「Myanmar」Entry into Myanmar and Journey to the Affected Area, Mandalay
On March 31, the Peace Winds emergency relief team, preparing in Bangkok, Thailand, conducted three days of coordination and negotiations with relevant parties. On the night of April 3, they obtained official permission for entry and relief activities through proper procedures. The team entered Myanmar on the morning flight of April 4.
The emergency relief team consists of seven members: one doctor, three nurses, one logistics coordinator, one procurement officer, and one record-keeper. They are carrying 19 pieces of luggage, including medical equipment, relief supplies, and essential items for operations, such as tents for the team. We will report from the ground, from their entry into Myanmar to their arrival in the affected area of Mandalay.
A Unified International Effort is Crucial
On April 4, the team traveled from Bangkok, Thailand, to Yangon, Myanmar. On the plane, they encountered relief teams from various countries, including members of an emergency medical team they had met during past international disaster training. Dr. Inaba, the leader of Peace Winds’ relief team and a member of the “ARROWS” air rescue medical unit, smiled warmly at the reunion.
In disaster zones like Myanmar, where shared information is scarce, having reliable connections on the ground is critical—not only for the success of the mission but also for ensuring the team’s safety. At the airport, the teams exchanged information, wished each other well, and headed to their respective destinations.
Dr. Inaba remarked, “This is one of the reasons why participating in various domestic and international training is so meaningful.” Training during peacetime strengthens team capabilities, but the connections and friendships formed during these exercises can save lives and maximize the impact of relief efforts in disaster zones.
At Yangon’s airport, the team was greeted with applause and words of gratitude, such as “Thank you.”
Even if one team’s capacity is limited, being part of a larger network of interconnected teams increases the number of lives that can be saved.
As of April 4, one week after the disaster, official reports indicate over 3,100 deaths, more than 4,500 injuries, and over 200 people missing. However, there are areas still unreached by aid, and it is believed that the actual number of victims is much higher. In an unprecedented disaster like this, individual efforts alone are not enough—unified, large-scale international support is essential.
Rising Risk of Disaster-Related Deaths in Extreme Heat
The damage has also spread to the capital, Naypyidaw, where people who lost their homes are living outdoors in temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F).
Yangon, in terms of population and economic scale, is Myanmar’s equivalent of Tokyo—the country’s largest city. Mandalay, one of the team’s destinations and close to the earthquake’s epicenter, is the second-largest commercial city, following Yangon.
“If we compare Yangon to Tokyo, Mandalay is like Osaka—a major metropolis,” Dr. Inaba explained. “Imagine a massive earthquake with a shallow epicenter of 10 km striking the heart of Osaka. That gives you an idea of the impact of this earthquake.”
In addition to the extensive damage, unstable communication infrastructure in Myanmar limits the information available to the international community. This makes information sharing and coordination among relief organizations crucial. Although one week has passed since the disaster, and the number of people with urgent traumatic injuries has decreased, many survivors who lost their homes are living in extreme heat exceeding 40°C. Without sufficient aid, the risk of disaster-related deaths is extremely high.
Roads to the affected areas are partially destroyed, with many sections impassable.
According to staff familiar with local conditions, many buildings in Myanmar are at risk of collapsing even with tremors of magnitude 3. With an estimated affected population exceeding 17 million, Myanmar is entering its hottest season in April.
Arrival in the Affected Area, Mandalay
On April 4, after entering Myanmar, the team traveled from Yangon to Taungoo. On the morning of April 5, they drove from Taungoo to the capital, Naypyidaw, procuring essential relief supplies such as water, solar lanterns, water tanks, masks, disinfectants, and medical gloves. They then headed 280 km to the affected area, Mandalay.
Amid power outages that left the area in darkness, the team worked late into the night
The team faced delays due to difficulties obtaining entry permits despite their urgency to reach the site from neighboring Thailand. However, leveraging the expertise gained from past relief efforts and collaborating with a wide network of contacts, including staff in Japan, the team worked together to navigate these challenges. Arriving in the affected area on this day boosted the team’s morale.
Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Relief: Donation Drive Launched
Peace Winds is providing relief to support victims of the large-scale earthquake in Myanmar. Your donations will power our efforts, saving lives and building a brighter future for those affected. We kindly ask for your generous support to help those suffering from this disaster.
Note: Due to the nature of overseas relief activities, we are unable to accept donations of goods or supplies.
https://lp.peace-winds.org/support_myanmar_earthquake