Taipei: The Red Cross Society of the Republic of China (Taiwan) announced its decision to donate US$50,000 to aid Myanmar following a devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the region on Friday. This contribution is part of a broader effort by various local groups to provide assistance in the aftermath of the disaster.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Taiwan Red Cross stated that the funds would support emergency aid and rescue operations conducted by its Myanmar counterpart and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The earthquake impacted Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw and central areas including Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway, Bago, and the Northeastern Shan State.
The earthquake's effects extended beyond Myanmar, with neighboring countries such as China and Thailand also experiencing its impact. In response, the IFRC convened an online meeting with its humanitarian network members on Saturday to coordinate emergency response efforts.
There is concern over the potential spread of diseases in the earthquake-affected regions of Myanmar due to damage to infrastructure, including hospitals and the water system. The Myanmar Red Cross estimates that approximately 50,000 families have been impacted, and it aims to provide emergency aid and support rebuilding efforts for 10,000-20,000 families.
According to the Taiwan Red Cross, the IFRC issued an appeal to raise 15 million Swiss Francs (US$17.03 million), allocating 30 percent for disaster relief and 70 percent for reconstruction efforts.
In addition, the Fo Guang Shan Monastery's regional branch, which covers Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and India, plans to purchase 140,000 Malaysian ringgit (US$31,553.6) worth of supplies to assist 1,000 families in towns near Mandalay. The headquarters of Fo Guang Shan will also allocate US$30,000 for disaster relief and organize transportation for search and rescue teams from Taiwan between Yangon and central Myanmar.
The Taipei-based Buddhist group Dharma Drum Mountain announced in an online statement that its charity foundation will send a delegation to the affected regions in Myanmar for needs assessment. The group plans to deliver aid and supplies through Taiwanese businesses operating in Myanmar and is preparing emergency shipments of medical and other supplies with the assistance of China Airlines, which has agreed to transport disaster relief supplies to Thailand and Myanmar free of charge.
In its latest report released on Sunday, the government of Myanmar reported approximately 1,700 fatalities, 3,400 injuries, and over 300 missing persons due to the earthquake. These numbers are expected to rise significantly in the coming weeks.