Red Cross responding to powerful earthquake in Myanmar

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at around 0620 UK time this morning with strong tremors across the region including in the neighbouring country, Thailand.

Buildings have collapsed across the region, with many people trapped and many more feared dead.

Teams from the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) have responded immediately, taking part in lifesaving search-and-rescue operations and working to connect hospitals and clinics with emergency blood donations. MRCS responders are assessing the situation, but face challenges accessing affected areas, with electricity and network lines down in Mandalay and Sagaing regions, and Southern Shan state.

British Red Cross Chief Executive Officer Béatrice Butsana-Sita said:

“While the extent of the damage is still emerging, it’s clear that countless lives have been affected across Myanmar and beyond.

“Red Cross teams are already responding on the ground. They have been taking part in lifesaving search and rescue operations as well as helping to connect hospitals and clinics with emergency blood donations. They will continue to do their utmost to help those affected in the coming hours, days and weeks.

“If you can, please donate to help us provide vital humanitarian support when people need it most.” 

The British Red Cross Disaster Fund helps us respond to emergencies, such as the Myanmar earthquake emergency as quickly as possible.

To donate, visit https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/disaster-fund, or call 0300 023 0814.

For interview requests please email press@redcross.org.uk or call 020 7877 7557.

With millions of volunteers across more than 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of a Movement that’s there for people as soon as crisis happens. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. 

The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies. 

We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives.