United Nations Initiates $275 Million Initiative for Myanmar's Earthquake Relief
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Synopsis
The United Nations has launched a significant appeal of $275 million to aid Myanmar's response to the catastrophic earthquakes, aiming to provide essential assistance to 1.1 million people affected by the disaster.
Key Takeaways
- $275 million appeal launched by the UN for Myanmar.
- Emergency aid targets 1.1 million people.
- Additional $5 million allocated for relief efforts.
- Over 3,689 lives lost due to the earthquakes.
- Urgent need for medical care and shelter.
United Nations, April 12 (NationPress) The United Nations and its affiliates have initiated a funding appeal of $275 million to aid Myanmar in its response to the catastrophic earthquakes.
This funding is an extension of the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, aiming to assist 1.1 million people in urgent need of aid, as stated by Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, during a daily briefing.
The UN agencies, along with their partners, have swiftly mobilized resources, providing medical care, shelter, drinking water, and food to those affected.
To bolster on-ground efforts, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated an additional $5 million for the earthquake relief, in addition to the previously provided $5 million a few weeks ago, Dujarric noted.
The catastrophic earthquakes that hit central Myanmar on March 28 have led to extensive loss of life, human suffering, and destruction, worsening an already critical humanitarian crisis, as reported by Xinhua.
This disaster has pushed 2 million people into urgent need of assistance and protection, compounding the 19.9 million people who were already estimated to require humanitarian aid before this event, the spokesperson emphasized.
Humanitarian organizations indicated that those affected urgently require healthcare, medical supplies, drinking water, food, and other essential items. Temporary shelters, latrines, and hygiene products are also crucial.
The United Nations urged the international community to promptly increase funding to Myanmar and ensure swift and unrestricted humanitarian access to the most vulnerable populations throughout the country.
The powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar has resulted in 3,689 fatalities and 5,020 injuries, with 139 individuals still unaccounted for, according to the state administration's information team.
As of now, Myanmar has recorded over 112 aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 2.8 to 7.5, as per the nation's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.
The aftershocks followed a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that impacted the nation on March 28.
