Red Cross Flanders releases 100,000 euros for Myanmar after massive earthquake
Red Cross Flanders is releasing 100,000 euros from its emergency relief fund to provide humanitarian aid to Myanmar after the massive earthquake that hit the country earlier on Friday. The quake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, already claimed at least the lives of 144 people and caused severe damage in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions.
The epicentre of the earthquake was located a few dozen kilometres from Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city with a population of over 1.2 million. An aftershock with a magnitude of 6.4 occurred ten minutes after the first quake.
“Financial support is the most efficient way to get help going at this stage of the disaster"
At least 144 people have been killed and more than 730 others were injured, the head of Myanmar's military government said on Friday evening. The death toll is however expected to rise significantly. According to Belgian geologist Manuel Sintubin of KU Leuven university, the number of victims could rise to 50,000. Collapsed bridges, blocked roads and disrupted electricity and communication networks currently make it extremely difficult to get a full picture of the situation.
Red Cross Flanders is immediately releasing a sum of money to help meet the initial needs. “Financial support is the most efficient way to get help going at this stage of the disaster," said Vincent Verbeecke, spokesman for Red Cross Flanders. “The needs are great: medical care, shelter, potable water, psychological support and basic goods. The threat of aftershocks makes the situation even more difficult both for the affected population and aid workers.”
The Myanmar Red Cross has activated its national crisis communication and coordination system, with more than 6,000 volunteers. Germany, the UK, Switzerland and six other countries are also active in Myanmar with their Red Cross.
According to Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot, there are currently no Belgian victims reported in the Myanmar earthquake. About 25 Belgians are currently in the country. About 4,100 Belgians are currently present in neighbouring Thailand, where the effects of the earthquakes are also felt.
A resident looks on next to a collapsed building in Mandalay on 28 March 2025, after an earthquake in central Myanmar © BELGA PHOTO STR / AFP
Related news
