the next six days.
“With soil already saturated, with large areas already flooded and with communities already pushed to their capacities, this rain could represent the worst scenario imaginable,” said Peter Rees, head of International Federation operations support in Geneva.
According to Rees, with saturated soil unable to absorb more water, there is a real risk of increased and more severe flooding. He warned that this could force people to leave areas that they thought were safe in search of new dry land, which could complicate the relief efforts already underway.
Concerns have also been expressed about the very serious impact this forecast new rain and potential flooding could have on the health of affected communities.
“We could also see more unsafe water being forced out of sanitation facilities, which obviously increases the already very real risk of water borne diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery,” said Uli Jaspers, head of the International Federation’s water and sanitation unit who is coordinating Red Cross Red Crescent efforts to get clean water to cyclone survivors.
“And we still have hundreds of thousands of people without even basic shelter – this new storm could lead to a sharp increase in upper respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia, especially among children,” he continued.
Heavy rain would also make access to the worst affected regions – something that is already very challenging – much more difficult.
Reports have already been issued of another potential cyclone that is forming in the region. However, latest reports suggest that this storm should pass over the delta by the end of today (Wednesday 14 May) and it is not carrying much water.
As these new challenges take shape, the Red Cross Red Crescent is continuing its efforts to get aid into Myanmar and out into the delta. Yesterday, family kits for 10,000 people left Yangon, with each kit including tarpaulins, pots, mosquito nets, water purification tablets and soap. These will be distributed by Myanmar Red Cross volunteers who have been working around the clock to reach and assist affected people.
Flights from the Red Cross Red Crescent logistical hub in Kuala Lumpur are landing every day in Yangon, carrying additional shelter supplies and other basic but vital relief items.
For more information on the Red Cross Red Crescent operation visit www.ifrc.org/myanmar