Christian Aid launches earthquake emergency appeal

Christian Aid has launched an urgent fundraising appeal in the wake of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake which struck central Myanmar on Friday.

The charity’s partners are reporting people have been severely impacted by the disaster, including many who saw their homes destroyed or badly damaged. Access to vital services such as water, power and basic foods have been critically disrupted. Christian Aid church partners in Wales are hearing directly from friends and connections in Myanmar too about the scale of the need.

Immediate emergency support is now urgently needed, including food parcels, water kits, shelters, and cash for essential supplies. And – with the generous help of its supporters - Christian Aid is mobilising to assist its partners and quake-affected communities with essential aid and recovery over the coming weeks and months.

Christian Aid’s Head of Asia, Middle East & Europe, Julie Mehigan, explained the extent of the damage was being assessed and the response would likely be scaled up in the coming days.

She added: “Christian Aid has heard from partners and colleagues in the region that the Kyaukse Kinta Dam has burst in Mandalay, with water levels rising in the lowland areas around.  We’re working closely with our partners and networks to identify the extent of the damage and the risk to communities there, as well as carrying out assessments to identify the communities which are most vulnerable and in need of our immediate help. With a nationwide power outage, communication continues to be challenging.”

Head of Christian Aid Wales, Mari McNeill, said: “Christian Aid colleagues and partners tell us access to vital services such as water, power and basic foods are critically needed.  We know too that churches and communities in Wales have connections with communities in Myanmar and are hearing first-hand about the devastation and human need.

“Thanks to the steady support of our churches and partners in Wales we are already releasing emergency funds so that our local partners can begin to reach affected communities with vital life-saving assistance. We ‘re appealing for communities in Wales to donate towards the appeal so that we can scale up our response and reach affected communities with vital food parcels, water kits, shelter and cash support.”

To donate to the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, visit Myanmar Earthquake Appeal - Christian Aid.