URGENT: Myanmar Earthquake Humanitarian Response Appeal

You have probably seen the news about the devastating earthquake that struck the central parts of Myanmar on 28 March shortly after lunch local time. The tremors were felt across the region. Our office and the safe house for our Children Medical Fund in Chiang Mai shook violently but we are relieved to inform you that all our colleagues, patients and caregivers are safe. We also immediately reached out to our partners in the most affected areas in Myanmar to get a better understanding of the situation on the ground. We are comforted that also our partners’ staff and their students remained unharmed.

This quake was the largest to hit Myanmar in more than a century and caused widespread devastation especially in Mandalay and Sagaing and nearby regions. As of 29 March more than 1,000 people were already confirmed dead and the death toll is expected to raise significantly over the next few days.

Myanmar was already ravaged by the ongoing civil war after the military coup back in 2021. More than 3.5 million people were internally displaced and according to the World Food Programme a staggering 15.2 million people were unable to meet their minimum daily food needs, even before this earthquake. The whole situation is further aggravated by the cut of international development aid.

Child’s Dream with its vast and trusted network of partner organisations throughout Myanmar plans to urgently provide food, shelter, water and basic health to the most affected people. We fear that much needed resources will be redirected away from the displaced population in ethnic areas to the earthquake affected areas in the central parts of Myanmar. Therefore, we will assess the situation carefully together with our partners to ensure that we can reach the most vulnerable groups. Although there will be an immediate need, we plan to disburse roughly USD 1 million over the course of 12 months as ongoing support will be required.

The people of Myanmar have endured so much already. While their determination, commitment and resilience is inspiring, they need our help now more than ever before.