Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand

Myanmar and Thailand have been struck by a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, causing widespread destruction. This is a huge humanitarian crisis.

The earthquake was followed by a significant aftershock of 6.4M approximately 12 minutes later. When the epicenter hit central Myanmar, tremors were felt as far as China.

More than six million people are thought to have been in areas experiencing the intense tremors. Hospitals in Myanmar are overwhelmed, and extreme temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius have increased risks for communities and responders. With water supplies scarce, the threat of disease is growing.

Across Myanmar, people are missing or feared dead, their homes turned to rubble. For thousands, the only option is to live in damaged homes, flee, or sleep outside —but conflict makes displacement within Myanmar even more dangerous. People need urgent humanitarian assistance.

Vulnerable people in these countries will be homeless and in need of emergency shelter. 

ShelterBox has deployed a team to Thailand to coordinate efforts and determine how best to support those affected by the earthquake across the region. Early reports show people in Myanmar need shelter, access to clean drinking water, mosquito nets, and hygiene materials. We are focusing our efforts on Myanmar because it has been the most severely impacted by the earthquake.

We are working on what support we can offer. Items like tents and tarpaulins, water filters, mosquito nets, cooking sets, and solar lights are often relevant in these situations. 

Tents might work for people living outside in towns and cities. Shelter repair kits, tarpaulins, and tool kits may be useful for people in more rural areas where they can more easily make their own repairs.

We are also working closely with Rotary contacts across the region, including members in Myanmar. Rotarian members in Bangkok and Myanmar are providing invaluable support, information, and coordination.

Your support is crucial in making this response possible.

In Myanmar, the devastating earthquake has intensified an already dire humanitarian crisis. Hospitals are overwhelmed, struggling to treat the injured. Communication networks are failing, and blocked roads make aid delivery and rescue efforts nearly impossible.

Large numbers of people are forced to sleep outside, afraid of aftershocks and unable to return to their homes. Food supplies are low, with 15.2 million people at risk of food insecurity prior to the quake. Without clean drinking water, the risk of disease is extreme. Medical support is stretched thin, and the lack of shelter means families are exposed to harsh conditions with no protection.

The ongoing conflict is making rescue efforts even harder. People are desperately searching for missing loved ones, but with restricted access, many remain trapped or missing. The recovery of bodies is becoming increasingly difficult as communities struggle to find and bury their dead amidst the destruction.

This latest disaster has pushed the people of Myanmar to the brink. Already surviving through conflict and displacement, their resilience is a testament to their strength – but as conditions deteriorate, survival becomes even harder.

ShelterBox is ready to respond, to provide emergency shelter like tents and tarpaulins, as well as water filters, mosquito nets and solar lights. We need your support to reach those who need help the most.

Please, if you can, donate today.

Header Image at top: Lilian Suwanrumpha via Getty Images

Banner Image: Andre Malerba/Bloomberg via Getty Images