Further humanitarian assistance to Myanmar

Australia will contribute additional support for the people of Myanmar affected by the devastating earthquake. This support builds on Australia’s initial $2 million contribution to the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC).

The natural disaster has caused significant loss of life, injury and extensive damage to homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. The earthquake has already claimed over 2,700 lives, with almost 4,500 reported injured. These numbers are expected to rise as rescuers gain access to remote areas and rubble is cleared. Survivors are in urgent need of food, water or shelter.

Australia’s additional support will help those impacted by the humanitarian crisis. It includes:

• $3.5 million to Australian NGOs and their local partners with a focus on food, water and sanitation and emergency health and education, and $500,000 contribution to the Emergency Action Alliance appeal.
• $3 million for emergency relief supplies and to support the efforts of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.

A rapid response team has also been mobilised through Australia Assists, to help coordinate disaster relief efforts on the ground. We are coordinating with international partners on the need for any additional deployments.

There are credible reports that the regime continues to conduct air strikes in earthquake affected areas, exacerbating the suffering of the people of Myanmar and complicating already difficult relief efforts. We condemn these acts and call on the military regime to immediately cease military operations and allow full humanitarian access to affected areas.

Australia’s humanitarian support to Myanmar is provided through thoroughly vetted international and local partners. We take proactive steps to ensure our assistance does not legitimise the military regime in Myanmar.