As the DEC considers launching an appeal, TFN has a list of organisations currently fundraising
Aid organisations have set up urgent appeals in the wake of the devastating Myanmar earthquake.
A number of NGOs have already started fundraising and are undertaking the difficult work of getting assistance to those affected on the ground.
On Friday (28 March), a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, near the city of Mandalay.
So far the death toll is reckoned to be around 2,700 people in the country, but this is likely a huge underestimate as the situation develops.
The earthquake was felt in neighbouring countries like Thailand, hundreds of miles away, where the death toll stands at 21.
A range of NGOs (see below for how you can help) have launched appeals.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) said it is assessing the situation across a range of criteria before it decides on whether to launch an appeal.
It said: “The DEC is closely monitoring the impact of the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar at lunchtime local time on Friday. The full scale of destruction and loss is not yet clear, but we are deeply concerned for the safety and wellbeing of all those impacted.
“We are working closely with the DEC member charities to monitor the situation and assess it against our criteria for launching a national fundraising appeal in the UK.”
Scottish aid charity SCIAF is among those which have launched an appeal.
It supported long-term development projects in Myanmar until 2017.
Former Myanmar programme manager Rob Angove said: “The scale of devastation caused by this earthquake is truly heart-breaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. Whilst communication lines from the country are proving difficult, we know the scale of the devastation is very significant, especially for people already living in poverty there.
“The destruction of basic infrastructure means access to essential services is severely challenging, and many thousands of people are camping out on the streets in fear of future waves of the earthquake.
“As with all disasters like this, the utmost priorities are securing access for people to medicine, emergency shelter and water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.
“Thanks to our trusted local partners through the Caritas Internationalis network, we are able to respond swiftly and effectively, providing essential supplies and services to those who have lost everything.
“Any donations will make a real difference and help us reach as many people as possible during this critical time.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The following organisations are fundraising and organising aid. Click to go through to their websites:
- SCIAF
- Action Against Hunger
- Action Aid
- British Red Cross
- CAFOD
- CARE International
- Christian Aid
- Oxfam
- Plan International
- World Vision
