Kanni Wignaraja on looking ahead to recovery after Myanmar earthquake

Key Concepts:

• Earthquake in Myanmar: Impact on a population already facing dire economic conditions.
• Immediate Relief Needs: Debris removal, water supply restoration, support for hospitals and shelters, food, and health assistance.
• Economic Impact: Disruption of Mandalay's commercial activities, need for economic recovery.
• Cash for Work: Immediate provision of cash for local businesses and people to rebuild.
• Building Back Safer: Constructing earthquake-resistant structures.
• Access Challenges: Difficulties in accessing affected areas due to political instability and conflict.
• International Collaboration: Coordination with international agencies and neighboring countries for effective aid delivery.
• Long-Term Recovery: Focus on markets, health systems, food systems, and water infrastructure.
• Brain Drain: Addressing the loss of skills and hope among young people.

1. Scale of Devastation and Vulnerable Population

• The earthquake struck Central and Northwestern Myanmar, affecting approximately 14 million people.
• 75% of the affected population were already living at or below subsistence level, exacerbating the impact.
• Many people are living in tents due to aftershocks, including a significant one on Sunday.
• Sagaing town is reported to be about 80% destroyed.

2. Immediate Relief Efforts

• UN rapid needs assessment teams have started their work.
• UNDP's immediate priorities include debris removal, restoring water supply, and supporting hospitals and shelters with solar power for electricity and water points.
• UNICEF, WHO, and WFP are also involved, addressing food and health needs.
• Other countries in the region are providing assistance.

3. Economic Impact and Recovery Strategies

• Mandalay, a major commercial hub, has been significantly impacted.
• Reopening the Naypyidaw airport is crucial for economic recovery, alongside Yangon airport.
• UNDP aims to revive the local economy by providing "cash for work" opportunities.
  • This involves providing immediate cash to local businesses and people for rebuilding efforts.
• The focus is on transitioning from temporary shelters to rebuilt homes that are earthquake-resistant.
• "Getting the economy back up and running…one way to do that…is to immediately provide cash for work for local businesses for people to get back to rebuilding very quickly."

4. Challenges Due to Political Instability

• Access to affected areas is a critical challenge due to ongoing political instability and conflict since the 2021 military coup.
• It is essential to get heavy equipment into the affected areas quickly.
• Local communities are showing resilience and helping with search and rescue efforts.
• The speaker emphasizes the need for authorities to halt military action and airstrikes to allow safe access for aid and recovery efforts.
• "It's critical that the authorities also halt all military action…that allow people to just take a breath and get out there safely."

5. Essential Infrastructure and Communication Needs

• Clean water, functioning hospitals and clinics, electricity, and telecommunications are critical immediate needs.
• Telecommunications are severely disrupted, with only about one-third of the population having access to the internet and telecom services even under normal circumstances.

6. International Aid and Coordination

• The UN has allocated an initial $5 million for relief efforts.
• Aid is being provided by countries such as China, Russia, India, and Thailand.
• The Red Cross has launched an appeal for $1 million.
• UNDP is collaborating with international agencies and neighboring countries to ensure effective aid delivery.
• Coordination is challenging due to the destruction of infrastructure and loss of personnel within the authorities in Naypyidaw.

7. Long-Term Recovery and Reconstruction

• UNDP's focus extends beyond immediate relief to long-term recovery efforts.
• This includes getting markets up and running to provide jobs.
• Surveys indicate a significant "drain of skills" and loss of hope, particularly among young people, leading to a desire to leave the country.
• Rebuilding construction is seen as a way to resuscitate the local economy.
• The long-term strategy involves reconstructing health systems, food systems, and water infrastructure, including irrigation and clean drinking water systems.
• The speaker notes that the initial few million dollars allocated will not be sufficient and that a much larger appeal will be necessary to rebuild the country.

8. Synthesis/Conclusion

The earthquake in Myanmar has compounded existing challenges, particularly for a population already facing economic hardship and political instability. Immediate relief efforts are focused on providing essential resources like water, shelter, and healthcare, while longer-term recovery plans aim to rebuild infrastructure, revitalize the economy, and address the loss of hope among the population. International collaboration and a cessation of hostilities are crucial for effective aid delivery and sustainable recovery. The scale of the disaster necessitates a significant financial commitment and a comprehensive approach to address both immediate needs and long-term development goals.