Myanmar earthquake: What is MSF doing and how can I help?
On 28 March, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, near the city of Mandalay.
Our medical humanitarian staff in Myanmar and neighbouring countries including Thailand have the capacity to respond at scale to the needs of affected communities, once authorities facilitate swift and unhindered access for teams to do assessments and provide medical care.
MSF teams working in these countries are safe and accounted for.
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.
The ability to deploy assessment teams and, ideally, surgical capacity, are critical in the first hours and days after any earthquake if we hope to respond with life and limb-saving surgical care for people injured.
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 and Thailand?
Right now, our teams are ready to respond in Myanmar and Thailand should we be granted access.
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.
Please donate today to support our emergency teams.
Click here to learn more about how we spend your money.
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.