Myanmar is a country exposed to a number of hazards such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, forest fires, etc. Over the decades, Myanmar has experienced a number of
cyclones, floods and landslides. Major parts of the country specially the coastal region are
mostly affected by the hazards. The most devastating recent hazard event, cyclone Nargis, hit
the country in 2008 and did a significant damage to the lives and properties in the Ayeyarwady delta region. More than 80,000 people died, thousands of families were homeless and many basic infrastructures were damaged due to this disaster.

Rakhine State, situated on the western coast of Myanmar, is prone to several hazard types. Cyclones that originated in the Bay of Bengal could make a direct hit to the state, resulting in damage and losses due to strong wind as well as coastal flood. Cyclone Giri (October 2010) and cyclone Mala (April 2006) are prime examples of recent cyclones that heavily affected Rakhine State. Moreover, the mountainous areas of the state have faced a landslide problem in the past, especially in the rainy season. In June 2010, a total of 46 people were killed in a landslide triggered by heavy rain in Maungtaw township of the state.

Initiatives have been taken to reduce the disaster risk at different levels ranging from national, regional and local arenas after cyclone Nargis. However, the recent 2 cyclones that heavily affected Rakhine State revealed the needs to further improve disaster preparedness system of the state both at the state as well as the local levels. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) of Myanmar, in collaboration with the Rakhine State government and the Relief and Resettlement Department of the Myanmar government, has taken initiative to conduct a multi hazard risk assessment for Rakhine State. The project was implemented by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) in partnership with the Myanmar Engineering Society (MES) as its local partner. The project was largely
implemented by consultation and coordination with all focal government departments, academia, international agencies and local NGOs.