News Update

Myanmar: One Year After Cyclone Nargis

Myanmar One Year Report (PDF)

The cyclone of May 2008 was the most destructive natural disaster in memory for the people of the Irrawaddy Delta. Immediately after the cyclone hit, Save the Children reached more than 600,000 affected people, including at least 300,000 children, with life-saving aid, and we continue to work in 14 of the most affected townships.

Save the Children is the largest international aid agency to respond in Myanmar. Our aid has gotten through, and hundreds of thousands have received some assistance, but much more needs to be done.

Video of Save the Children's Continuing Assistance

The cyclone devastated the agriculture and fishing industry in the delta as fields were flooded and boats and fishing equipment were destroyed. Many parents have lost their ability to make a living and are still struggling to feed their families. 

We set up 140 safe play areas, reaching more than 20,000 children. We also gave out school supplies and helped improve education for more than 100,000 children, including helping to build 350 temporary schools. But children in Myanmar will need our help for years to come. The international relief effort needs more money to respond to the longer-term needs in the cyclone-affected areas. 

Save the Children has been working in Myanmar for 14 years. We have 997 staff working on the cyclone response including 47 international staff and 325 national volunteers, and 1,400 staff in the country as a whole

What You Can Do

Save the Children is responding to the needs of hundreds of thousands of children and families affected by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. One year on, efforts are still concentrated on providing clean water, ensuring educational access and restoring livelihoods. Like millions of children and families affected by emergencies all over the world, their long-term needs are to recover from the crisis, restore normalcy and rebuild their lives. Donate now to support Save the Children's immediate and long-term response to the children and families affected by Cyclone Nargis.