FLOODING THE MARKET
IDE Responds to Cyclone Nargis
On May 2, Cyclone Nargis hammered the southern coast of Myanmar (Burma) with 120mph winds and tidal waves that drowned entire villages along the low-lying Irrawaddy Delta. IDE staff working in the affected areas told tales of horror: dead bodies clogging waterways, injured and traumatized survivors with no access to clinical care or basic necessities.
As one of the few agencies with the capacity and the permission to operate in the most-affected areas, IDE quickly dedicated 125 staff to a rapid relief effort. Teams are providing clean water stations, emergency shelter and support to local relief centers that provide food and other basic necessities.
But how does an organization that usually works with farmers and agricultural technology transform itself into an effective relief operation?
First, IDE has found innovative uses for its existing irrigation technologies. Treadle pumps are being used to fill 200-gallon WaterBaskets – low-cost plastic and bamboo water containers – with purified drinking water.
Second, IDE is leveraging its extensive connections with local manufacturing and transport companies. The WaterBaskets and pumps are produced in Rangoon, using local materials. IDE is using its connections with a number of suppliers to purchase items like plastic sheeting for emergency shelter.
Finally, IDE understands the importance of using and building up local businesses as much as possible, even during an emergency. IDE will be a lead agency in the urgent agricultural recovery phase – helping farmers to plant their rice and other crops in June and July, by issuing vouchers that farmers can use to buy seed, fertilizer and irrigation equipment from local shops.