Photo: NRC/Martin Suvatne

2.5 million people were affected and 140 000 (were) killed by cyclone Nargis, which struck  Myanmar in May 2008. Despite still widespread needs, the catastrophe has lost the world’s attention. Now, the rebuilding has started, and NRC contributes with its expertise in building of shelter and schools.

In October 2008 the government of Myanmar gave NRC permission to start a cyclone recovery programme in-country.

“Our programme aims to provide durable homes and education facilities for the families who were hardest hit by the cyclone, through building of shelters and schools”, said Jørn Kristensen, NRC’s country director in Myanmar.

Martin Suvatne, shelter adviser in NRC, has recently visited NRC’s programme in Myanmar.

“It is pretty ambitious to build 6000 shelters and up to 100 new schools in two years. This will provide permanent shelters to 30 000 persons, which equals the population of the Norwegian town Haugesund”, said Suvatne. In addition, NRC will rehabilitate houses before the rainy season starts in May-June. This is an immediate emergency preparedness measure which aims to avoid a similar catastrophe as seen in 2008. 

UN estimate that 1.5 million people in Myanmar need either shelter, food or education assistance. According to the Myanmar government there is a need of 100 000 shelters for families made homeless by last year’s cyclone. It is urgent to provide safe shelters to these families.

Photo: NRC/Martin Suvatne

New Building Techniques
To prevent houses from being destroyed by every cyclone, NRC uses cyclone resistant building techniques. The shelter frameworks are strengthened by cross bracing all walls, corners and roofs and attaching cyclone straps on roof rafters. A cyclone may tear off parts of the walls and the roof, but the framework will still be intact and can easily be repaired. In addition, every house will be secured by a netting wire to protect against flying objects during a cyclone.

“We want to train local populations in Myanmar in construction of houses which can endure extreme weather. It’s a manageable job to replace the walls and roofs if the framework is undamaged”, Suvatne said. 

During a cyclone it can take several days before it is possible to rehabilitate a house. Therefore, NRC also provides plastic sheets which can be used as temporary walls and roofs.

Schools and Shelter
The cyclone resistant schools will also serve as a refuge for local communities.

“Up to 120 adults are able to stay at one school for several days, while 350 can seek shelter for hours during an emergency”, explained Suvatne. The schools will be of great importance for people who are not eligible to receive a shelter from NRC.

The project is supported by the Norwegian government and UNHCR. The implementation is done in three phases and is planned to be finalised by September 2010. During the first phase, which lasts until summer, NRC will build five schools and provide 500 shelters to vulnerable families.