The situation in Myanmar is critical. The official death toll has exceeded 3,000, with over 4,700 injured and hundreds missing (BBC). These figures, however, are only partial due to communication difficulties with various regions and the lack of information from areas not controlled by the government. The United Nations estimates that 17 million people have been affected (OCHA).
Give now to support CESVI’s intervention in Myanmar.
Relief operations are being hampered by the population’s precarious living conditions. The heatwave, combined with forecasted rains and storms, increases the risk of spreading diseases such as malaria, dengue, and skin infections. Thousands of people are living on the streets or in makeshift shelters (Reuters).
Infrastructure has been severely damaged. At least 21,783 homes have been destroyed or damaged, with the risk of further collapse due to aftershocks and landslides.
We at CESVI, already present in the field before the outbreak of the emergency, have carried out several monitoring and assessment visits to understand the population’s needs in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions, confirming widespread material damage and desperate living conditions. Many families are forced to sleep outdoors without adequate protection. Access to drinking water and sanitation services is limited, with consequent health risks.
The priorities identified by CESVI, for which we have already taken action, include the provision of food, the restoration of shelters, the supply of clean water, healthcare assistance, the protection of vulnerable people, and psychosocial support.
We have already carried out the first distributions of aid, delivering rice to the village of Kaylar, on the shores of Inle Lake in southern Shan. Around 5,000 people are currently living in the vicinity of the village, in homes built on stilts, with the streets essentially functioning as canals. According to CESVI’s assessment, all the houses in the village have been damaged or destroyed, with many people now sleeping in their boats.
We have purchased 1,500 bags of rice, each weighing 5kg: on average, each bag can provide 100 portions of rice. In these days, we are distributing the first bags to the families in the village and in other villages across the region.
The earthquake has also had a devastating psychological impact, especially on children and women. People with disabilities, the elderly, and young children are particularly vulnerable and require immediate support.
Access to food and healthcare remains extremely limited. Despite the aid provided so far, resources are insufficient. The health sector is struggling, with many centres destroyed and a lack of essential medicines.
Local communities are showing extraordinary solidarity, helping one another. However, a rapid and coordinated humanitarian response is essential to prevent the worsening of living conditions.
The situation in Myanmar demands an immediate and coordinated humanitarian intervention. CESVI is on the ground, committed to providing essential aid and support to the affected communities.
Every contribution is vital to support these communities that have lost everything. Donate now.