Back in May, cyclone Nargis slammed into Myanmar leaving 140,000 people dead or missing and affecting 2.4 million others. Here we update you on Tearfund’s work there.
SIX months ago life in Myanmar was so different for 22-year-old Kyaw Kyaw.
He was a successful salt farmer who had recently married Sander, 20, and they had set up home in an Ayeyarwady Delta village.
But then on the evening of 2 May, cyclone Nargis came and in a night Kyaw Kyaw’s life changed forever.
Seeing the winds and rain reach thunderous levels, Kyaw Kyaw made his way to his parents’ home, where the roof had blown off.
He took his mother and sister out of the house (his father refused to come with him) and they battled through raising water levels which forced them to starting swimming.
Conditions worsened and Kyaw Kyaw eventually could continue swimming no longer. He had to let go of his mother and sister.
Kyaw Kyaw only survived by climbing a tree but in the cold light of the next day he began to think he had nothing left to continue living for.
He had not only lost close members of his family but his home and livelihood.
Six months on since Nargis and Kyaw Kyaw still finds it difficult to talk about his experiences.
But with the assistance of Tearfund’s Christian partners in Myanmar he’s now looking to the future.
Our partners, which include the local church, helped survivors get through the initial aftermath of the cyclone by providing food, shelter and medical treatment.
A new house takes shape in the Ayeyarwady Delta. Picture: Rachel Stevens/Tearfund
Now they are working on longer term recovery. Kway Kway is taking part in a cash-for-work programme so he can save money to start his salt farm again.
The work he and others are doing includes rebuilding homes, particularly for vulnerable members of communities, such as widows and those without land.
Tearfund partners have been helping build new homes like this one in cyclone-hit Myanmar. Picture: Rachel Stevens/Tearfund
The storm’s flood waters destroyed rice crops so as well as providing food to keep people alive, partners have supplied seeds for the next harvest which should be ready in November.
Large clay pots have been handed out so people can collect clean water, while salt-contaminated ponds have been cleaned to allow rain water to accumulate.
Given that the delta is a coastal area, many fishing communities were badly affected by the storm. Tearfund support has enabled damaged boats and nets to be replaced and is encouraging fishermen to work together.
One area where the church is proving particularly effective is helping people through the emotional trauma of the cyclone, meeting villagers individually, offering them comfort and encouragement, telling them there is hope and there are reasons to stay alive.
Activities have been provided to help survivors deal with the trauma, with particular emphasis on helping children through the use of clowns, puppets and drawing therapy. Teachers have also received training to help youngsters.
It all adds up to a package of help addressing survivors’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs, a package that Tearfund will continue to provide through the local church and our Christian partners for years to come.