DEC: UK charities launch Myanmar Earthquake Appeal

The UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee ( DEC ) is making an appeal to aid the countless injured and displaced people who were the result of Myanmar and the region’s devastating earthquake last week.

The DEC, which is made up of 15 British assistance organizations, including the British Red Cross, Oxfam, and Save the Children, is asking the public for gifts before the rain time arrives in two weeks.

According to the officials of Myanmar’s military authorities, more than 2, 800 people have died and more than 4, 500 have been injured, with numbers expected to rise.

The organizations claim that money, food, water, and house are “urgently needed.”

The government did match people donations to the DEC appeal, according to Baroness Chapman, secretary for development, pound for pound, up to the value of £5 million.

Saleh Saeed, DEC’s CEO, described the situation as “ever more crucial.”

Following this catastrophe, he said,” Funds are urgently needed to assist families in getting life-saving charitable help.”

Numerous foreign aid organizations and foreign governments have sent staff and resources to earthquake-stricken areas.

Prior to the 7.7 magnitude earthquake, Myanmar was now experiencing a significant humanitarian crisis because of its ongoing civil war it. According to the DEC, a third of the population needs assistance.

The fight between the ethnic militias and weight forces in the country has been rife with violence because of the junta, which seized control of the country in a coup in 2021.

Myanmar’s military authorities announced a momentary peace on Wednesday, saying it was meant to expedite pleasure and restoration work and would last until 22 April.

The army had previously formally declared a stalemate to support relief efforts earlier this month, but the rebel groups had refused to do so until Wednesday’s announcement.

In Myanmar, help workers have been targeted. A Chinese Red Cross caravan carrying disaster relief supplies was opened fire by the troops on Tuesday evening.

Nine of the foundation’s vehicles were attacked. The military dictatorship is accused of preventing entry by the UN and a number of organizations.

According to the US Geological Survey’s modeling, Myanmar’s death toll could reach 10,000, and the cost of infrastructure damage may reach the nation’s annual economic output.

Roads, water services and buildings including hospitals have been destroyed, especially in Mandalay, the hard-hit city near the epicentre.

At least 21 people have died in Thailand.

The UN is looking for$ 8 million in donations for its response, while the Red Cross has also issued an urgent appeal for$ 100 million ( £77 million ).

The International Rescue Committee ( IRC ) stated on Monday that “people urgently need medical care, clean drinking water, tents, food, and other basic necessities.”

The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to provide and deliver aid to ensure successful appeals.

The appeal may be broadcast throughout Thursday on the BBC and various media outlets.