It is now ten days since the deadly Cyclone Mocha struck northern Burma.
Our partners on the ground report devastation. The lack of international access to many impacted areas, and a military imposed internet blackout, means assessing the true scale of the impact is impossible.
Many Rohingya communities living in temporary camps in low-lying areas close to the sea were hit by a wall of water which swept people and homes away. People are left with nothing. No food, no shelter, and surrounded by water. Hundreds of people are missing.
Ten days on, the Burmese military is still blocking UN and other agencies from being able to access those areas.
Last week aid from our sister charity Advance Myanmar did reach some of these communities. By supporting informal local networks, we provided food and temporary shelter. The emergency supplies were the first support they had received.
In Chin State, where there are also large areas not under military control, the scale of the impact is still being assessed. We have provided funds to a local community organisation which is making an assessment of what aid is needed and where, helping them to be able to provide support quickly.
In Sagaing State local people report homes destroyed and widespread flooding. Crops have been ruined and fields are under water. Roads have been washed away. Large parts of the state have been freed from control of the Burmese military, and the only aid comes from local community organisations.
Burma Campaign UK is supporting local community organisations in Sagaing State. Donations received by Advance Myanmar are helping to pay for food and shelter, and to rebuild roads so that emergency supplies can be brought in.
Our sister charity Advance Myanmar has been able to provide emergency support which is quickly reaching people on the ground, thanks to the donations we have received. Your donations are saving lives and making a difference.
We desperately need more funds to be able to provide support to communities who are receiving no support from anywhere else.
