London: The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), a coalition of 15 UK aid agencies, including the British Red Cross, Oxfam, and Save the Children, has launched an appeal to assist thousands affected by last week’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar and neighbouring regions.
The appeal aims to raise funds for shelter, food, medicine, water, and cash support, particularly before the monsoon season arrives in two months.
According to Myanmar’s military government, over 2,800 people have died, and more than 4,500 have been injured, with the death toll expected to rise. International aid groups and foreign governments have deployed relief teams and supplies, but urgent humanitarian assistance is still needed.
Baroness Chapman, the UK’s Minister for Development, announced that public donations to the DEC appeal will be matched pound-for-pound by the UK government, up to £5 million. DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed stressed the dire need for funds, describing the situation as “ever more critical.”
The earthquake has exacerbated an already severe humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where ongoing conflict between the Military Junta and resistance groups has displaced millions. The DEC estimates that one-third of Myanmar’s population was already in need of aid before the disaster.
Myanmar’s military government declared a temporary ceasefire until April 22 to facilitate relief efforts, following unilateral ceasefires declared earlier by rebel groups.
However, reports indicate aid workers have been attacked, with Myanmar’s military allegedly firing at a Chinese Red Cross convoy carrying relief supplies. The UN and several charities have also accused the junta of obstructing humanitarian access.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that Myanmar’s death toll could surpass 10,000, while economic losses from infrastructure damage may exceed the country’s annual output. Mandalay, the city closest to the epicenter, has suffered severe destruction to roads, water systems, and hospitals.
In Thailand, the earthquake has claimed at least 21 lives.
Meanwhile, the Red Cross has launched a $100 million (£77 million) appeal, and the UN is seeking $8 million to support its response efforts. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has also emphasized the immediate need for medical care, clean water, tents, and food for survivors.
The DEC’s coordinated response aims to ensure that aid reaches those most in need as quickly as possible.
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