Cyclone Nargis- Transforming a nightmare to readiness

I was doing my normal work routine when I heard the storm warning from a radio that afternoon. It was May 2, 2008 just before Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar.

Situated on a riverbank where the Ayeyarwady River and a small river meet, the Rural Health Centrein one of the delta villagewhere I worked sat still and calm. 

As a health assistant working for a government department, I had very little knowledge about the storm. Figuring it just a typical strong storm, I continued my work and prepared nothing- ignoring the storm warning. 

The wind was much stronger at 5pm, compared to the radio warning of 60 mph.

Outside the health centre was total darkness.Roofs were taken away and tree branches were breaking due to thestrong wind. People moved into the centre to take shelter. 

When I peek outthe window using a torch (flashlight), I saw a house, a small shop beside the river, and the jetty were completely flattened.

The rising tide increased the water level,reaching up to my chest (about 4 feet). We climbed on top oftables, chairs, and patient beds.There were 15of us in the centre, including four children.

The roof of the health centrestarted to detach, and was soontaken away in the wind. 

One of my staff members cried. She wasthinking of her parents still in her home village of Hine Gyi- later found to be one of the worst hit communities. 

I too started to worry about my parents. They were in another delta town. I was so worried, but could do nothing. It was a living nightmare. 

The storm roaredfuriously the entire night. We all prayed as per our religious beliefs.   

The wind finally let up around 4am in the morning. 

Our medicines and pharmaceutical materials were soaked and nolonger usable. Injured patients started to arrive, but as I had nothing left, I could only give first aid and referred them to the hospital in town. 

The next day, I went to the town for reporting about the condition of my health center and the staff working with me.

I was told that the midwife working under my supervision and her 4-year-old daughter drifted away and disappeared during the storm. Everyday, her husband would sit beside the river looking for his wife and daughter among the drifting dead bodies. It was tragic news.

Imanaged to travelto local villages on a boat damaged by the storm, collecting data. Ifthe boat sank in the riverI would die unnoticed, I remember thinking.

I saw the dead bodies of human and animals floating in the river, as the local government officials could not manage to clear it. The horrible smell of death driftedeverywhere.

Survivors walked from the village in search of shelter and assistance, as they were hungry and had no place to stay.  

I tried to help the survivorswith my limited resources. 

Even a month later, we had received nothing from our local government departmentsor other organizations. 

I was so angry. The damage was everywhere. People were in despair. Survivors flooded into the camps seeking help.

I felt guilty not being able to help them, so I quit my job.

A month later, I started my new chapter with World Vision Myanmar helping with the emergency response. With full support, I traveled around the delta to provide medical assistance to survivors. 

I was so pleased that I could help the affected people. 

Currently, I work as a Capacity Building Coordinator, working to mitigate disaster risks.I provide trainingfor staff and communities and run simulation exercises. I also work together with the communities to develop a Disaster Preparedness Plan.

I am so satisfied with the work that I am doing. 

Lessons Learned

My encounter with Nargis helped me prepare well for future disasters. The lack of an effective and reliable early warning system combined with flimsy building construction increased the damage and loss of life. 

In the aftermath of the cyclone, the immediate responselike deploying search and rescue teams, distributing basic needs like food and water, and medical assistance was delayed.

If I could make a recommendation to the government, I would suggest establishing an effective, reliable early warning system and adequate funding for emergency responses. It is also good to have a stand-by emergency team with adequate capacity so that they are ready for an immediate assignment. 

Cyclone Nargis took the lives of about 150,000 people and left tens of thousands of children and families in devastating conditions.