Disaster Risk Management
The Asia and Pacific region is considered as most disaster-prone region in the world. Over the past decades, the region has witnessed several of the most devastating disasters recorded in history. With these events, the people, community and environment absorb the impact of losing lives, livelihood and property. As more people and communities are becoming vulnerable to disasters, the challenges and opportunities to coordinate and mobilize risk management remain relevant to achieve greater impact on the efforts of rebuilding lives and communities.
As a community-based, Christian and ecumenical movement, it is recognized that each YMCA is called to build a human community of justice with love, peace and reconciliation for the fullness of life for all creation. The difficulties, struggles and crises in communities affected by disasters and human crises present an opportunity for the movement to actualize its mission of holistic development that strives for spiritual, intellectual and physical well-being of individuals and wholeness of communities and of re-building self-determination and re-establishing self-reliance.
The humanitarian work/engagement by YMCA in a sense affirms the movement’s mandate to commit to work in solidarity with the poor, dispossessed, uprooted people, oppressed racial and ethnic minorities, the aged, the youth, the women and peoples with special needs. Moreover this nature of work provides an opportunity for the movement to explore our social relevance particularly in addressing poverty stricken communities, safety of women and children and their specific needs, youth empowerment, social economy and care for environment. Finally, this engagement is a chance to strengthen our commitment to become institutionally viable by giving importance to good governance structures with in-built accountability systems that are transparent to all stakeholders involved.
The region shall remain firm in its goal of delivering efficient, effective and appropriate disaster responses that adheres to the humanitarian principles of saving lives, alleviating suffering and maintaining human dignity.
Life-Saving Assistance and Sustainable Development Regional Consultation Workshop by YMCA Myanmar
Regional Consultation Workshop on Life-Saving Assistance and Sustainable Development By YMCA Myanmar
In the wake of ongoing humanitarian crises and environmental challenges, the National Council of YMCAs of Myanmar stands committed to addressing the pressing needs of vulnerable populations across the region. We highlight the remarkable efforts of organizations and individuals working tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance and promote sustainable development in the face of adversity.
Collaboration with the Impulse Model Prevention by Impulse NGO Network in India
One such initiative making significant strides is the Impulse Model Prevention, which targets populations on the move and aims to provide life-saving assistance to those seeking safety. This innovative approach is particularly relevant in the context of cross-border unsafe migration from Myanmar, affecting regions such as Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland. Leveraging the proven Impulse Model Innovation, this project not only addresses immediate humanitarian needs but also seeks to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change, deforestation, and food insecurity by promoting indigenous foods and strengthening seed banks.
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Project Evolution in Myanmar:
The project in Myanmar, initiated in 2022 with pre-discussions starting in mid-2021, took on added significance amidst the tumultuous backdrop of political changes in the country and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Hasina Kharbhih's pivotal visit to Myanmar YMCA provided crucial insights for extending assistance to vulnerable populations amidst multifaceted crises.
The project's multifaceted approach includes beneficiary expansion to increase coverage for displaced persons, impacting 1200 hectares of land, and initiatives on agroforestry and sustainable livelihoods in Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Myanmar. By providing essential resources and raising awareness of biodiversity and sustainable economic activities, the project aims to enhance food security and resilience among displaced populations.
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Regional Consultation Workshop:
Against this backdrop, the Regional Consultation Workshop on Life Saving Assistance was convened in Aizawl, Mizoram, India, from 6-8 February 2024. Hosted by the Impulse NGO Network in collaboration with Country Partner Myanmar YMCA and State Partner Cod Nerc in Mizoram, the workshop brought together 20 young adults and 20 adult leaders to review the impact of humanitarian aid and sustainable life-saving assistance in Myanmar and the northeastern states of India.
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Program Highlights:
The workshop featured interactive sessions, input from professional speakers, team-building exercises, and discussions aimed at finding resolutions to the challenges faced by displaced populations. Participants actively engaged in sharing personal experiences and insights, contributing to the collective effort towards effective resolution and community development.
As we reflect on the outcomes of this workshop and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the Impulse NGO Network, Myanmar YMCA, and Cod Nerc, we are reminded of the resilience and determination of communities in the face of adversity. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
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Aligning with World YMCA Vision 2030: Myanmar YMCA's Response to the Humanitarian Crisis
In the face of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, the Myanmar YMCA has demonstrated exemplary commitment to addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable populations while also aligning with the core pillars of the World YMCA Vision 2030. As we navigate through these challenging times, it is crucial to recognize and commend the efforts of organizations like the Myanmar YMCA, whose work embodies the principles of sustainability, social justice, and community well-being.
By Alex Kaung Myat Htoo
Country Team Lead | Humanitarian Programme Manager
Impulse NGO Network Humanitarian Relief Support Programme
National Council of YMCAs of Myanmar
Pakistan YMCA Relief Distribution
Last Updated (Monday, 31 October 2022 11:47)
The Lahore YMCA distributed relief packets containing 10 kg flour, 2 kg rice, 2 kg sugar, 2 kg lentils, 2 kg ghee (cooking oil in some cases), one packet tea, 6 bathing soaps, one packet powdered pepper and one packet washing powder to around 180 families of the Nowshera District at two points namely Pir Sabaq village and Christ Church. The families who were enlisted during the assessment stage included Christians, Muslims and Hindus. A thanksgiving service was held at the church in which Rev Shajeel Khan in his sermon spoke of the difficulties of people and how all the different religious communities came together at church to support and help each other in the difficult time. He explained how through joint efforts they were able to keep the community kitchen running throughout the crisis.
