NetworkNewsToday: 30 December 2009 - UNICEF: Myanmar - A remote fishing community in southwest Myanmar is still recovering from the shock and loss of recent disasters. Since the tsunami struck five years ago, they have also suffered through Cyclone Mala in April of 2006 and the devastating Cyclone Nargis in May of 2008.
Despite the appearance of normal daily lives here in a remote fishing community in southwest Myanmar, the community is still recovering from the shock and loss of recent disasters.
During the past five years since the tsunami of December 2004, they have also suffered through Cyclone Mala in April of 2006 and the devastating Cyclone Nargis in May of 2008 which hit areas already ravaged by the tsunami, including many small fishing villages.
The situation of children and families in the affected areas remains a challenge. More than 90 per cent of fishermen in the area lost their livelihoods in a single night which resulted in further deteriorating poverty for many families.
Cyclone Nargis killed more than two thirds of the population in one community here and much of UNICEFs emergency work in response to the Tsunami was also destroyed.
Phyo lives with her father, the only other survivor in her family and helps him with his shrimp business.
SOUNDBITE (Myanmar) Phyo Ei, 16:
We suffered this common tragedy. I still wait for my mother. Her body wasnt found. As they tell me, I know it is quite impossible. But I hope against hope. Affected by so many disasters, I have now learned what to do and how to be prepared when the water level rises.
SOUNDBITE (Myanmar) Hnin Hnin Ei, 30, mother of 14 years old daughter:
After the tsunami, we were hit by Cyclone Mala then Cyclone Nargis. I lost everything and everyone in my family, only my daughter and I were spared. I need a job, a job with which I can support my daughters education. She had to drop out from after grade six. Our livelihoods were totally disrupted and our lives became harder.
The situation has improved however, as the response to the tsunami brought in humanitarian assistance which has encouraged development in the area.
One of the largest transformations here has been the introduction of new homes, a rural health centre and a brand new school.
UNICEF is helping children and mothers by providing child survival kits and essential drugs to the rural health centre.
SOUNDBITE (Myanmar) April Myo, midwife:
Here at the RHC, I am at the clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for antenatal care. I also visit homes to provide postnatal care for mothers.
But access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge for the community.
SOUNDBITE (Myanmar) April Myo, midwife:
Drinking water is always a problem especially in the dry season. The water in our surroundings is salty and we cannot drink it or use is. So water is our utmost need.
While the resilience of the community plays a major role in rebuilding lives, UNICEF will continue to assist in the recovery of the affected people, particularly children, as much more remains to be done in this suffering region. .............................................................................................................................. ( UNITED NATIONS CHILDRENS FUND: UNICEF TELEVISION ) ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................NetworkNewsToday:
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