Following the shattering earthquakes that recently shook Myanmar, the Welsh Government offers its thoughts and deepest sympathies with all those affected, and we have today made a £100,000 donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Myanmar Earthquake Appeal.
On 28 March at approximately 1pm local time, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake devastated huge areas of Myanmar, closely followed by a strong aftershock with a magnitude of 6.4 and smaller tremors recorded since. Estimates state that up to 10.1 million people were exposed to strong and very strong shaking; and 7,000 people to violent shaking (the most severe shaking).
Myanmar’s military leaders have issued a rare request for urgent international humanitarian aid and declared a state of emergency across six regions. The country has one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis with an estimated 19.9 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, which is over a third of the population
The Welsh Government funds the Disasters Emergency Committee Cymru to help coordinate fundraising efforts in Wales, and we are pleased to contribute to the DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal. The Disasters Emergency Committee brings together leading organisations in the UK to raise funds for overseas emergencies, coordinating an effective humanitarian response and getting aid quickly to people who need it in the most cost-effective manner possible. Immediate priorities include access to food and clean water as well as medical treatment and shelter. The DEC appeal will also raise money to go towards longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction.
We understand the desire in Wales to do all that we can to help people affected by the earthquakes including those with family and friends in Myanmar. We would encourage anyone who is able to help to consider making a financial donation to the DEC and support those affected in their communities.
For further information about the appeal and how to donate, please follow this link:
https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/myanmar-earthquake-appeal
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is offering support to British nationals in both Myanmar and Thailand following the earthquake.
British nationals in Myanmar who require consular assistance can call British Embassy Yangon on +95 (01) 370 863/4/5/7. British Nationals who require consular assistance in Thailand can call British Embassy Bangkok on +66 (0) 2 305 8333.
Anyone in the UK concerned about a British national in Myanmar or Thailand can contact the FCDO on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.