Emergency Assistance for the Cyclone Disaster in the Union of Myanmar

May 5, 2008

On May 5 (Mon), the Government of Japan decided to provide emergency relief goods (tents, electric generators and other items), equivalent to about 28 million yen, to the Union of Myanmar, which has sustained disaster from high waves and strong winds caused by a cyclone.
It was announced that from May 2 (Fri) to 3 (Sat), areas in the southern parts of the Myanmar surrounding the Irrawaddy district and the Yangon district were caught in a severe storm, which affected many people including more than 350 who were reported dead; the storm also destroyed public buildings including schools and hospitals, and also more than 20,000 houses (as of May 5). The surrounding areas, at present, are also suffering from serious problems including food shortage caused by obstructed access of transportation, drinking-water shortage caused by unusable wells, and lack of accommodation for the victims.
In the present situation, the Government of the Union of Myanmar, while making relief efforts of its own, has requested emergency assistance of the Government of Japan, which has decided to give emergency assistance to the country in light of its urgency and humanitarian character.

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