UNHCR - Myanmar: UNHCR sets up field units in the Irrawaddy Delta area

Myanmar: UNHCR sets up field units in the Irrawaddy Delta area

Briefing Notes, 30 May 2008

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Ron Redmond – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at the press briefing, on 30 May 2008, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

In Myanmar, UNHCR is setting up two field units in the Irrawaddy Delta area in Lapputa and Bogale townships to better respond to the emergency, monitor the distribution of our relief items and to further assess the needs in the region.

By mid-week, we had flown 405 tonnes of emergency supplies into Yangon from our global stockpiles in Dubai on nine flights. Items included plastic sheeting, blankets, mosquito nets and kitchen sets for the cyclone devastated country. The supplies have been distributed by international NGOs and community organisations. Together with a flight due in Yangon tomorrow and a truck convoy, we will have delivered nearly 433 tonnes of supplies for more than half of the 250,000 cyclone victims that UNHCR said it would provide shelter for under the UN Flash Appeal earlier in the month.