Earthquake emergency appeal launched for Myanmar earthquake response
Fifteen leading Australian aid organisations today launched a centralised appeal for victims of the earthquakes in Myanmar.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Mandalay, Myanmar yesterday. The tremors were felt in neighbouring countries, Thailand, India, Laos, Bangladesh and China.
Myanmar's government has declared a state of emergency across six regions: Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, Shan State, and Naypyidaw.
Significant damage includes the collapse of multiple multi-story buildings in Mandalay and the destruction of the Ava Bridge in Sagaing. This has severely disrupted transportation and communications to Sagaing region.
Information coming out of Myanmar say at least 140 people have died. Hundreds have been injured and many more are missing. The BBC reports rescue teams are digging through the rubble with their bare hands to find survivors.
Most of the buildings in Mandalay have collapsed and the Mandalay General Hospital has also been damaged and is almost full. The earthquake has further exacerbated Myanmar’s ongoing humanitarian crisis which includes armed conflict displacing over 3.5 million people.
Existing health challenges like disease outbreaks continue to spread, and the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) is critically underfunded.
EAA unites 15 leading Australian charities that come together to help respond to humanitarian emergencies.
EAA Executive Director Kerren Morris says: “Right now EAA member organisations are working with their local partners on the ground to provide immediate, life-saving aid to the disaster response, including search and rescue efforts as people remain trapped in the rubble,” Ms Morris said.
“They are doing all they can, but we urgently need donations to help those who will need shelter, food, and other assistance.
“We are urging Australians to give whatever they can to help.”
CEO of Plan International Australia, Susanne Legena says charities need urgent help.
“We’re in dire need of immediate financial assistance to provide tents, mattresses, blankets, food, drinking water, baby items and clothing,” Ms Legena said.
EAA encourages Australians to support the Myanmar earthquake appeal by donating online at https://myanmar.emergencyaction.org.au
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MEDIA: Spokespeople, including those in Myanmar, are available for interview. Images and b-roll are also available on request. [email protected]
About Emergency Action Alliance (EAA): EAA brings together 15 leading Australian NGOs to raise funds quickly and efficiently to respond to humanitarian emergencies as they unfold. Members include ActionAid Australia, Act For Peace, ADRA, Anglican Overseas Aid, Australia for UNHCR, Australian Lutheran World Service, Baptist World Aid Australia, CARE Australia, Caritas Australia, CBM Australia, ChildFund Australia, Oxfam Australia, Plan International Australia, Save the Children Australia, and Tearfund Australia.