Myanmar earthquake: how to help?
On Friday 28th March, Myanmar was struck by its worst earthquake in over a century, causing more than 2000 deaths and 3900 injured. These numbers are still rising, as the full extent of the disaster is only gradually becoming apparent.
Damage was reported in Mandalay, Sagaing, Yangon, Naypyitaw, Aungban, Nyaung Shwe (Inle), Kyaukse, Magway, and Taunggyi.
The earthquake aggravated the already extremely challenging conditions of its inhabitants, as the country has been devastated by a civil war since 2021, that has left almost 20 million people in dire living conditions. 15.2 million people – one in four – were already experiencing food insecurity. Now the earthquake left thousands of families without shelter.
Despite the challenging aspects of acting in contested areas, Alliance2015 members present in Myanmar are deploying their best efforts to help as many people as possible.
What are Alliance2015 members doing?
From the very first day of the crisis, Alliance2015 members have been collaborating closely at both Head Quarters and country levels to pool their resources, expertise, and strengths to provide the fastest and most effective support to the disaster-affected population.
ACTED has mobilized its personnel to several affected cities and is providing cash assistance to address the urgent need for non-food items and potable water in highly affected areas.
Find here the link to support ACTED in this Emergency Response.
CESVI is on the ground in the regions of Mandalay and Southern Shan State, both areas already targeted by their projects. The first goal is to start emergency education interventions as soon as possible so that children do not miss school. In parallel, CESVI is trying to obtain and distribute potable water and food in the areas most affected by the Earthquake.
Find here the link to help CESVI in their urgent mission.
HELVETAS is present in several locations providing emergency responses on the ground, providing access to food, hygiene kits, medical care, and emergency shelter, working with local partners and is mobilizing funds to address emergency needs.
You can support HELVETAS through this link.
People In Need is assessing the scale of damage and identifying the urgent needs through partners in the affected areas and has immediately mobilized funds for an initial emergency response.
WHH is also on the ground, expanding its humanitarian assistance in the hard-hit region around the city of Mandalay. As a first step, the organization is providing 100,000 euros in emergency aid for the victims of the earthquake.
WHH is considering expanding its existing support for people in need with food, cash and hygiene kits. “Local village committees, with whom we have been working for several years, will be of great importance. They know the local needs best and organize the first local aid,” says Henry Braun, Country Director of WHH in Yangon.
