Myanmar Flood 2008 Geography Case Study

Introduction
The May 2008 Flood in Burma was caused by perhaps one of the most deadliest cyclones in history. Cyclone Nargis swept through the southern coast of Burma causing massive human loss of life and a huge environmental destruction. Advancing through the area at an average speed of 215 km/h, the cyclone has been estimated to kill nearly a hundred thousand people, causing more than $10 billion of damage. Several European charity organizations fear that due to the lack of aid, over 1 million people could have died in the cyclone, making it the third worst natural disaster in the history of our planet. Path of Cyclone Nargis Causes The catastrophic flooding in Myanmar was caused by Cyclone Nargis. In combination with high speed winds of over 200km/h blowing over a 10-hour period of time, numerous, strong, tropical storm surges, the South East Asian monsoon season had created a devastating cyclone. The extremely high death toll among the Burmese citizens was caused by the lack of sea defenses. At the sea-side, where sand and shingle have been removed for construction, coasts were subjected to erosion. Supported by the cyclone, the sea-water overcame the coasts and spread over an area of hundreds of square kilometers on the low-lying Burmese land.

Many scientists and investigators continue to discuss whether Cyclone Nargis and the following flood were a result of the worlds climate change.

Consequences
The United Nations estimated that 1.5 million people were affected by this cyclone. However, since the Burmese Military Leaders did not count the total the death toll from Cyclone Nargis, the number of dead remains unknown. There are more than 50,000 missing bodies many of which have been washed into the sea. In the Irrawaddy delta, the worst hit area of Burma, 700 000 houses were destroyed, making 2 to 3 million people homeless. Three-quarters of all livestock were killed, half the Burmese fishing fleet was sunk and a million acres of rice paddies were destroyed by sea water surges. Power and telecommunication lines were cut off for several weeks. Many roads were completely damaged and became impassable. In the following weeks, the outbreak mosquito and water-borne diseases caused many more to die. Responses Due to the poverty and lack of infrastructure in the country, the government has been unable to provide the Burmese citizens with sufficient help and immediately asked the United Nations for help. The United Nations gave Burma over 25 tones of consumable goods and medical supplies. Country USA UK Italy Thailand Aid 41,000,000 USD 33,500,000 700,000 USD + 30 tones of relief equipment 100,000 USD, 30 tones of

Malaysia

medical supplies + 12 tons of food supplies 450,000 USD + 180 trained doctors