Myanmar earthquake: What is MSF doing and how can I help?
On Friday 28 March, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar. From the epicentre in the city of Sagaing, the tremor was felt across Thailand, Bangladesh, China and Laos.
The full scale of the destruction in Myanmar is still unclear, including damage and disruption to vital healthcare services. However, reports suggest that more than 2,886 people have been killed and 4,639 injured.
How is MSF responding in Myanmar?
MSF teams have been working in Myanmar since 1992, focusing on HIV and tuberculosis care, emergency responses to disasters and conflict, and supporting the persecuted Rohingya people in Rakhine state.
- MSF teams - made up of medical, logistical and water and sanitation experts - are carrying out rapid assessments in the earthquake-affected areas
- Hospitals, including operating theatres, are non-functional—not only for emergency surgeries but also for essential procedures like C-sections. MSF teams are prioritising strengthening secondary healthcare services
- Our teams have deployed water tanks, installed related piping materials and pressure pumps, and distributed waste bins
- To help build resilience, our teams are actively providing psychological first aid training as an integral part of the emergency response
- MSF teams are also present in neighbouring countries, including Thailand, which was affected by the earthquake
Given the scale and intensity of the earthquake, the impact on people could be devastating, particularly for those who require immediate life-saving assistance due to trauma injuries.
We’re also concerned about those who will be vulnerable as a result of loss of shelter, loss of access to general healthcare, as well as loss of access to safe drinking water which is crucial to control the possible spread of waterborne diseases.
To enable an effective response, swift access to affected areas and timely approval of essential supplies and personnel are critical.
How can I help MSF in Myanmar?
Right now, our teams are responding in Myanmar and assessing the medical and humanitarian needs
This is only possible because of donations from people like you.
By giving to our general funds today, you will be helping to ensure we can respond to emergencies around the world, like the earthquake in Myanmar.
Please donate today to support our emergency teams.
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MSF and natural disasters
With over 50 years' of experience, we are experts in rolling out emergency responses in complex settings.
Within a matter of minutes, natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes can overwhelm an entire population.
Hundreds and even thousands of people can be injured or traumatised by the loss of family, friends and homes.
Clean water, healthcare and transport are also often casualties in these disasters. Rapid medical care and coordinated emergency response are vital to protect survivors.
From large-scale catastrophes to local emergencies, MSF’s network of aid workers and supplies around the world means we can quickly respond to disasters.
In 2023, MSF distributed relief items to 462,200 families.