Red Cross helps people affected by the earthquake in Southeast Asia

The devastating earthquake that struck Southeast Asia on Friday 28 March and its aftershocks have impacted the lives of over 18 million people. The epicentre of the quake was located in central Myanmar.

Hannaleena Pölkki, Country Representative of the Finnish Red Cross stationed in Yangon, Myanmar, says that local volunteers launched relief actions quickly.

“The Red Cross volunteers in Myanmar took immediate action to rescue people from the ruins and give first aid to the wounded. At the moment, we are collecting information in order to expand the relief actions and respond to the great need of the people affected.”

According to Pölkki, it is particularly difficult to obtain information on small villages outside large cities.

“In Myanmar, there has been one disaster after another. Last year, the country was struck by violent floods, whose effects are still felt here. Now, the region is entering the hot season, followed by the rainy season.” Furthermore, the prolonged political conflict has made life difficult for people. The region hit by the quake is home to people who have fled from other parts of the country, many of whom have now lost the roof over their head.

The local Red Cross teams of volunteers are searching for missing people and giving life-saving first aid to the wounded. The International Red Cross supports the work of local Red Cross organisations.

The Finnish Red Cross is ready to respond to the local organisation’s requests for aid on site.

Aid in difficult circumstances

It is estimated that the earthquake has affected the lives of over 18 million people, and people are still stuck under collapsed buildings. Many have lost their homes and all contact to their family and friends. There is a shortage of clean water and healthcare services. The destruction of roads and other infrastructure makes organising relief work and estimating the scope of damage more difficult.

In addition to immediate emergency aid, help will be needed for a long time to come in order to restore the basic preconditions for life. Homes must be rebuilt, the supply of clean water and sanitation must be secured, and people must be provided with essential health care.

Help – donate to the Disaster Relief Fund

You can help by donating to the Disaster Relief Fund:

• Donate online
• Use MobilePay to transfer the desired sum to the number 10900
• Donate EUR 40 by sending the text message ‘SPR40’ to the number 16499 

The donations allow Red Cross to help the victims of natural disasters and conflicts all around the world. In Finland, aid is offered to victims of sudden accidents, such as fires.