Myanmar: How to Help

The nation of Myanmar (Burma), a country in Southeast Asia that is home to over 54 million people, was hit by a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on Friday 28th March.

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Hope 103.2’s Brendan and Danniebelle spoke with the CEO of World Vision Australia, Daniel Wordsworth, to discuss this heartbreaking situation.

More than 10 million men, women and children have been directly affected by this quake, with the death toll currently sitting at 2,700 and expected to rise over the coming days.

Neighbouring Thailand has also felt the effects of the earthquake, as buildings have been destroyed and over 20 lives lost in that nation.

More than 10 million men, women and children have been directly affected by this quake.

Organisations such as World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, Plan International and more, are all on the ground and working as fast as they can to help the people of Myanmar in these crucial early days.

With whole towns being completely destroyed, the nation is feeling the effects of losing not only homes, hospitals and schools, but also clean water, medical supplies and food – leading to more than just physical damage.

Who is on the ground?

The following agencies are just a few of the organisations with teams on the ground providing support:

Samaritan’s Purse have airlifted an emergency field hospital into the area.

Plan International is providing food, clean water and shelter, as well as helping to provide mental health support to those affected.

World Vision are providing emergency food, clean water, shelter, and hygiene kits to protect children and families in this critical time.

Open Doors continue to support persecuted believers in the region, providing for both short term and long-term needs.

Baptist World Aid are supporting their Christian partners as they respond with emergency support for families.

Many agencies are on the ground providing support.

With the hardest hit areas being incredibly difficult to access already due to structural damage to roads and bridges, the civil war that has been affecting the country since 2021 is further impacting these rescue efforts, as roads and resources are being blocked and controlled by the military, according to ABC News.

How can we help?

So, what can you do to help?

Pray

First and foremost, Daniel Wordsworth asks people to pray – for the broken and hurting people of Myanmar and for the teams that are putting all their effort into helping the affected communities.

Pray also for the necessary ceasefire to happen so that aid can be safely delivered where it is needed most.

Listen to the full conversation with Daniel Wordsworth in the player above.

Child Sponsorship

World Vision have a child sponsorship program that you are encouraged to look into.

You can financially support a child at this time in their need for food, shelter, education and psychological support.

Donate

Enquire with the above organisations, to support the important work their teams are doing on the ground.

Listen to the full conversation with Daniel Wordsworth in the player above.

Feature image: Photo by CanvaPro