AS aftershocks continue to pound central Myanmar following the earthquake on 28 March, UNHCR has rushed emergency supplies from Yangon to some 25,000 earthquake survivors in the Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw areas. We are mobilizing more relief items from our existing stocks in Myanmar, and hope these plastic sheets, sleeping mats, blankets, kitchen sets and mosquito nets can provide some relief in these turbulent times.
Our team is currently identifying critical needs in the worst-affected areas of Mandalay, Magway and Sagaing Regions as part of an inter-agency rapid needs assessment. The most urgent requirement is to deploy shelter and relief items to the affected areas. It is also essential to monitor risks around explosive ordnance, family separation, child protection and gender-based violence.
UNHCR is communicating with the affected communities on safety issues and the provision of emergency aid.
The earthquake and its aftershocks compound an already desperate situation in a country reeling from four years of conflict. The quake-hit areas are home to 45 per cent of the 3.5 million internally displaced people across Myanmar. UNHCR continues to advocate for unimpeded humanitarian access to help these communities who need urgent assistance.
