After the Storm: Recovery, Resilience Reinforced - Final Evaluation of the Cyclone Nargis Operation in Myanmar, 2008 - 2011

(MRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRC) between 2008 and 2011 successfully contributed to the recovery of communities
across 13 townships that had been severely affected by the disaster that occurred on
May 2nd and 3rd, 2008. As this report shows, MRCS and IFRC managed to provide
relief and recovery against substantial challenges - difficult access for international
staff, initial weaknesses of MRCS, and the sheer scale of destruction. The experience
of the operation and instrumental support of the IFRC have led to a significantly more
capable MRCS. As the operation has wound down, the present and future challenge is
for MRCS to sustain its recent capacity gains and to grow further - in order to serve
vulnerable communities even better in future.

Based on the review of earlier reports and programme documents, qualitative
research, and a community survey, this final evaluation analyses the operation along
seven criteria and provides key lessons learnt and recommendations. “After the
storm” sets out by setting the context - describing the immense destruction caused
and the response operation that ensued. To be able to deliver relief and recovery
programmes effectively, the Cyclone Nargis operation saw the establishment of nine
operational hubs that became its cornerstone. Through close collaboration with
township branches and IFRC field offices, and leadership and support from MRCS
headquarters and IFRC, the operation delivered programmes in shelter, livelihood,
health, PSP, and water/sanitation. With a volume of CHF 68.5 Mio, the operation
assisted some 100,000 households to cope, rebound and regain their livelihoods.