Myanmar asks for rare outside help after devastating earthquake | DW News

Key Concepts

• Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand
• International aid and support
• Building collapse and rescue efforts
• Humanitarian situation and displacement
• Mental health impact and community support

Myanmar Earthquake

• Magnitude and Impact: A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar around midday on Friday, with the epicenter near Mandalay. Over a thousand people are reported dead.
• Aftershocks: Several aftershocks followed the initial quake.
• Damage: Homes, schools, and historic buildings in Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, were destroyed or severely damaged.
• International Aid: Myanmar's military rulers made a rare appeal for international help. ASEAN and other countries are providing support. Foreign teams have arrived with equipment and expertise.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The earthquake has compounded an already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar, where nearly 20 million people need assistance, including over 3.5 million displaced from their homes.
• Government Response: The military ruler has visited affected areas, declared a state of emergency, and opened all ways for foreign aid.
• Aid Delivery Challenges: Delivering aid is challenging due to the ongoing civil war in Myanmar.
• Specific Aid: South Korea pledged $2 million, while Malaysia and Hong Kong offered rescue teams. China and India sent blankets, food, and search teams.

Thailand Earthquake

• Impact: The earthquake and aftershocks were felt in most of Thailand's provinces.
• Building Collapse: A 30-story building under construction collapsed in Bangkok.
• Casualties: At least 10 people have died, and around 100 are believed to be trapped under the rubble.
• Rescue Efforts: Rescue teams have been working through the night using drones, heavy machinery, and K9 units.
• Public Reaction: Initial reactions included panic and confusion, as Thailand is not prone to earthquakes. The last quake of this scale was believed to be 95 years ago.
• Displacement: Many residents have been displaced from their apartments due to cracks and structural damage in buildings.
• Government Advice: The Prime Minister has urged people to stay alert for potential aftershocks. A national SMS alert system has been set up. Citizens are advised to remain cautious, especially in areas with structural damage.
• Relocation: Many people are relocating to areas with less tall buildings, feeling unsafe in high-rises.

Perspectives from Experts

• Tiara Kamalvata Navit (Journalist in Bangkok):
  • Many residents were unfamiliar with earthquake protocols.
  • The government was not prepared for an earthquake of this scale.
  • Buildings are showing signs of cracks, and debris is falling.
  • Life is returning to some normalcy, but it is still overwhelming and disorienting for many residents.
• Will Rashu (Executive Director, Save the Children in Thailand):
  • Focusing on the poor and migrant communities in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
  • Assessing the impact on livelihoods and access to services.
  • Evaluating the impact on refugee communities, where they run education services for around 28,000 children from Myanmar.
  • Ensuring families have a safe place to stay, access to food, toilets, and hygiene items.
  • Addressing the mental health impact by providing opportunities for children to play and express their feelings.
  • Stated that some communities already had needs before the earthquake, so more support is always needed.
  • Acknowledged the government is doing a great job but some communities are hard to reach, especially refugees on the border.

Save the Children's Response (Will Rashu)

• Assessment: Assessing the impact on poor, migrant, and refugee communities.
• Shelter: Ensuring families have safe places to stay, either with relatives or in temporary shelters.
• Basic Needs: Providing access to food, toilets, and hygiene items.
• Mental Health: Facilitating play and expression to address the mental health impact on children.
• Education: Ensuring access to continuous learning opportunities for refugee children.

Conclusion

The earthquake has caused significant devastation in both Myanmar and Thailand, requiring immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term support. While international aid is being mobilized, challenges remain in reaching affected populations, particularly in Myanmar due to the ongoing civil war. The focus is on providing shelter, basic needs, and mental health support to those affected, especially vulnerable communities. The situation highlights the importance of preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural disasters.