On May 2-3, 2008, Cyclone Nargis slammed into Myanmar, causing some 130,00 deaths and rendering more than two million people in the Ayeyawaddy delta homeless and without recourse to relief and recovery needs. After the ensuing confusion in the media and international circles over Myanmar’s initial delay in responding to the humanitarian crisis caused by Cyclone Nargis, ASEAN served as facilitator, mediator and convenor and coordinated international and regional efforts to assist Myanmar respond to the cyclone’s impact. The unique circumstances surrounding Myanmar provided a window for unprecedented mechanisms for working together among the different international, regional and local groups involved. This also led to a tripartite cooperation effort among the Government of Myanmar, the United Nations and ASEAN in the context of international humanitarian assistance and disaster management. 

Through June-Dec 2008, Centre researchers Pavin Chachavalpongpun and Moe Thuzar documented ASEAN’s role in helping Myanmar respond to Nargis. A preliminary report was presented to the 14th ASEAN Summit in February 2009.  The final report, entitled “Myanmar: Life After Nargis” was launched by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Surin Pitsuwan on 20 July 2009, at the 42nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting held in Phuket, Thailand.  Dr Surin also launched the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force (AHTF) report “A Bridge to Recovery: ASEAN’s Response to Cyclone Nargis”, detailing the work carried out by ASEAN in humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery in Myanmar.

To look inside “Myanmar: Life After Nargis”, please click here.