Cologne/Yangon. Even days after the severe earthquake in Myanmar, the full extent of the destruction is only slowly becoming apparent. From the city of Sagaing, near the epicenter, local rescue workers report that one in three houses has collapsed (WHO). The lack of food, clean water and medicine is increasing, as are the number of dead and injured. The military government has so far confirmed over 3,000 deaths, more than 4,700 injuries and hundreds who are still missing. It is likely that the actual numbers are much higher, as communication – especially from more remote areas – is severely limited due to damages in infrastructure, among other things.
Many hospitals were damaged during the earthquake, and numerous medical staff have been personally affected by the consequences of the quake. As a result, medical care for the thousands of injured is insufficient. The capacities of the healthcare system are additionally strained by the increasing number of patients with infectious diseases, which are spreading due to contaminated water and inadequate sanitation.
On top of that, the current extreme heat, with temperatures of up to 38 degrees Celsius, is exacerbating the situation. Countless people are camping outside for fear of further aftershocks and because houses have been largely destroyed. Insufficient protection against the heat and lack of water pose a high risk of heatstroke and heart failure, especially among the elderly and children. According to UN reports, many children have been separated from their families and are therefore particularly vulnerable.
Various emergency relief teams from Malteser International and partner organizations have arrived in the earthquake zone from all over the country in the past few days. They are supporting the affected people with medical care and medication, as well as clean drinking water, hygiene and sanitation. WASH teams (water, sanitation, hygiene) are providing safe drinking water, repairing damaged water pipes, constructing emergency latrines and distributing soap and water purification tablets. Our partner organizations are distributing non-food relief kits to particularly affected households in several regions across the country. These contain hygiene products, baby care products, rainwater collection sets for drinking water, tarpaulin, and ropes, as well as household goods for preparing food
Due to the major logistical and political challenges, Malteser International relies on close cooperation with local structures and civil society organizations to provide aid efficiently and directly to those in need.
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