Community-Driven Recovery: Cyclone Nargis One Year On

 The damage and destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis affected the lives of millions in Myanmar. Over one-third of the population of the Ayeyar- wady Delta was directly impacted by the cyclone, and thousands of people lost their lives, homes and livelihoods.
In spite of being overwhelmed by their own material and human losses, people in the affected villages immediately extended their helping hand to those in need of support. The swift, selfless, and resilient manner, in which communities reached out and supported each other, was unprecedent- ed.
One year on, considerable progress has been made towards easing the hardship and physical devastation that the cyclone inflicted. This is due in no small measure to the close cooperation between the authorities, international aid community, development partners and local communities, which has enabled the affected communities to look towards the future with renewed hope.