Cyclone Nargis

Above: Ruins at where village grain storage once stood

Storm surge levels reached 10 ft in this village. Over 300 houses were destroyed; those that were left were badly damaged. A total of 158 lives were lost to Nargis in this village. The village rice storage as well as their school were completely destroyed.  

Livelihood

Villagers are living in houses made out of wooden frames, roof constructed out of palm leaves and canvas. A few are still living in badly damaged houses with canvas draped across beams as roofing. Farmers have been able to replant close to 90 % of their crops and expect a harvest of 60%, relatively better than other villages visited by I Love Myanmar. 59 families own fields and are classified as farmers while the rest are fishermen or engaged in various other trades. Some have simply lost all that they have and are hired by farmers and fishermen when they need help.  Hence the number of those who are involved in agriculture and fishing may be much higher.

Food & Water

Villagers have been getting food supplies from NGOs. They are currently receiving 12.5 Kg of rice per person per month which is sufficient.

As for water, although their wells were not affected by salt, Cyclone Nargis has altered the water quality making the water too hard to drink. New wells can be dug for freshwater; however the village will have to wait till March next year before new wells can be dug. Meanwhile, they will have to rely on rain water collected in makeshift tanks.

Above: Rain water storage tank for drinking

Temporary Housing in October 2008

New Housing donated by iLoveMyanmar in December 2008

Rebuilding Progress

150 houses will be constructed by Mya Nan Dar Construction Company.  Construction has begun in Thar Lu Pa Taw. When asked how the 150 houses will be allocated to the current 302 households ( 6 families share houses with others), the village elder said those who have stayed in the village longest will have first choice. New houses will be constructed along the main road leading to river where the village primary school is situated.

Villagers also mentioned if tin roofing was provided for, they could rebuild the remaining 150 houses themselves. 40 pieces of Zinc roofing will be needed for each house measuring 16 ft by 20 ft.

School

A temporary school made out of canvas and bamboo has been donated by Dynamic Company. However its size is not sufficient for all the students. Without school furniture, teachers say it is difficult for students to sit and write on the floor. Books and stationary have been donated to Thar Lu Pa Taw’s primary school, however students still lack uniforms.

Church

After Nargis, the church took in 9 orphans ranging from 6 to 17 that lost all their family members. These children are now taken care of by various families that belong to the church.  

Donating 5 communion sets    

Above: i Love Myanmar members with children

Stories

As we gathered information regarding the village primary school, we met one of the school teachers, Naw Pwint Phyu whose name means White Flower. She is from Thik Pan Gone Gyi and has been teaching at Thar Lu Pa Taw for 3 years. She was married to another teacher on a Monday and Cyclone Nargis hit the following Friday. Jokingly she said their honeymoon was spent in the refugee camp, but at least she was fortunate enough to still have her husband.  The students she teach come to school every day, sit on empty rice bags on the floor. She said it is difficult for student to write on the floor.                                  

Above: I Love Myanmar team with Naw Pwing Phyu in front of school

Conclusion

Going forward, villagers say the main concern is water like many other surrounding villages; rain for the crops and water to drink is the greatest need for now. It is evident that the primary school also needs to be rebuilt in Thar Lu Pa Taw. I Love Myanmar is in the process of obtaining designs and cost estimations. We would very much like to rebuild the primary school of Thar Lu Pa Taw.