Farmamundi has activated its humanitarian response protocol following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar (Burma) on Friday, March 28, severely affecting the regions of Sagaing and Mandalay. Official figures already report over 1,700 deaths, around 3,400 injuries, and 300 missing persons.
This natural disaster adds to the «complex» situation the country is facing, «immersed in a civil war for four years, a severe food crisis, and a declining economy,» the organization stated in a press release.
In this regard, it detailed that, as reported by the UN, «more than 3.5 million people have been displaced by the conflicts, facing difficulties in accessing basic needs such as medical care and food.»
This earthquake has destroyed «critical» infrastructures, including bridges and roads, which «complicates rescue efforts and the delivery of humanitarian aid, also due to the restrictions imposed by the military junta, which has declared a state of emergency in six regions and has requested international assistance.»
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sent «almost three tons of medical supplies, with more assistance expected to arrive in the coming days,» it highlighted.
Farmamundi’s General Director, Joan Peris, stated that the organization «is in contact with international organizations, the Emergency Fund, and local partners to coordinate the humanitarian response, assessing the safest and most effective ways to reach the affected population.»
The earthquake was also felt in neighboring countries such as Thailand, where at least 18 people have died due to the collapse of a building under construction in Bangkok. Additionally, tremors were recorded in Laos, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China, although «no fatalities have been reported in these countries so far.»
EMERGENCY IN 2008 DUE TO CYCLONE NARGIS
In 2008, Farmamundi responded to the humanitarian emergency in Myanmar following the devastating passage of Cyclone Nargis, which caused over 22,000 deaths and left thousands of people in extreme vulnerability.
Through its humanitarian logistics area, the organization sent three tons of medicines and medical supplies, including emergency kits to assist 10,000 people, water purification equipment, and essential supplies to prevent diseases.
«Despite the restrictions imposed by the military junta at that time, Farmamundi managed to channel aid thanks to coordination with international organizations and funding from entities such as AECID, the Humanitarian Agency of Galicia, the Extremadura Cooperation of the Regional Government of Extremadura, and the Farmamundi Humanitarian Aid Fund (FAHE),» the organization emphasized.
This experience «strengthens Farmamundi’s commitment to the population of Myanmar in the current emergency context, where efforts are being made to overcome logistical challenges and provide necessary support in these critical times.»
