Myanmar to Allocate $240 Million for Earthquake Relief

Yangon, April 2 (NationPress) The government of Myanmar will designate 500 billion kyats (approximately $238.09 million) for relief and rehabilitation following the recent earthquake, as announced by State Administration Council (SAC) Chairman Min Aung Hlaing.

This announcement was made during a cash donation event in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday, where generous donors contributed 104.44 billion kyats (about $49.71 million) in cash and additional non-cash items worth 12.4 billion kyats (around $5.9 million), according to reports from Xinhua news agency, which cited the state-owned publication The Global New Light of Myanmar.

The donations were received by the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, along with other council members and officials.

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that hit Myanmar on Friday, Min Aung Hlaing has sought international aid. As of March 31, rescue teams, medical personnel, and nurses from 16 countries and regions have arrived in Myanmar, bringing humanitarian assistance and medical supplies.

Among the 18 significant earthquakes recorded in Myanmar, the recent 7.7-magnitude quake ranks as the second most powerful, following an 8.0-magnitude earthquake that struck in 1912, as reported by the local daily Myanma Alinn.

The death toll from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake has tragically increased to 2,886, with 4,639 injured and 373 still unaccounted for, according to the State Administration Council's information team on Wednesday.

Myo Nyunt, President of the Myanmar Red Cross Society, noted earlier to Xinhua that major challenges in the ongoing rescue operations include disaster assessment and logistical coordination.

Due to safety concerns in the affected regions, rescue teams have encountered significant obstacles in the distribution of supplies, particularly facing a shortage of heavy machinery, Myo Nyunt stated.

The powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock just minutes later, struck the Mandalay region on Friday, resulting in extensive casualties and destruction.

On Monday, Myanmar declared a week-long mourning period in response to the earthquake's devastation.

The United Nations and various international aid organizations are grappling with the challenges of responding to the catastrophic earthquake, which has devastated cities such as Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyitaw, displacing tens of thousands. Hospitals are struggling to manage the surge of patients.

Fortunately, the United Nations, the U.S., India, the European Union, and numerous other nations and international organizations have mobilized to provide aid and rescue efforts for the earthquake victims in Myanmar.

The Indian Army and Navy have also committed their resources to deliver immediate rescue support and long-term assistance to the affected communities.