12 November 2012 -- CARE International’s emergency response coordinator in Myanmar has arrived in Mandalay, where 13 people are reported to have died in yesterday’s earthquake.
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit the country’s second largest city in central Myanmar on Sunday morning.
It was felt across a large part of the country and in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok and was followed by a series of strong aftershocks.
CARE’s emergency response team is liaising with local CARE staff and assessing the needs of those affected.
Adam Poulter, CARE Australia’s Humanitarian and Emergency Response Manager, said infrastructure damage had been reported in both Mandalay and Sagaing States. ‘The full extent of the damage remains unclear, but we know that the homes of people living near the epicentre have been destroyed as well a major bridge, several monasteries and a gold mine.’
CARE’s emergency response team is closely coordinating with the relevant Myanmar government authorities and United Nations bodies and reviewing emergency needs.
Mr Poulter said: ‘Stocks of emergency non-food items such as plastic sheeting and water containers are ready to be distributed as required. We know from experience that these are the kind of items people will need after an earthquake to meet their basic needs. ‘In an emergency such as this, $10 can provide plastic sheeting to give shelter to a family or $250 can provide an emergency response kit with a shovel, blanket, first aid kit, tarpaulin and other life-saving equipment,’ he added.
CARE has worked in Myanmar since 1995, with the aim of improving the living standards of rural communities through health education, including HIV/AIDS prevention as well, as nutritional support for children and pregnant mothers. CARE also provides micro-credit, and water and sanitation programs, as well as ensuring families have enough food to lead healthy and productive lives.
About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE has more than six decades of experience helping people prepare for disasters, providing lifesaving assistance when a crisis hits, and helping communities recover after the emergency has passed. CARE places special focus on women and children, who are often disproportionately affected by disasters. To learn more, visit www.care-international.org.
To arrange interviews with CARE staff, please contact CARE Australia media officer Helen Walsh at +61 (03) 9009