Myanmar: How to Help

The nation of Myanmar (Burma), a country in Southeast Asia that is home to over 54 million people, was hit by a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on Friday 28th March.

More than 10 million men, women and children have been directly affected by this quake, with the death toll currently sitting at 2,700 and expected to rise over the coming days.

Neighbouring Thailand has also felt the effects of the earthquake, as buildings have been destroyed and over 20 lives lost in that nation.

Organisations such as World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, Plan International and more, are all on the ground and working as fast as they can to help the people of Myanmar in these crucial early days.

With whole towns being completely destroyed, the nation is feeling the effects of losing not only homes, hospitals and schools, but also clean water, medical supplies and food – leading to more than just physical damage.

Who is on the ground?

The following agencies are just a few of the organisations with teams on the ground providing support:

Samaritan’s Purse have airlifted an emergency field hospital into the area.

Plan International is providing food, clean water and shelter, as well as helping to provide mental health support to those affected.

World Vision are providing emergency food, clean water, shelter, and hygiene kits to protect children and families in this critical time.

Tearfund’s local partners in Myanmar are involved in the search and rescue efforts and are providing immediate cash assistance to people who have been affected, enabling them to buy food, water and other urgent supplies.

Many agencies are on the ground providing support.

With the hardest hit areas being incredibly difficult to access already due to structural damage to roads and bridges, the civil war that has been affecting the country since 2021 is further impacting these rescue efforts, as roads and resources are being blocked and controlled by the military, according to ABC News.

How can we help?

So, what can you do to help?

Pray

First and foremost, Daniel Wordsworth asks people to pray – for the broken and hurting people of Myanmar and for the teams that are putting all their effort into helping the affected communities.

Pray also for the necessary ceasefire to happen so that aid can be safely delivered where it is needed most.

Child Sponsorship

World Vision have a child sponsorship program that you are encouraged to look into.

You can financially support a child at this time in their need for food, shelter, education and psychological support.

Donate

Head to worldvision.com.au to financially support the Myanmar earthquake response.

Article supplied by Hope Media.

Feature image: Photo by CanvaPro