2025-04-03T01:21:00Z

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The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in the United Kingdom is mobilizing support for the thousands affected by a devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and its surrounding regions last week. This appeal comes at a critical time as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, which has resulted in a tragic loss of life and widespread displacement.

Comprising 15 prominent UK aid organizations, including well-known charities like the British Red Cross, Oxfam, and Save the Children, the DEC is urgently calling for donations from the British public. The need for assistance is particularly pressing as the monsoon season approaches in just two months, which could complicate recovery efforts and exacerbate existing challenges.

Initial reports from Myanmar’s military government indicate that the earthquake has claimed the lives of more than 2,800 individuals, while over 4,500 others have sustained injuries. However, many experts caution that these figures may continue to rise as rescue operations are ongoing and access to remote areas remains limited. The DEC has highlighted that vital resources such as shelter, medical supplies, food, clean water, and financial support are urgently needed to assist the survivors of this disaster.

Baroness Chapman, the minister for development, announced that every contribution made to the DEC appeal would be matched pound-for-pound by the UK government, up to a total of £5 million. This matching scheme aims to encourage greater public generosity during this period of crisis. Saleh Saeed, the chief executive of DEC, emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating, “Funds are urgently needed to help families access life-saving humanitarian aid following this catastrophe.”

International aid efforts are already underway, with multiple global organizations and foreign governments dispatching personnel and supplies to the affected regions. However, Myanmar was already in a dire humanitarian state prior to the earthquake, struggling under the weight of an ongoing civil war. The DEC estimates that approximately one-third of the population of Myanmar was in urgent need of assistance even before this latest disaster struck.

The civil unrest in Myanmar has been fueled by a conflict between the military junta, which seized power in a coup in 2021, and various ethnic militias and resistance groups across the nation. In an effort to facilitate relief operations, Myanmar’s military government declared a temporary ceasefire effective until April 22. This announcement came after rebel factions had already unilaterally announced a ceasefire to support relief efforts earlier in the week.

Despite these efforts to foster humanitarian assistance, challenges remain significant. Aid workers have frequently faced dangerous conditions, and just this past Tuesday night, the military reportedly opened fire on a convoy from the Chinese Red Cross, which was transporting earthquake relief supplies. This incident highlights the precarious environment for aid workers in the region. Additionally, the United Nations and several aid charities have accused the military junta of obstructing access to affected areas, further complicating the delivery of much-needed assistance.

Mandalay city, which was located near the epicenter of the seismic event, remains one of the hardest-hit areas, emphasizing the urgency of the DEC’s appeal as the nation begins to reckon with the extent of this disaster.