"This document has been elaborated by humanitarian partners to address existing humanitarian concerns in view of protracted displacement and the likelihood of the worsening of the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State anticipating the upcoming rains and the possibility for further violence across the State and possibly beyond. It is composed of three sections: a) Introduction, b) Preparedness Plan for the rains (to be implemented between March and June 2013) and c) Contingency Planning for natural and human-made disasters. Chapter a) and b) are included in this document, while chapter c) is under elaboration. Inter-communal conflict in Rakhine State started in early June 2012 and resurged in October 2012. This has resulted in the displacement of people, loss of lives and livelihoods and restricted movement for many. Conditions in most camps are still far below international emergency standards eight months after the crisis started: shelter, water and sanitation, health and other services are insufficient. Access to livelihood and basic services has been further complicated by prolonged displacement of people or their living in isolated villages. Rakhine State is prone to impacts of cyclones and s uffered of severe floods and the situation of IDPs camps is going to further worsen during the rainy season which will start in May unless immediate action is taken. Meeting the immediate shelter needs of 69,000 people before the rainy season is a top priority as they are located in flood-prone camps and/or living in tents and makeshift shelters which will not withstand the rains. The situation is particularly concerning in 13 camps in Sittwe (40,000 people), Pauktaw (20,000 people), Myebon (3,900) people which will be inundated as they are in former paddy fields or close to the shore and at risk of storm surge. Another 5,000 IDPs are not in appropriate shelters to withstand the rains. Flooding will result in a rapid deterioration of shelter, water a nd sanitation and health conditions. Overflowing of latrines and lack of drainage will increase risks of water-borne diseases, morbidity and mortality. The following actions, which can only be taken by the Government are needed..."