UNHCR is now scaling up its response in Myanmar following the devastating earthquake. An estimated 20 million people live in earthquake-affected areas and have been impacted to varying degrees. The death toll has surpassed 3,000, with over 4,500 people injured. As search and rescue efforts continue, these figures are expected to climb.
Thanks to its longstanding presence in Myanmar since 1993, UNHCR has been on the ground from the onset of this emergency, working in coordination with authorities and humanitarian partners to assess and respond to the growing needs.
UNHCR’s response to the earthquake in Myanmar prioritises immediate life-saving assistance and protection-centred interventions for affected populations, including IDPs, stateless persons, and host communities. Given the scale of destruction and displacement, UNHCR is mobilising emergency shelter and non-food items (NFIs), while also strengthening access to protection services, including through community-based protection activities, thanks to its operational presence and partnerships on the ground.
Key priorities include distributing emergency shelter materials, blankets, sleeping mats, hygiene kits, and solar lamps – essential items that not only support survival, but also provide a sense of safety and security in the aftermath of the disaster. These interventions are being carried out in a manner that is inclusive, needs-based, and protection-sensitive. UNHCR also plans to scale- up its multi-purpose assistance to the most vulnerable earthquake affected population, enabling them to meet their pressing basic needs with dignity and choice.
UNHCR is urgently seeking funding to scale up its response and address the pressing needs of displaced communities affected by the earthquake and their hosts. Many of the earthquake-affected communities were already among Myanmar’s most vulnerable, needs are made more urgent with the monsoon season approaching.
£10.00 can provide a family with a 4X5-metre tarpaulin sheet to temporarily cover the damage to their shelter in the earthquake and offer protection for families exposed to excessive heat with little shelter or protection - temperatures are reaching 40 °C in Mandalay city.
£17.00 can provide a kitchen set to a family to cook and eat their meals.
£31.00 can provide an emergency shelter kit to those affected by the earthquake to maintain their shelter
£193.50 can provide a kit of essential relief items to an earthquake-affected household in Myanmar, enabling them to meet their daily households needs in times of emergency.
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