It is almost two weeks since a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, leaving people homeless, injured, and grieving.
More than 3,500 have died, 5,000 are injured and around 1 in 3 homes in Sagaing, the worst impacted area, have collapsed. 17 million people have been affected across the region.
People in Myanmar were already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with more than 19 million people – over a third of the population - in need of aid. One in four people already did not have enough to eat.
Now the situation is even more critical. Coupled with the earthquake, soaring temperatures of over 40 degrees are worsening conditions, with families forced to sleep outside in the heat. The spread of illness and disease is a major concern, with access to clean water at a critical level. Monsoon season is just a few weeks away with intense rains already starting.
The catastrophe in Myanmar is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. Entire communities have been reduced to rubble. Families huddle under makeshift shelters, uncertain where their next meal will come from. Hospitals are overwhelmed and under-resourced. Of the 1,800 schools affected, many are completely destroyed, leaving thousands of children with no access to education.
At moments like these, it can seem overwhelming and difficult to comprehend the scale of damage caused and where to begin to fix it. However, even in uncertain times and with the pressures we face at home, people show time and again their capacity to give generously.
We have seen this in recent years following appeals in Pakistan, Ukraine and the Middle East. Each time, ordinary people stepped forward with extraordinary kindness.
Now, the people of Myanmar need us to help them – and the UK public are showing their generosity once again. Since launching last Thursday, the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal has already raised more than £14.5 million. The UK Government is matching every pound donated by the public up to £5 million.
All of the DEC charities including Tearfund, Concern Worldwide, Save the Children and the British Red Cross are delivering lifesaving aid in Myanmar, working through trusted local partners in affected communities. They need more funds to scale up their work and reach the most vulnerable.
Emergency food, shelter, water, and medical care are required immediately to prevent the spread of disease and further loss of life. Beyond these immediate needs, the long road to recovery will require rebuilding schools, hospitals, homes, and livelihoods. The scale of the challenge is daunting, but it is not insurmountable.
In this role, I have witnessed the transformative power of collective action. I have seen communities rebuilt, lives saved, and hope restored. When the task ahead of us seems daunting, many hands make lighter work.
Every contribution can make a difference. A donation of £30 could provide clean water to 30 families for a day. £50 could provide food to a family for a month.
The DEC has an amazing network of corporate and individual supporters, who time and again show us their incredible generosity. I would urge everyone to now step forward and consider giving what they can—whether it is money, time, or simply raising awareness within our networks.
The people of Myanmar need our support.
How to donate:
Online at dec.org.uk
Call 0330 123 0555
Text SUPPORT to 70727 to donate £10
Send a cheque by post to DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.
Saleh Saeed is chief executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee
