Myanmar earthquake: here's how you can help

As you've probably heard by now, Myanmar was hit by a massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28 with seismic tremors reaching as far as Bangkok in neighbouring Thailand.

This is the largest earthquake to hit Myanmar in over a century, and it's caused widespread damage and numerous casualties in a country already beset by civil war. Amidst the growing humanitarian crisis, Myanmar's military government has declared a state of emergency in six major cities and issued an unprecedented plea for international aid.

While it's not realistic (or advisable) to travel to either Myanmar or Thailand to provide direct help, there are still ways you can support ongoing relief efforts. Here's a fuller picture of the current situation in both countries and what you can do to help. 

What is the estimated damage caused by the earthquake?

The damage in Myanmar has been characterised as "catastrophic". As of Friday (March 30), the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) recorded the damage or destruction of more than 1,200 houses, three school buildings, one hotel, and several religious structures. Hospitals, historical and public buildings, and bridges (like the Sagaing Bridge) have also been damaged. AP News says that many areas now lack power and internet or mobile connection, making it hard to assess the full extent of the damage. 

In Bangkok, an unfinished 30-storey skyscraper collapsed due to the force of the tremors, trapping scores of workers in the debris. Across the city, authorities are conducting checks on buildings to ensure they remain structurally sound. 

What is the reported death toll?

AP News reported that the death toll in Myanmar has now exceeded 2,700 people. More than 4,500 are injured and 441 are missing, according to Myanmar's state MRTV television. Fatalities are expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. 

Most of Thailand's casualties are due to the collapsed skyscraper. The Bangkok Post reported that the current death toll at the building collapse is now 13, with 77 workers still unaccounted for. The 72-hour "golden" rescue window has closed, but signs of life are still being detected within the building's ruins. 

What aid is there?

Myanmar's military government made a rare plea for international aid, inviting "organisations and nations willing to come and help the people in need within our country". China's 37-member rescue and medical team was the first international rescue group to arrive in Myanmar, and the country has pledged 14 million in humanitarian aid. India has sent a 118-person medical team, a search and rescue team, and ships and flights carrying aid. Others sending aid are Russia, the US, the EU, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. 

Current efforts are focused on freeing people trapped under rubble and debris, and distributing necessities like drinking water, food, shelter, and hygiene supplies, which United Nations officials says are critical in light of the extensive damage and looming monsoon season. 

How you can help

The best way to help is to donate to international aid groups and local organisations to fund their rescue and relief efforts. Here are some legitimate groups you can donate to:

• Better Burma to help provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to those in need.
• World Health Organisation Earthquake Appeal to deliver "life-saving trauma care, prevent disease outbreaks, and restore essential health services over the next 30 days".
• UNICEF to "scale up the delivery of life-saving support to children and families affected by the earthquake, including water, medical care, protection, psychosocial support, and emergency education". 
• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, like the Singapore Red Cross to address "immediate needs, including the distribution of essential supplies, such as food, water, blankets, tarpaulins, and hygiene kits, by the Myanmar Red Cross Society and Thai Red Cross Society".  

You may also like to refer to this Notion spreadsheet put together by Reddit user Karen Vinalay, a creative director who lived in Myanmar for a decade. It focuses on "grassroots, community-led, youth-led, local NGOs, social enterprises, ASEAN organisations, and local businesses" with no military ties and who are channeling aid straight to communities. 

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