1. Debriefing OCHA/IASC Geneva November 2008 Inter-Agency Real Time Evaluation of the Response to Cyclone Nargis

2. 2 Path of Cyclone Nargis

3. 3 Introduction Objectives of the RTE Methodology

4. 4 Overall Findings The Humanitarian Response has generally gone very well…but the international community can only take limited credit for the quality & timeliness of the response There are two areas that require particular focus in “real time”: –Livelihoods –Disaster Risk Reduction

5. 5 Bogalay Township: “Who-What-Where”

6. 6 Thayaw Chaung Village

7. 7 Sar Phu Su Village

8. 8 Bogalay Township: RTE Team Itinerary

9. 9 Accountability Level of beneficiary participation? Some efforts have been made (e.g. FAO HH surveys); Communication remains one-way; Much more could be done, particularly for recovery planning.

10. 10 Accountability Effectiveness of Accountability Mechanisms? Good efforts by a number of actors (e.g. WFP, Care, WVI, ActionAid, NCV); What was ‘good enough’ during the response phase should be strengthened; Check list initiatives.

11. 11 Accountability Are funding levels adequate? Humanitarian funding has been adequate; There are serious concerns about funding for continuing humanitarian needs and recovery.

12. 12 Predictability Are the clusters effective at mobilization and setting direction? Clusters at the central level have performed relatively well; Some unmet relief needs (water, psychosocial) More effort must be made to better link with the field, local organizations and beneficiaries.

13. 13 Predictability How effective has strategic planning been: Humanitarian? Not very strong; Recovery? Lots of activity now but concerns about the level or beneficiary consultation.

14. 14 Predictability What has been the role of national entities? Extensive and critical; Capacity Building? Much more is required; Sustainability? Issues of legal status, funding and capacity.

15. 15 Predictability What was the effect on restrictions to deploying international staff? Affected populations did not receive assistance as quickly as they would have.

16. 16 Coordination and Planning How can we improve the clusters? Fewer meetings, more outreach activities; Strengthen linkages and consultation with the field and beneficiaries; Improve inter-cluster coordination on specific issues (e.g. dry season water) Rationalize the clusters.

17. 17 Coordination and Planning What was the effect of partnerships? The role of ASEAN was critical to access; The TCG has played an invaluable role in facilitating humanitarian activities.

18. 18 Conclusions A generally effective Humanitarian response, but… Some remaining humanitarian needs (DRR, dry season water, psychosocial); Need to strengthen linkages with field, beneficiary consultation; and Coherent recovery planning and adequate funding.