World Vision responds to central Myanmar earthquake

International aid agency, World Vision, is on the ground in Myanmar and preparing to respond to the devastation caused by the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that has hit Sagaing, Myanmar.   

"Central Myanmar has been hit by several very large earthquakes, with one registering at least 7.7.  The area affected is populated and likely to be heavily impacted by this magnitude of the quake.  We are trying to establish with staff in the area what exactly has happened and stand ready to respond as the scale and location of this disaster becomes clearer.  Our staff in the capital Yangon felt the quake, as did our staff in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.  We are deeply concerned for the impact that this quake will have had on children and families. Our staff are trained in disaster responses and have mobilised to find out exactly what is needed.  Please pray for the survivors of this quake and our staff," said Dr Kyi Minn, National Director of World Vision International Myanmar. 

People on the ground feel extremely unsafe, with many fearing another earthquake will hit soon. 

 “There are concerns that a nearby dam may break, and we are worried about a possibility of another earthquake,” said Swe Nyein, Communications manager for World Vision International Myanmar.

World Vision International Myanmar (WVIM) has activated its business continuity and contingency plans and is fully implementing them. All World Vision staff in Myanmar are accounted for, and the security team is closely monitoring the situation. The NGO is deeply concerned about the well-being of affected children and families. 

“We are particularly worried about children who may have been travelling to school at the time of the earthquake and now maybe trapped under rubble and separated from parents. Our immediate priority is ensuring access to food, shelter, clean water, and healthcare to those who have been impacted,” said Dr Kyi Minn.

The child focussed NGO has committed twenty per cent of its Area Programme's existing funds to provide humanitarian assistance in target areas.  The aid agency is in close communication with Community-Based Organisations to conduct initial assessments and determine urgent needs on the ground.

ENDS.

For more information, please contact:

Naw Phoebe Advocacy and Communications Director | World Vision Myanmar naw_phoebe@wvi.org | Phone: +959 509 2530

Swe Nyein | Communications Manager | World Vision Myanmar |

Swe_Nyein@wvi.org  | Phone: +959 975375688 

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice.  World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

For more information, please visit www.wvi.org