BANGKOK — In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand, emergency assistance is pouring into Southeast Asia. The situation has become increasingly dire, especially in Myanmar, where the death toll has tragically risen to 1,644 as of Sunday afternoon.
The catastrophic earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7, has left 3,408 injured and 139 individuals reported missing. It hit near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city with a population of 1.5 million. Meanwhile, Thailand has reported 17 fatalities related to the quake.
Though essential supplies such as food and medical aid have started to reach the affected areas, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted that rescue operations are being hindered by a critical shortage of medical supplies, including trauma kits, blood bags, and essential medicines. There is also a lack of shelter for healthcare workers.
“We fear it may take weeks to fully comprehend the destruction this earthquake has caused,” said Mohammed Riyas, the director of the International Rescue Committee in Myanmar.
Here’s a summary of the international support being provided:
Assistance from Various Nations
On Sunday, a convoy of 17 Chinese cargo trucks carrying crucial supplies was expected to arrive in Mandalay. China has deployed over 135 rescue personnel, along with medical kits, generators, drones, and approximately $13.8 million in emergency aid.
Hong Kong has sent a team of 51 search-and-rescue experts, which includes firefighters and ambulance staff, equipped with 9 tons of equipment like life detectors. They have also allocated HK$30 million (about $3.9 million) from their Disaster Relief Fund for the people of Myanmar.
Russia’s Emergencies Ministry reported that it has deployed 120 rescuers and supplies to Yangon, including medical teams skilled in trauma and psychology, as well as search dogs.
India contributed by flying in a field hospital and deploying a 120-strong team to establish a 60-bed emergency center. They plan to send additional aircraft and ships with more relief supplies.
Malaysia has committed to sending 50 personnel to assist in identifying and aiding the most severely affected areas, while South Korea has pledged $2 million in humanitarian aid.
New Zealand expressed its intention to support relief efforts through the International Red Cross. The European Commission has announced an initial emergency aid package of €2.5 million (approximately $2.7 million), bringing their total support for Myanmar this year to over €35 million ($37.8 million).
Ireland announced its own aid package of €6 million, with a significant portion allocated to various humanitarian organizations.
President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States will offer assistance, though some analysts are questioning the extent of this aid due to recent reductions in foreign assistance funding.
Support from Aid Agencies
The U.N. has mobilized funds and allocated $5 million from their Central Emergency Response Fund to provide life-saving assistance. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has pledged 2 million Swiss francs (about $2.2 million) in emergency funds for relief work in Myanmar.
Local organizations, such as Catholic Relief Services, are reporting that much of the relief effort has relied heavily on local volunteers searching for their loved ones. Despite the ongoing efforts from various countries, hospitals remain overwhelmed with the influx of injured individuals, facing severe shortages of essential medical supplies, food, and clean drinking water.
