On March 28, Myanmar was met with a 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock. The disaster has caused heavy damage to bridges and roads across the region and left many without power or forms of communication. So far, 3,500 casualties have been confirmed.
The earthquake hit near the city of Sagaing and a state of emergency was declared across six states in Myanmar. Severe impacts and casualties have been reported as far as 600 miles away in Bangkok, Thailand. First responders across Southeast Asia began working to save lives shortly after the initial impact and continue to stabilize the situation through the recovery phase of the disaster.
This page will provide up-to-date guidance and resources to help the business community effectively contribute to response efforts. We will continue to update this list as more information becomes available.
Providing Support
Financial contributions are best. Cash assists with bolstering the supply chains of responders already positioned to meet humanitarian needs, while also avoiding burdening those supply chains with goods that are well intended but not appropriate for this particular crisis.
NGOs Assisting with Relief Efforts
American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar
The American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar was established on October 31, 2013. To date, more than 130 companies employing over 10,000 Myanmar nationals have joined the Chamber. These companies represent a diverse collection of industries and nationalities, with a common goal to expand American business and promote the highest business standards in Myanmar.
For further information to support relief efforts, please email resilience@uschamber.com.
Note:As with most humanitarian crises, unsolicited donations of food and products overwhelm local communities and negatively impact critical relief operations. Please do not send unsolicited donations. Only provide in-kind donations of goods which have been requested and to an organization who can manage the donation.
