Doctors Without Borders (MSF) teams working in Myanmar and Thailand are safe and accounted for after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the central region near Mandalay.
Our medical humanitarian staff in Myanmar and neighbouring countries have the capacity to respond at scale to the needs of affected communities once authorities facilitate swift and unhindered access for teams to do assessments and provide medical care.
Given the scale and intensity of the earthquake, its impact on people could be devastating, particularly for those who require immediate lifesaving assistance due to trauma injuries.
Myanmar earthquake - MSF Head of Mission voice note
We’re also concerned about those who will be vulnerable as a result of loss of shelter, loss of access to general healthcare, and loss of access to safe drinking water, which is crucial to controlling the possible spread of waterborne diseases.
The ability to deploy assessment teams and, ideally, surgical capacity, are critical in the first hours and days after any earthquake if we hope to respond with life and limb-saving surgical care for people injured.
To enable an effective response, swift access to affected areas and timely approval of essential supplies and personnel are critical.
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