Monsoon Looms Over Disaster-Stricken Myanmar - Relief Efforts Ramp Up Amidst Rising Death Toll
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Increasing calamity follows earthquake in Myanmar as floods persist, resulting in escalating fatalities - In Myanmar, the rain intensifies following an earthquake, exacerbating the mounting death toll
As people in Myanmar grapple with the aftermath of an earthquake that's left thousands dead and injured, they now face the impending monsoon season, a looming threat that could further complicate their plight.
According to state media, the death toll has reached a staggering 3471, with 4671 people wounded and 214 still unaccounted for. The earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck the region on March 28, prompting a massive humanitarian crisis. The city of Mandalay, with a population of 1.7 million, near the quake's epicenter, suffered severe damage, and the tremors were even felt in neighboring countries. In Bangkok, Thailand, a 30-story under-construction high-rise collapsed as a result.
UN humanitarian coordinator Tom Fletcher has been on the ground, adamant about the urgent needs of the people. Speaking via X, a digital service, Fletcher emphasized, "The people are now trying to rebuild their lives. They need food, water, electricity, and shelter. We need to provide tents, help the survivors rebuild... give them hope." Fletcher's sentiments were echoed in his posts, urging for immediate aid and support.
The catastrophe, as it stands, has inflicted significant damage on buildings and infrastructure across Myanmar. Over 10,000 structures have collapsed or been severely damaged[1], according to the World Health Organization. As the monsoon draws near, humanitarian organizations are bracing themselves for the impact. clean water, sanitation, medical care, shelter, and basic necessities are at the forefront of humanitarian needs[2][3].
The crisis has seen an international response, with organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Plan International, and UNICEF actively involved in relief efforts. The IFRC has made a significant appeal for funding to support its activities[2]. Meanwhile, Plan International is focusing on providing aid to children and families, ensuring their essential needs for water, food, and shelter are met[3].
UN agencies, while there's no specific information about efforts by UN humanitarian coordinator Tom Fletcher, are actively engaged in the response. UNICEF continues to provide updates on the situation and is involved in broader coordination and support for affected communities[4][5].
Efforts to address immediate needs and prepare for the monsoon are underway. This includes restoring water facilities and establishing safe spaces to mitigate the risk of water-borne diseases[3]. Urgent funding is required to scale up humanitarian responses and ensure aid reaches those in need ahead of the monsoon season[3].
With the monsoon just around the corner, the situation in Myanmar remains precarious. Humanitarian efforts will need to adapt and intensify to ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted by the earthquake and the potential challenges presented by the upcoming monsoon season.
- The Commission, while not directly involved in the aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar, has also been consulted on a draft directive related to the protection of workers from risks associated with ionizing radiation, which could potentially be relevant in the context of disaster cleanup and recovery operations.
- In an attempt to mitigate the additional risks posed by the approaching monsoon season, humanitarian organizations in Myanmar are focusing on providing shelter, as thousands of people are currently residing in tents.
- As the population in Mandalay continues to grapple with the devastation caused by the earthquake, they are also preparing for the monsoon season, hoping that the international relief efforts will extend to securing adequate protection against potential floods and landslides.
