Location

Ponekamon is situated next to Tin Gan Gone and can be accessed by boat in under an hour from Sar Chet.

Cyclone Nargis

This village sustained heavy losses. 15 families were completely whipped out. The remaining 160 families only have 1 or 2 family members left. Over 1,000 lives were lost. All houses were destroyed with their possessions and food.

Livelihood

Although the village was able to replant some of their crops, the lack of rain in the area is a major concern; moreover, insects have also reduced the harvest.

Villagers are living in houses made out of palm leaves and canvas.

       Below: Houses made from bamboo and canvas                                         Below: Rice destroyed by insects

Food & Water

Rice is being supplied by ADRA until the end of October. Afterwards, villagers are unsure if they will continue receiving rice as their harvest will not be ready yet.

All 4 water storage lakes have been polluted and are undrinkable despite attempts to clean them. Villagers said even if the lakes were cleaned now, there would be little use as the rainy season has already passed. Although they have been cooking with the water, it actually turns blue when boiled. If no other source of drinkable water is available and the area does not receive rainfall, villagers will have to move or die of thirst by end of November.

School

The village primary school was completely destroyed.

Church

The only church in the village was also badly damaged. Only the front façade of the church building and a backroom remains. The church is attended by 100 families, roughly 230-250 individuals.

Left: Church heavily damaged with only front façade and rear standing

i Love Myanmar Team

i Love Myanmar was supposed to be picked up by helicopter at Pone Kama. While waiting, i love Myanmar ministered in song and Myanmar singer Htoo Ell Lynn also sang for the villagers. They were delighted.  

The team also played games with the village children, danced with them and taught them new songs.

Stories

While waiting, we spoke to Mann Saparan Seng, one of the village elders of Pone Kama. When the cyclone hit, he lost 15 out of 18 family members. He likens himself to Job in the Bible – he’s lost all his family, possessions and livestock. He hopes God will bless him again just as He blessed Job. His elder brother lost even more, a total of 25 members of his family

Right: I Love Myanmar staff with Man Saparan Seing (2nd from left)

Conclusion & Prayer

The most immediate need in this village like many other is water. Without rain, there will be no drinking water and crops will not be harvestable. i Love Myanmar was unable to collect detailed information regarding Pone Kama as their stay was brief.