The Australian Government is working with Australian non-government organisations, the United Nations and the Government of Myanmar to help people affected by floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Komen. It is estimated more than one million people have been impacted by the disaster.
Australia's humanitarian response
The Australian Government's response includes an assistance package of up to $3 million announced by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. Of this, up to $1 million is being used to provide humanitarian relief supplies, including kitchen sets, bedding, clothing, mosquito nets, hygiene kits and school supplies, for up to 5,000 people. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working with the Department of Defence and Australia's humanitarian partners including World Vision Australia and the International Organisation for Migration to deliver the items to families most in need.
In addition to Australian humanitarian relief supplies, a Royal Australian Air Force C17 is transporting humanitarian relief items for the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre), including rescue boats, tarpaulins, mosquito nets and jerry cans.
The remaining $2 million is being provided to Australian humanitarian partners, including:
- $1.5 million to Australian non-government organisations, Save the Children and CARE Australia, to deliver temporary shelter, safe drinking water and health care to people currently affected by the floods; and
- $500,000 to the United Nations Emergency Response Fund
Through the Australian Government-funded SPRINT program, Australia will also fund the provision of sexual and reproductive health services to affected populations in the Sagaing region.
Australian aid to Burma
Existing Australian funding to development and humanitarian partners in Burma is also being used to support the relief efforts. Australia is a key donor to the UN's Emergency Response Fund for Burma and the Central Emergency Response Fund, both of which are releasing funds to support the response.
DFAT staff deployments
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has sent members of its Crisis Response Team (CRT) to assist the Australian Embassy in Rangoon with the coordination of Australia's humanitarian assistance in consultation with the Government of Myanmar.
Prior to the cyclone, the Australian Government had deployed Australian Civilian Corps specialists to work with humanitarian partners. One specialist is assisting with the relief effort and coordinating damage assessments. Another is collecting, collating and disseminating information on the affected areas, as well as identifying areas likely to be affected as floodwaters move downstream.
Additional information
- Media release: Additional humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, 7 August 2015
- Media release: Humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, 5 August 2015
- Overview of Australia's aid program to Burma