Myanmar declared state of emergency after it was hit on Friday 28 March by a very strong earthquake of magnitude 7.7 and a following one of 6.4, with epicenter 16 km north-west of Saigang.
The country is facing an incomparable humanitarian crisis, with over 3,000 people killed and more than 4,700 injured, with numbers expected to increase, also due to the high number of missing people.
The worst affected cities were Mandalay, the second largest city in the country with 1.5 million inhabitants, situated just 17 kilometres from the epicenter of the earthquake, Sagaing, Naypyitaw, Bago and Southern Shan.
Along with our partner ChildFund Myanmar, and in coordination with the humanitarian response, we are rapidly assessing the most urgent needs in the affected areas in order to activate the first emergency response. Initial response is likely to focus on shelter, water and psychological support, especially for children. HELP US
Win May Htway, Country Director for ChildFund Myanmar, reports from the field: ‘There is a huge need for medical emergency services, while local health facilities are overwhelmed.
The immediate needs are clean water, food, shelter and psycho-social support, especially for children.
Survivors are afraid to return home and at night streets are full of people sleeping or resting outside We are working closely with our local partners, such as WeWorld, trying to offer immediate support to the population.’
ChildFund Myanmar has been present in the country since 2012, with offices in Mandalay, Kachin, Bago and Yangon.
