Myanmar is one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, suffering from decades of stagnation, mismanagement, and isolation. It has recently transitioned from military dictatorship to civilian rule, with the first general elections for 20 years held in 2010. A largely rural, densely-forested country, Myanmar has natural resources, but the masses are not yet benefiting from these resources.
A quarter of people in Nepal live below the national poverty line on less than 50¢ (37p) a day. Around 70% of the population rely on agriculture for an income however, in remote mountain areas, food prices are exceedingly high due to the lack of arable land and the time taken to deliver goods through supply routes. With food prices up to twice the cost as in urban areas, food insecurity is an even greater risk for families in these areas.
With frequent natural disasters in an area of insufficient agricultural economic growth from agriculture – accounting for a large segment of the country’s economy – combined with an increasing population, many families are left struggling to survive.
Life is incredibly challenging for families across Nepal:
Islamic Relief has been providing critical emergency aid in Nepal over the last few years. When the devastating 2015 earthquake hit, we supported over 2.2 million survivors after launching an appeal as a member of the UK Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).
We provided £83 million to assist families across 14 of worst-hit districts offering immediate and long-term aid included emergency shelter, tents, tarpaulin, food, blankets, water purification tablets, cooking pots, education services, healthcare and winter shelter and clothing kits for displaced families.
Just two years later, when flash flooding hit India and parts of Nepal in late 2017, our teams on the ground supported the immediate humanitarian needs of people affected by the flooding in the Katihar District. We provided water filters, hygiene kits and emergency shelter kits. We remain committed to assisting displaced, vulnerable families across Nepal and provide support throughout the harsh winter months.