The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that around 800,000 individuals in the Rakhine region are in need of humanitarian aid following Cyclone Mocha. However, due to travel restrictions in the area, the WFP is currently only able to provide support to 400,000 people for a period of one month.
When asked about the status of their aid in the cyclone-hit Rakhine region, the WFP responded to DMG via email as follows.
"Our biggest challenge is obtaining permission to provide aid," stated the WFP in an email to DMG.
The WFP further mentioned that they are engaged in negotiations with the concerned Military Council officials to secure the authorization for delivering UN humanitarian aid to the cyclone-affected individuals.
In Rakhine State, the WFP is delivering life-saving aid, nutritional support, safe shelter, emergency supplies, and livelihood assistance to individuals affected by the cyclone.
"WFP prioritized areas where they had access after the cyclone, but avoided locations with military presence. Sometimes, they collaborated with the General Administration Department to distribute rice, oil, nutritional food, and tarpaulins. However, the amount of aid varied from village to village, with some receiving more and others receiving less," stated Ko Aung Paing Soe, a resident of Rathedaung, in an interview with DMG.
On June 7, the Military Council imposed a travel restriction on NGOs that are providing assistance to the cyclone-affected individuals in Rakhine.
Subsequently, on June 11, Colonel Kyaw Thu, the Minister of Security and Border Affairs of the State Military Council, signed and issued the approval to resume operations as previously conducted.
NGOs, INGOs and other organizations have reported ongoing delays in obtaining travel permits due to the requirement of seeking approval from the Military Council.
"We have been submitting applications for travel authorizations (TA) to deliver supplies for approximately a month. However, we have not received the approval yet. As a result, we are proceeding with our own methods. It is unclear why the process is taking so long. It seems like they are acting according to their own agenda," expressed a woman in charge of a civil society organization in Sittwe Township during an interview with DMG.
Due to the absence of permission from the Ministry of Security and Border Affairs, international organizations and civilians offering humanitarian aid to those impacted by the cyclone are encountering restrictions at certain checkpoints, preventing them from traveling.
Organizations are advocating for the freedom to conduct relief work for the victims of the cyclone.
Both the Military Council and other stakeholders have acknowledged that meeting the needs of the cyclone-affected population can only be achieved through international humanitarian assistance.
Cyclone Mocha, which struck on May 14, resulted in over 1.5 million people being affected in Rakhine State.
On July 14, it will have been two months since Cyclone Mocha hit, and many people are still experiencing shelter insecurity, food shortages, and various challenges in the recovery process.
