On March 28, a deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar. At least 3,600 people were killed and thousands more injured, according to local officials. The powerful quake was also felt in Thailand, where it toppled a skyscraper that was under construction in Bangkok, claiming several lives and trapping others under the rubble. The World Health Organization estimates 2.4 million people are in urgent need of health assistance.

Americares deployed an emergency response team to the region to coordinate with partners on the ground and is supporting mobile medical teams treating survivors. With emergency funding for local partners, Americares is also increasing access to clean water and sanitation by supporting the storage and distribution of clean water and installing toilets for earthquake survivors.   

“Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by this devastating earthquake,” said Americares Deputy Senior Vice President of Emergency Programs, Provash Budden. “Our concern is for the health of survivors, as many health facilities in earthquake-affected areas are destroyed or damaged, disrupting access to health services. With such widespread damage to homes, water and sanitation, survivors are also at risk for disease outbreaks.”

Americares team continues to work with partners to mobilize critical medical supplies and help ensure survivors have access to urgently needed health care.