INTERNATIONAL AID POURS INTO MYANMAR AFTER DEVASTATING QUAKE

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, March 30 (Bernama) -- International aid is flooding into Myanmar following a catastrophic earthquake that struck on Friday, leaving widespread destruction and loss of life.

The magnitude 7.7 earthquake, followed by a 6.4 aftershock, has left entire regions devastated, with Naypyitaw, Mandalay, Tanintharyi, Bago, and Kayah, among the hardest-hit.

The Myanmar Department of Disaster Management reported significant damage to infrastructure and properties, and a rising death toll.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, a global humanitarian response has been mobilised, with countries and international organisations rushing to provide vital assistance.

According to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), the United Nations has allocated US$5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support life-saving relief efforts in the worst-affected communities.

The European Union has pledged €2.5 million to assist in emergency relief and recovery efforts, while the Myanmar Red Cross Society has deployed essential supplies, including blankets, tarpaulins, and hygiene kits, to the affected regions.

“Volunteers are supporting response efforts in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyitaw,” the Centre stated in its situation update report, adding that the Singapore Red Cross has committed US$111,850 to relief efforts in Myanmar and Thailand, alongside a public fundraising appeal.

Meanwhile, PLAN International is conducting assessments in Mandalay and is set to distribute non-food items such as blankets, tarpaulins, and clean drinking water.

The non-governmental organisation, which focuses on promoting children's rights and gender equality, launched a public appeal on Saturday to raise additional funds for those in need.

India has also stepped in to assist, sending 15.3 tonnes of relief supplies on Saturday. The materials include tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, hygiene kits, solar lamps, and essential medical supplies.

Alongside the financial and material aid, multiple international search and rescue teams have been mobilised to assist with ongoing rescue operations, AHA Centre reported.

Russia’s Emergency Control Ministry (EMERCOM)’s Central Airmobile Rescue team, comprising 60 personnel and two dogs, is en route to Myanmar, while the China Search and Rescue team is sending 80 personnel and three dogs.

Canada’s Medical Assistance Teams are also deploying an Emergency Medical Team consisting of two physicians and one nurse to provide primary healthcare and medical transport.

-- BERNAMA