The relief workers of the international humanitarian agency of the Order of Malta, Malteser International, based in Yangon and Shan State, are working to provide medical assistance, psychosocial support, clean water and sanitation to the people affected in the Mandalay region, one of the hardest-hit areas in central Myanmar.
Two days after the disaster, the full extent of the damage remains unclear, and emergency teams still lack information from remote areas. Damaged roads and collapsed bridges continue to hinder relief efforts. Malteser International’s Country Director in Myanmar reported on Sunday morning European Time: “Our teams are witnessing unimaginable devastation. Many people have lost everything and will bear the consequences of this tragedy for the rest of their lives. Tent cities are being set up without access to clean water or sanitation. Beyond the fear of aftershocks, we are deeply concerned about the rapid spread of infectious diseases among the survivors.”
The Order of Malta has been working in Myanmar since 1996 and in Thailand since 1979. In Thailand, Malteser International provides health care for refugees along the Thai-Myanmar border. The Malteser International team on the ground is currently assessing the extent to which the refugee camps in Thailand they are supporting have been affected by the earthquake. In addition, 250,000 euros have already been allocated to deal with the humanitarian emergency and provide immediate assistance in the affected areas.
“Our teams are already at work assessing needs and coordinating emergency relief. There is a need for food, clothing, blankets and basic hygiene items: people in Myanmar have lost everything,” says Cordula Wasser, head of the Asia department at Malteser International. “The earthquake has been felt throughout the country, and our teams in Thailand are also already providing health care to refugees on the border with Myanmar. We are trying to assess the damage together with local partner organizations to get an emergency relief operation underway as soon as possible”.
“Our thoughts and sincere prayers are with all those who have lost their lives, their loved ones, and their livelihoods in the earthquakes affecting Thailand and Myanmar.”, said Josef D. Blotz, Grand Hospitaller of the Order of Malta. “This disaster will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable people. Many of them have been dealing daily with the effects of conflict and displacement for decades. During that time, the Order of Malta has not left their side, and we will keep on supporting them throughout this difficult period”.
PHOTO CREDIT: ANSA/EPA
