Fida launched a humanitarian relief operation in Myanmar, following the devastating earthquake that hit eg. the Bago region.
Three days after a devastating earthquake hit Myanmar and Thailand, Fida launched a humanitarian relief operation in the Bago region, Myanmar.
– Aid is being delivered in collaboration with Fida’s local partner organisation, the Assemblies of God church, to ensure it reaches those in need quickly and effectively, says Jukka Tasanen, Fida’s Regional Director for Asia. Tasanen is well acquainted with Myanmar, having lived there with his family prior to the escalation of the ongoing conflict.
The first batch of aid was distributed by the local church partner, containing clean water for those who had lost their homes in the disaster.
According to the Assemblies of God church, the most urgent needs right now are clean water, medical supplies, and food. The situation is being closely monitored, and aid will be adjusted according to emerging needs.
Aid delivered through trusted network
With the support of Fida’s emergency appeal in Finland, aid is being delivered directly to affected areas through the Assemblies of God network. The church has established distribution points, trained volunteers, and years of experience in humanitarian response.
Fida and its partner church have long been engaged in development cooperation in regions affected by conflict.
Fida’s ongoing development programmes are located in the Yangon and Kachin regions, which were not significantly impacted by the earthquake. Work supporting children’s education in those areas continues as normal for now.
– Despite this, the overall situation in the country is highly critical, with widespread power and water supply disruptions and damaged transportation links. The need for help is urgent, Tasanen says.
Hospitals are filling up with the injured, and infrastructure has suffered severe damage in some areas—roads, public buildings, and bridges have collapsed.
According to Fida’s partner church, the number of fatalities is continues to rise. Some estimates suggest the death toll may reach thousands—or even tens of thousands.
Fida’s staff based in Thailand, as well as the local partner’s team in Myanmar, are confirmed to be safe.
