Some 1,700 people have been killed with another 3,400 injured by the 7.7-magnitude quake, one of Myanmar’s strongest in a century.
Experts on the scene are predicting that the death toll could rise to more than 10,000 with widespread damage reported across the country. Entire villages have been destroyed and thousands of homes, schools and hospitals have collapsed.
The quake was also felt in neighbouring Thailand, bringing down a partly constructed skyscraper in Bangkok, killing 17 people and trapping at least 78 people under the debris.
International aid is starting to arrive in Myanmar but damage to roads, bridges and infrastructure is hampering efforts.
Plan International Australia has been working in the country since 2008 and has teams on the ground helping aid efforts.
“Although a full picture of the damage is still emerging, most of us have never seen such destruction,” said Haider Yaqub, Country Director for Plan International in Myanmar who is currently in Yangon.
“There are high levels of stress and anxiety, as people are trying to reach their relatives and disinformation is spreading on social media.
“Without a doubt, the humanitarian needs will be significant. We are working hard to make contact with communities in the hardest hit areas in and around Mandalay, but already, we know that critical infrastructure has been destroyed, with landlines not functioning, and that houses and other buildings have collapsed not just in Myanmar but in neighbouring Thailand as well.
“This disaster strikes when Myanmar is already grappling with conflict and we are extremely concerned about the toll that yet another crisis will take on children, especially girls, and their families.
“We are working urgently to get additional teams on the ground, assess needs and stand ready to provide support.”
The organisation will now take part in a joint needs assessment with the United Nations and peer humanitarian agencies.
Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal for Myanmar donations through its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation. Funds raised will go directly towards providing medical support and aid to communities through Intrepid’s trusted local NGO partner in Myanmar. The Intrepid Foundation will match all donations up to $100,000.
“I appeal to the global travelling community – who may have been to Myanmar in the past or who have simply visited the region. Your support at these times can bring critical aid to the thousands of families at a time they need it the most,” said Biheng Zhang, General Manager of The Intrepid Foundation.
To donate, visit: https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/myanmar-earthquake-appeal
Meanwhile Tonga is bracing itself after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake triggered fears of a tsunami.
The quake struck in the early hours of Monday morning local time and hit about 100 kilometres off the north east coast of the country.
