Alliance partners in this Joint Response – World Vision, Stichting Vluchteling, ZOA, CARE, Cordaid and Tearfund – together with several local partners are launching joint emergency relief efforts in Myanmar over the next six months to alleviate the immediate suffering caused by the disaster and provide essential support to those affected. The assistance focuses particularly on the regions of Sagaing and Mandalay, and includes shelter, food, water, mattresses/blankets, hygiene, health care, psycho-social care and financial support.

As the aftershocks of the earthquakes continue, many people are left fearing further devastation and are taking refuge in makeshift shelters, such as tents on the streets. The recent earthquakes are the largest to strike Myanmar since 1948. As of now, more than 1,000 casualties have been reported, with projections suggesting the death toll could rise to as many as 10,000 in the coming days (USGS). Over 2,300 people have been injured, and hundreds more remain missing or trapped under debris.

In addition to the tragic loss of life, significant infrastructure damage has been reported. In Mandalay, many buildings have collapsed, and in Naypyidaw, the country’s capital, roads have buckled. Power outages and internet disruptions are widespread, while essential infrastructure, including bridges and roads, has been severely damaged, rendering many areas completely or partially impassable.

Myanmar’s ability to respond to this disaster is further compounded by the ongoing political and civil unrest that has plagued the country since the military coup of 2021. The coup, which led to a violent and economically crippling civil war, has battered Myanmar’s health infrastructure, severely limiting its capacity to handle large-scale emergencies. In particular, the northwest regions, including Chin, Magway, Mandalay, and Sagaing, continue to face intense conflict, putting civilians at grave risk.

All Joint Responses of the Dutch Relief Alliance are funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Photo: World Vision