A UK-based humanitarian charity has launched an emergency relief appeal in response to a devastating earthquake in Myanmar that has killed more than 1,600 people and left thousands injured.
Human Appeal announced its response within 24 hours of the 7.7-magnitude quake, which struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The disaster has caused widespread destruction, displacing thousands of families and leaving many without access to food, shelter, or medical care.
An initial assessment by Human Appeal has identified urgent needs, including food, clean water, shelter, and medical aid. The charity is mobilising 13,000 food and shelter kits as part of the first phase of its relief efforts.
The earthquake struck without warning, reducing homes and infrastructure to rubble. Officials fear that the death toll will rise significantly as search and rescue teams continue to work through the wreckage. Survivors are in desperate need of assistance, with many lacking access to clean drinking water and adequate shelter.
A spokesperson for Human Appeal emphasised the urgency of the response:
“This is a humanitarian catastrophe. Thousands of families have lost everything and are in dire need of life-saving aid. Our teams are working around the clock to deliver emergency support to those most affected.”
Human Appeal has been active in the region for more than three decades, previously providing water and sanitation support for displaced families in refugee camps. The organisation says its experience in Myanmar will allow it to respond quickly and effectively to the crisis.
As the relief effort gets underway, Human Appeal is calling for urgent donations to help provide food, shelter, and medical supplies to those in need.
For more information on how to support the emergency response, visit www.humanappeal.org.uk.