[Myanmar] – The Determination of the Emergency Dispatch Team
On March 28th, an unprecedented Magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit the center of Myanmar, with casualties climbing over 1700, injured over 3400, and missing people over 300. In response to this situation, Peace Winds has decided to dispatch an emergency response team composed of Doctors, Nurses, and Co-ordinators. Leaving at night, the team head to the neighbouring country of Thailand.
Casualties exceed 1700, Injuries Exceed 3400. Aftershocks continue after the M7.7 Earthquake.
Infrastructure is destroyed by the Earthquake. Blackouts have caused water shortages in the city.
The city that has sustained the most damage is the second largest city in Myanmar – Mandalay. There, not only houses, but large buildings and schools have collapsed one after the other. While search and rescue for missing persons are being carried out, the outbreak of fires has also begun. It has been reported that one hospital has been rendered completely unusable.
At the same time while buildings collapse, the outbreak of fires have begun. Schools and hospitals have also sustained damage. (March 31st, Inner city Mandalay)
Starting at the airport, the surrounding roads and infrastructure have been destroyed by the earthquake, and electronic communications have been disrupted. Furthermore, on March 30th as well, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake occurred, and due to the state of sporadic aftershocks, local citizens are unable to rest, and their days are filled with fear.
Searching For Every Possible Angle, The Emergency Support Team awaits in Thailand.
Many buildings within the city have collapsed. Local homes have formed cracks in the walls – in fear of collapse, residents have taken refuge outside.
Since February 2021, the state of war and unrest in Myanmar has continued to deteriorate, and many citizens have been forced to evacuate. According to the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) estimates that over 3 million people have become refugees, and within the country, the earthquake has caused over 1.6 million people to live as evacuees. Under such circumstances, the recent earthquake has placed a great deal of pressure on the citizens of Mandalay, especially those in an already vulnerable position – it is predicted that a heavy humanitarian crises will occur.
Immediately after the disaster, Peace Winds carried out research, and assembled an emergency response team of doctors, nurses, and coordination staff. Due to the influence of the current state of civil unrest, there are various requirements to enter the country. Therefore, while contacting various authorities in Japan and Myanmar in order to find a solution, Peace Winds is preparing its medical and material support. One second faster, one more life saved – in order to realize this, the first wave of Peace Winds support is on standby in the neighboring country of Thailand. Preparations are being arranged, and as soon as permissions to enter the country are secured, we plan to head to the disaster zone.
We are accepting Donations for Myanmar Earthquake Disaster Response Support
In order to provide aid to the Myanmar Earthquake Disaster Refugees, PeaceWinds is now accepting donations. Your support is our power, and creates a future where the lives of refugees are saved. Thank you for your warm support.