The UK Government announced a £10 million support package to help the people of Myanmar following the recent earthquakes that already killed up to 1,700 people. There are also 3,400 injured and about 300 individuals missing.
The British aid will be directed to the areas of greatest need after the tragedy and will focus on providing “food and water supplies, medicine, and shelter.”
The area that was hit the hardest is Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, where numerous buildings have collapsed, and critical infrastructure, such as bridges and highways, has been seriously damaged.
“The UK is sending immediate and life-saving support to the people of Myanmar following the devastating earthquake,” said Baroness Chapman, Minister of State for Development.
The international community, including Myanmar’s neighbours like India, China, and Thailand, has begun sending aid and rescue teams to assist in the relief efforts.
The rescue operations are ongoing, but efforts are hindered by aftershocks, damaged infrastructure, and shortages of medical supplies.
Polish charity organisations, including Caritas Poland and the Polish Emergency Services Foundation, have also started collections for victims of the Myanmar earthquake.
The Polish Emergency Services Foundation, a medical group made up of experienced rescuers and doctors from Europe, raises funds to buy rescue and medical equipment for local and European emergency services and to send to earthquake-affected areas.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is offering support to British nationals in both Myanmar and Thailand following the earthquake.
British nationals in Myanmar who require consular assistance can call British Embassy Yangon on +95 (01) 370 863/4/5/7. British Nationals who require consular assistance in Thailand can call British Embassy Bangkok on +66 (0) 2 305 8333. Anyone in the UK and concerned about a British national in Myanmar or Thailand you can contact the FCDO on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Source: PAP, gov.uk
Photo: @SecKermani
Tomasz Modrzejewski