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| ↑ Beneficiary receives relief packs from Lahore YMCA flood relief distribution | ↑ Packaging of relief items from distribution |
The relief packets that were prepared and packed by the YMCA staff were distributed to enlisted beneficiaries. The task was completed in coordination with Christ Church Nowshera (under Peshawar Diocese, Church of Pakistan) and Youth Development Association Development. At the time of distribution, the affected people are still in need of hygiene kits including mosquito nets.
The flood came in the last week of August and first week of September. Although the water has receded, the destruction it caused was visible in the areas near River Kabul. The flood has destroyed the people’s livelihood, cattle and farm animals. Most women complained on losing their sewing machines on which they used for livelihood. As such, the YMCA plans to provide training for making high end quality clothes that they could sell to markets and train as beautician so that they could set up their own saloons for business.
By: Mr. Emanuel Sarfraz, General Secretary, YMCA Lahore
Appeal for support to displaced families affected by the floods in Pakistan
Last Updated (Wednesday, 31 August 2022 17:23)
To: National General Secretaries, National Presidents, APAY Board and Related Partners
Dear Colleagues,
The Lahore YMCA in Pakistan appeals for donation for those affected and displaced families by the flood.
Pakistan is facing the worst humanitarian disaster since the floods in 2010. There has been urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad and some other cities like Rawalpindi while the flash floods continue to play havoc in Balochistan for many weeks. The province of Balochistan, which is arid and barren region has received 500 percent more rain than the average it did every year. There have been reports of glacier melting and unusual increased rainfall in upper part of the country.
Over 30 million people have been directly affected and displaced with more than 10 million people becoming homeless and displaced. Their houses have been washed away. More than 200 bridges and 40 dams have collapsed. Over 300 kilometres of metalled roads and highways have been damaged. In cities the roads are in dilapidated condition and sewerage system has collapsed. More than 800k livestock have been killed.
The Lahore YMCA is working with Social Welfare Department of Punjab government and other NGOs to support the most vulnerable in the crisis, which are children and women. The immediate needs that will be distributed includes clean drinking water, food, clothes and tents for temporarily shelter.
Your support during this difficult time is deeply appreciated. We will provide you with more details as soon as we receive them from Lahore YMCA. All funds can be transmitted to the following bank account:
Read more: Appeal for support to displaced families affected by the floods in Pakistan
An unexpected fire broke out at the YMCA International Centre in Sri Lanka; buildings are partially damaged!
Last Updated (Tuesday, 02 August 2022 11:34)
A fire broke out in the early morning on the 23rd of July at the YMCA International Center in Kurana, Katunayake. Many from the global YMCA community and APAY reached out to us with solidarity and support. We are eternally grateful to all in the greater YMCA family for their camaraderie and concern during this time.
While the fire completely consumed a small auto-repair shop adjoining the YIC, the same fire, by the providence of God Almighty, left the YIC mostly untouched. By the mercy of our Divine Father, there were no casualties nor injuries in the incident in either of the buildings. The flames consumed the façade of the building, which at this point mainly was cladding. The fire destroyed one bedroom and the building’s elevator, while some damage was inflicted on five more bedrooms. At present, the cause of the fire remains unknown, but Police investigations are ongoing.
The YIC is in a widely renowned location for the global YMCA community. Hence since 2014, the entire premises have been on lease to Kelaniya Tourist Hotel Pvt Ltd (Hotel Clarion). While we will proactively oversee the reconstruction effort, no fiscal obligation will devolve to us, which is particularly opportune given the turbulent economic situation in the country. Of course, we have been in litigation with Hotel Clarion for a few years due to persistent defaults in paying rentals. The case was settled in March this year by new terms of engagement; however, the hotel company was once more in default of its obligation when the fire broke out.
The National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka expresses its profound and lasting gratitude to the global fraternity of YMCA brothers and sisters who have solidarity with us, including a few who were physically present to offer their support during this time. The Almighty's guidance has allowed us to create a better and brighter National YMCA movement in a spirit of unity.
Appeal for support to deliver emergency relief to the affected families in Leyte, Philippines
Last Updated (Tuesday, 03 May 2022 16:49)
22nd April 2022
To: National General Secretaries, National Presidents, APAY Board and Related Partners
Re: Appeal for support to deliver emergency relief to the affected families in Leyte, Philippines
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Leyte YMCA in Visayas, the YMCA of the Philippines appeals for the generosity of the YMCA family and members to support the delivery of emergency to those affected by Typhoon Megi (Agaton).
The passage of Tropical Storm Megi (locally known as Typhoon Agaton) on April 10-11, 2022 over Eastern Visayas Region in the Philippines caused floods and landslides, which resulted in casualties and damage across the region and the neighboring areas. As of recent report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 178 people have died (156 of which in Eastern Visayas), 111 are missing and 8 others have been injured. There are approximately 307,500 people displaced, while more than 2 million have been affected. About 11,300 houses, 58 road sections and eight bridges have been damaged or destroyed. In Baybay (Leyte), the city reported a total of 101 deaths, 102 left missing, and 103 injured, with a landslide covering an entire barangay (village) of 210 households in mud. In Pilar Village, Abuyog (also in Leyte), 26 people were killed, 96 were injured, 150 left missing, and 80 percent of houses were buried. Rescue and retrieval efforts are still being conducted by the concerned governments agencies, as the family victims, many of whom are children, women and aged are jampacked in evacuation centers still uncertain as to when they will be relocated to a permanent shelter. The YMCA of Leyte will distribute blankets, sleeping mats, hygiene and health kits to around 400 families. Likewise, food packs and clothings will also be distributed to three (3) evacuation centers.
Read more...
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