A DREF allocation of CHF 200,000 has been released by the International Federation to support the national society in this undertaking as well as in the distribution of household items and emergency shelters. The International Federation is currently working together with local authorities, local organizations and the international community to ensure the coordination of action. The ICRC in-country and from Geneva is also working together with the MRCS and the International Federation, and to date, has offered assistance in the form of four vehicles and drivers.

The proposed operation

The MRCS warehouse in Yangon has sustained some damage, but its supplies are still usable. Prepositioned stocks are also available from the national society’s warehouses in the Bagon division, Mon state. The MRCS network covers the country with key branches in the most affected areas. Its own human resources include 17,800 first aid staff, 46 people who can provide psychosocial support (PSP), 95 people with water safety skills such as lifesaving, and 1,230 members under the disaster action response team (DART) trained in assessment and relief activities.

Monday, 5 May 2008, 8.00 a.m. local time sees three MRCS assessment teams deployed to the respective areas perceived to be most affected: the Ayeyarwady division, the Bago division and Karin. These teams will also take water purification tablets for distribution.

Relief distributions (food and basic non-food items)

The MRCS is making arrangements for trucks to transport approximately 2,000 family kits in Yangon. These kits include: shirts and trousers for men and boys, blouses and skirts for women and girls, longgyi for both men and women, blankets, mosquito nets, towels, plastic sheeting, soap for personal use and washing, two aluminium cooking pots, mugs, plates and spoons. The national society also has a further 2,200 family kits pre-positioned in branches across the country which they will also access.

Five thousand litres of drinking water has been mobilized for distribution to schools and pagodas which are presently housing people who have been displaced by the cyclone.

The regional logistics unit in Kuala Lumpur has pre-positioned stock in store including shelter kits, tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets, jerry cans and kitchen sets on stand-by to send to Myanmar by sea or air should these be requested.

Discussions between the MRCS and the International Federation are ongoing concerning immediate and future support needed, depending on results of assessments currently being undertaken.