Red Cross Flanders releases 100,000 euros for Myanmar after massive earthquake
Red Cross Flanders is releasing 100,000 euros from its emergency relief fund to provide humanitarian aid to Myanmar after the massive earthquake that hit the country on Friday. The quake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, has killed at least 144 people and caused severe damage in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions.
The epicentre of the earthquake was a few dozen kilometres from Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city with a population of more than 1.2 million. An aftershock with a magnitude of 6.4 occurred 10 minutes after the first quake.
At least 144 people have been killed and more than 730 others injured, the head of Myanmar's military government said on Friday evening. The death toll is expected to rise significantly.
According to Belgian geologist Manuel Sintubin of KU Leuven, the number of victims could rise to 50,000. Collapsed bridges, blocked roads and disrupted electricity and communication networks make it extremely difficult to get a full picture of the situation.
“Financial support is the most efficient way to get help going at this stage of the disaster"
Red Cross Flanders is immediately releasing money to help meet the initial needs.
“Financial support is the most efficient way to get help going at this stage of the disaster," said spokesperson Vincent Verbeecke. “The needs are great: medical care, shelter, potable water, psychological support and basic goods. The threat of aftershocks makes the situation even more difficult both for the affected population and aid workers.”
The Myanmar Red Cross has activated its national crisis communication and coordination system, with more than 6,000 volunteers. The Red Cross in Germany, the UK, Switzerland and six other countries are also active in Myanmar.
According to Foreign minister Maxime Prévot, no Belgian victims have been reported in the earthquake. About 25 Belgians are in the country, with about 4,100 in neighbouring Thailand, where the effects of the earthquakes were also felt.
#FlandersNewsService | A resident looks on next to a collapsed building in Mandalay after an earthquake in central Myanmar, 28 March 2025 © PHOTO STR / AFP
Related news
