More than 3,600 people have been reported dead and approximately 5,000 injured in the massive earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28. In the earthquake-stricken areas of Mandalay and Sagaing, many survivors are still living in severe displacement outdoors more than two weeks after the earthquake, and nearly half of them reportedly have yet to receive any assistance. AAR Japan (Association for Aid and Relief, Japan) works with local partner organizations to procure and transport emergency relief supplies tailored to local needs.

In the Mandalay area, the country’s second largest city, stores and markets have gradually reopened, but it was difficult to procure large quantities of supplies in the affected areas. Therefore, AAR and its local partner organizations went around several markets in Yangon, the largest city in the country, to collect relief supplies. Since the Thingyan Water Festival Holiday in Myanmar starts on April 12 and distribution will be delayed for about a week, we are hurriedly procuring supplies from April 9 to 11, transporting and distributing them to the affected areas.

In the affected areas, there is an urgent need to set up shelters (tents) for survivors who have taken shelter outdoors before the rainy season begins in June. There are concerns about the spread of infectious diseases such as diarrhea, skin diseases, and mosquito-borne dengue fever due to poor sanitation in shelters such as green parks and open spaces. AAR is hurrying to coordinate with relevant agencies on rainy season measures, distributing packages of food and other daily necessities as well as hygiene items such as mats, mosquito nets, towels, soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, solar lamps, and so on.

The situation in the affected areas is constantly changing, and the extent of damage and support differs between urban and rural areas. Our emergency support team dispatched from Tokyo is working with two local offices (Yangon and Paan) and local partner organizations to assess the situation in more detail, survey the needs of the survivors, and coordinate for further assistance. In addition to the distribution of supplies through local partner organizations, cash transfers will be made so that each survivors can buy what they need.

The Thingyan Water Festival is one of the most important festivals in Myanmar. Although it is customary for people to take a week-long vacation, many people are dedicating themselves to what they can do in the face of the earthquake damage. AAR’s local staff member who went to the affected areas said, “Many people there are still in a very difficult situation. We need to ensure that no one is left behind in our support efforts, especially those who are more vulnerable during disasters, such as people with disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly. I had forgotten that it was the time of the Thingyan Water Festival”.

AAR is working with the people of Myanmar who are facing this difficulty in their relief efforts. We would like to ask for your cooperation in AAR’s emergency support for the Myanmar earthquake.