Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and neighboring countries on Friday, March 28th, relief efforts are underway in Southeast Asia. According to an update from Myanmar authorities on Saturday, the death toll has surpassed 200. Authorities also report over 3,000 injuries and more than 100 missing persons.
In Thailand, officials in Bangkok report 10 deaths, including nine at a collapsed construction site, and over 70 people remain unaccounted for.
Myanmar’s military government, which is currently in power, declared a state of emergency in several regions impacted by the earthquake on Friday and made a rare appeal for international humanitarian assistance.
Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar, has experienced extensive damage and numerous injuries.
As recovery efforts begin in the affected areas, consider ways to provide humanitarian aid.
Here are options for assisting those affected by the Myanmar earthquake.
U.N. Crisis Relief
The is seeking donations in addition to the $5 million already allocated from the U.N. Emergency Fund by Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher. Donations will be directed to the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund to provide essential resources such as food, water, shelter, and basic support during this critical period.
Red Cross
The Red Crescent is actively working to provide emergency assistance and reach those affected by the earthquake as quickly as possible. Teams from the Myanmar Red Cross Society are also facilitating emergency blood donations to hospitals and clinics.
UNICEF USA
, originally known as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, focuses its disaster relief efforts on addressing the needs of children. The organization is requesting donations specifically to support children affected and displaced by the earthquake. According to UNICEF’s website, “UNICEF and partners are reaching children in need, including in front line and hard-to-reach areas, with lifesaving services despite these significant challenges—but critically low funding remains a major issue.”
Save the Children
is an international NGO dedicated to protecting vulnerable children. They have launched a “Children’s Emergency Fund” to provide shelter and other basic necessities to young people in Myanmar affected by the disaster.
Project HOPE
is committed to addressing both immediate and long-term needs, including primary and mental health, shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene, for those affected by the earthquake. The organization has a history of responding to natural disasters, including providing humanitarian aid to countries such as Morocco, Syria, Turkey, and Haiti.
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