UN asks donors to donate more for Myanmar

Appealing to the generosity of the donors, WFP said the helicopters are playing a critical role in delivering relief supplies to the 2.4 million survivors of the cyclone.

WFP’s overall emergency operation to provide food assistance to 750,000 people in Myanmar is also struggling for funds, after receiving only 45 per cent of the USD 69.5 million required. Currently there is only sufficient funding to provide one month’s ration of rice to 750,000 people.

“WFP is leading the way in moving life-saving supplies to distressed communities by boat, truck and air but it will all grind to a halt by the end of this month unless we get additional funding now,” said Chris Kaye, WFP Country Director for Myanmar.

To date, only just over half of the USD 50 million required for the logistical operation has been secured and WFP says that much of this money has already been spent on barges, boats, river craft and basic infrastructure needed to reach cyclone survivors in remote, hard-hit villages across the Irrawaddy Delta.