Earthquake Appeal Myanmar and Thailand

It was one of the most violent earthquakes recorded in several decades. The human toll is heavy: nearly 4,000 deaths have been recorded, but some estimate that the number of victims could exceed 10,000, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Limited access to information complicates the situation assessment: journalists are not allowed to stay in Myanmar, telephone lines are unstable, and the lack of internet hinders the circulation of news.

In Mandalay, as in other cities with many permanent structures, several buildings—including condominiums, monasteries, and hotels—have collapsed. Many neighbourhoods are completely isolated, without telephone or electricity, and people are still trapped under rubble in several locations.

Fearing further tremors, residents have fled their homes and taken refuge in the streets. They are in urgent need of water, food and security measures to prevent looting, particularly the restoration of electricity. In all the affected areas, the material damage is considerable: collapsed or severely damaged buildings, impassable roads, and destroyed infrastructure.

Donate now in GBP

Donate now in SG$

Donate now in HK$

Donate now in US$

Our action: a targeted and trustworthy response

Although Children of the Mekong does not specialise in humanitarian emergencies, we are committed to responding to the specific requests of our local managers. Our assistance will focus on:

• Access to water, food and electricity for the most affected families.
• The urgent securing of places of residence (schools, hostels, etc.): in the midst of civil war, it is crucial to quickly rebuild the surrounding walls and guarantee the safety of children and teachers.
• In a second phase, the reconstruction and consolidation of school buildings and hostels for children and students.

Why should you trust us?

• Having been present in Myanmar for more than 25 years, we know the field inside out. Our local employees are committed and the teams from head office regularly travel to the field. We have more than 130 sponsorship programmes in the country.
• We work with a network of reliable partners, mainly nuns dedicated to the poorest, who already welcome children injured by the conflict into their convents.
• Children of the Mekong is not linked to the national authorities, which guarantees transparency and monitoring of funds but is connected to local communities. The effectiveness of the organisation’s work is based on its ability to react quickly and in a targeted manner.
• Children of the Mekong draws on its history of more than 65 years and its ability to respond to the tragedies and natural disasters in the countries in which it operates. Its loyalty to local partners and its ability to get close to the ground is a formidable lever for restoring meaning and hope to the suffering populations. With the experience gained from climatic and political disasters, each project supported will be the subject of a detailed report, accompanied by photos and financial reports.

Present in Myanmar since 2001, Children of the Mekong has doubled its aid since the start of the civil war: 3,200 children supported through sponsorship; 28,000 children supported to go to school in conflict zones. Children of the Mekong has three development priorities:

• Supporting those suffering from the consequences of war
• Keeping young people in school
• Supporting students through to employment.

Donate now in GBP

Donate now in SG$

Donate now in HK$

Donate now in US$