Following assessments, CARE emergency teams in Myanmar and Bangladesh found that Cyclone Mahasen caused little damage as it passed over coastal Bangladesh and spared Myanmar almost entirely.

“Thankfully, Cyclone Mahasen has not had the impact that we feared in Myanmar, but the Government’s and all stakeholders’ efforts and preparedness to respond have been laudable," said Brian Agland, CARE Country Director in Myanmar.

New York, 20 May 2013 – Myanmar is making progress towards the realization of its commitment to end the recruitment and use of children in its armed forces.

“The signature of an action plan in June 2012 was a major breakthrough and I commend the Government of Myanmar for taking important steps to better protect children,“ said Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.

(Yangon, 20 May 2013) Tropical Storm Mahasen weakened and dissipated on 17 May, with Rakhine State spared any serious impact, according to the latest assessments undertaken by humanitarian agencies. “The Government responded decisively and proactively to the threat of the storm, taking steps to address the needs of the most vulnerable and provide safety for those most at risk, in collaboration with humanitarian agencies,” the Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Ashok Nigam, said. The majority of over 100,000 people that were moved to safer places have returned voluntarily.

1. Bangladesh - Tropical Storm Mahasen struck southern districts on 16 May. The Joint Needs Assessment (JNA) is ongoing and preliminary findings are due to be presented tomorrow (21 May). 17 people have reportedly lost their lives, JNA results will provide a better understand of the impact of the cyclone on shelter and livelihoods.
   Source: PDC, OCHA Flash Update No. 7

Myanmar's victims of sectarian strife were spared the full force of Cyclone Mahasen, but many are now returning to flimsy tents in flood-prone camps with the rainy season just weeks away.

Burma: Telecoms Risk Complicity in Surveillance, Censorship

Mobile, Internet Companies Need Rights Safeguards as They Enter Market

After making landfall in Bangladesh and moving forward to the northeast away from Myanmar, Tropical Cyclone Mahasen weakened and dissipated on 17 May. Relevant storm tracking sites stopped tracking the weather system once it moved over northern Bangladesh early on 17 May.

As of midday today, the Government of Bangladesh had reported six deaths, and a limited number of people in flood affected districts were injured. While assessments are ongoing, in light of the potential damage anticipated over the last five days, reported damage to houses has been limited.

MERCY Malaysia Head of Relief Operation, Hew Cheong Yew is currently in the Rakhine region, assessing the needs of the distressed community, as well as providing basic medical aid

According Hew, he is now working together with the local government as well as other NGOs in the area to serve those who have been relocated due to Cyclone Mahasen to schools and monasteries which are currently being used as evacuation centers