Tearfund Launches Urgent Emergency Appeal to Address Devastating Myanmar Earthquake
Tearfund partners carrying out search and rescue efforts have described the situation in Myanmar as ‘chaotic and severe’ with hospitals overwhelmed and injured patients being treated outside in car parks and on the street. More than 2,000 people have been killed by the 7.7 earthquake that shook the country last week. Thousands of people are injured and hundreds are still missing. Estimates suggest that the death toll could rise to as many as 10,000 people. Extensive damage to infrastructure and water supply systems also pose a serious long term risk that water-borne diseases will take hold.
Tearfund’s Programme Director for Myanmar, Jude Seares, said: “We are particularly concerned that disruption to power supplies means battery power is running low and communications will be difficult in the coming days as the devastation of this earthquake is more fully realised. Tearfund’s local partners are assessing whether markets are able to function in these conditions and will be working to provide access to food, clean water and temporary shelter.”
Rescue efforts are hindered by many obstacles such as damaged roads, downed power lines and disruptions to electricity and internet connectivity. The country’s military leadership have formally requested assistance from the international community.
For more information about the work of Tearfund or to donate, please visit www.tearfund.org/campaigns/myanmar-earthquake (live from 5pm today).
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For further information or interview requests call Esther Trewinnard on 07929 335606 or email [email protected], or for out of hours media enquiries please call 07929 339813.
Notes to editors
Tearfund has supported local partners in Myanmar since 1997, coming alongside local communities as they address poverty and environmental issues and develop strategies to reduce the vulnerability of people living in rural areas. Myanmar has the fifth highest number of people in need of humanitarian assistance globally – 20 million, or about a third of the country.
Tearfund is a Christian charity that partners with churches in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries. We tackle poverty through sustainable development, responding to disasters and challenging injustice. We believe an end to extreme poverty is possible. Tearfund is also a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee. For more information about the work of Tearfund, please visit www.tearfund.org.
