After the severe earthquake in Myanmar, the survivors are faced with the ruins of their existence. There is not enough drinking water, sanitary facilities have been destroyed and there is no way to wash themselves. With the start of the rainy season, mud and flooding will make their situation even worse.
Our team on the ground continues to work at full speed to prevent diseases and restore the drinking water supply. Because we know from experience that infectious diseases such as cholera spread particularly quickly in disaster areas with extreme heat and heavy rainfall.
Hygiene products as immediate aid for those affected
No one should have to live under such circumstances. In order to prevent illness, comprehensive help is needed for those affected as quickly as possible. Over the past few weeks, we have provided 7,000 people with hygiene products such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and menstrual products.
We are currently active in the rural areas around Inle Lake. Many houses there, which are traditionally built on stilts above the water, have been severely damaged or destroyed. Many families are now living in temporary shelters or on their boats.
Together with local partners, we can help quickly and effectively
We have been working with local partner organizations since 2008 to improve the living conditions of people in Myanmar. According to the United Nations, every second child there lived in poverty even before the disaster.
In the current situation, cooperation with local emergency services is a great help in providing effective support. We activated our partners in Myanmar on the day of the earthquake and they were on the ground in the affected regions within a few hours.
Water enables a life in health and dignity
Many wells in the earthquake zone were buried or contaminated by landslides. Pipeline systems were also largely destroyed, and water reservoirs have collapsed, been buried or are leaking. In the long term, the situation of the people in Myanmar can only be improved by restoring the destroyed infrastructure. That is why we are currently preparing the first repair measures.
Reconstruction needs water – and the people of Myanmar urgently need protection from the monsoon and diseases such as cholera. With a donation, you enable us to continue to be there for them.
