“We are rapidly mobilizing resources and personnel in Myanmar”

Our teams have been in the affected areas of Mandalay and southern Shan State since March 30 and began needs assessments on March 31. The brigades are composed of medical, logistical, and water and sanitation specialists to provide a comprehensive response to this emergency. However, it is still difficult to determine the full extent of the damage due to communication outages and limited access to some areas. 

The initial findings indicate that: 

• Many structures are damaged, and the population fears returning to buildings, spending the night in monasteries or on the streets. 
• There is a shortage of basic items such as drinking water, and there is an urgent need for latrines. 
• The electricity supply is very limited, complicating the situation at night. 
• Our teams in Mandalay felt three minor aftershocks on March 31, but no additional damage has been reported.

Our immediate focus is to identify critical emergency trauma care needs, especially life-saving surgeries for crush injuries due to building collapses. We are also assessing hospital operations and water and sanitation conditions. 

We are rapidly mobilizing our resources and personnel in Myanmar and neighboring countries to respond on a large scale to the needs of affected communities. Coordination with local authorities, including the Ministry of Health, is ongoing to ensure effective deployment of aid. 

The impact of this catastrophe is exceeding the capacity of any individual organisation, and it is essential that joint efforts be intensified to prevent further loss of life. 

Damage to health infrastructure is putting critical care at risk, from emergency surgeries to the treatment of chronic diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, diabetes, and hypertension. In addition, lack of access to drinking water can trigger waterborne diseases and worsen the humanitarian situation. 

Our experience in other earthquakes tells us that in these days it is very important to continue close monitoring efforts. Given the scale and intensity of the earthquake, the impact on people requiring urgent trauma care for crush injuries can be devastating. 

This vital emergency trauma care is crucial in the first 72 hours after a disaster. 

• We are especially concerned about those in more vulnerable situations due to the loss of shelter, lack of access to general healthcare, and lack of drinking water, which is crucial to controlling the possible spread of waterborne diseases. 
• Healthcare facilities need a stable supply of electricity and drinking water to perform complex operations, assist in childbirth, or sterilize medical instruments. 
• Damaged facilities may require urgent repairs to continue functioning. In many cases, it will be necessary to establish temporary structures and resupply hospitals and medical centers with essential materials and medications that have been lost or destroyed. 
• Special attention must be given to chronic patients who need to continue daily treatment (HIV, tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension, etc.). 
• Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) measures are key to preventing disease outbreaks, so in cases like this, another priority is working with authorities to ensure that the affected population has access to clean water and adequate sanitation. 
• It is important to install temporary latrines and distribute hygiene kits to displaced populations.
• Earthquakes of such magnitude cause immense psychological distress. Providing mental health support through counseling, psychological first aid, and community assistance can be essential in the short, medium, and long term.
• To enable an effective response, it is crucial that we can quickly access affected areas and that the entry of essential supplies and humanitarian personnel is facilitated.