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Red Cross lands more than 40 tons of emergency relief in Myanmar

In addition to the first financial emergency relief on the ground, more than 40 tons of Red Cross emergency relief supplies have now arrived in Myanmar. The shipment is part of an airlift, facilitated by the EU, and was sent via Liège airport in cooperation between Belgian Red Cross-Flanders and the German Red Cross. The material was financed thanks to the support of citizens and the Flemish government, and has since arrived in Yangon, where it is being distributed to the worst affected populations. 

Red Cross relief supplies landed include: 

  • 250 family tents 
  • 2,000 thermal blankets 
  • 1,000 tarpaulins 
  • 2,000 mats to sleep on 
  • 2,000 10-liter jerry cans 
  • 1,000 14-liter water bottles 
  • 1,000 hygiene kits 
  • 700 tool kits to set up emergency shelters 

"The earthquake in Myanmar has hit a region that is already particularly fragile. There is ongoing violence and internal conflict, and then a massive earthquake on top of this. Many people are sleeping on the streets, without shelter or access to potable water. With this aid, we are ensuring that families once again have a minimum of safety and hygiene," said Vincent Verbeecke, spokesman for Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. 

Support from Flanders 

Since the March 28 earthquake, more than 300,000 euros have already been collected through Belgian Red Cross-Flanders . These funds are being used for medical teams, ambulance operations, mobile health posts and now material emergency relief, among other things. 

The humanitarian airlift, which provides logistical capacity to get relief goods into disaster areas quickly, played a key role in transporting this shipment. The goods were transported via Liege to Yangon, from where the Myanmar Red Cross is responsible for field distribution. 

Severe disaster, complex situation 

The earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale mainly hit the Sagaing and Mandalay regions. More than 70 percent of buildings in some areas were damaged or collapsed completely. Bridges and main roads were unusable, electricity and communications were largely lost. At the same time, the region is experiencing a heat wave with temperatures above 40°C, which increases the risk of dehydration and disease outbreaks and seriously complicates relief efforts. 

"The Red Cross has been present since day one with medical assistance and distribution of water, food and shelter. This logistical mission is making a tangible difference for thousands of people," Verbeecke said. 

"The human toll after the earthquake in Myanmar is incalculable," says Flemish prime minister Matthias Diependaele. "Flanders is freeing up 200,000 euros so that Belgian Red Cross-Flanders , in addition to distributing emergency relief supplies, can also deploy some search and rescue teams and relief workers in the field to provide assistance to those affected in the most efficient way possible."

Make a donation 

Those wishing to contribute to further relief efforts can do so through the emergency relief fund of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. Donations are welcome at BE53 0000 0000 5353 stating 'Myanmar earthquake' or via www.rodekruis.be/aardbeving-myanmar.