Guernsey sends £50,000 to those affected by Myanmar's earthquake

Friday, 4 April 2025 07:05

A building destroyed by the Myanmar earthquake

The Guernsey Overseas Aid & Development Commission is giving £50,000 to Myanmar to help with relief efforts after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the country.

The UK Disasters' Emergency Committee (DEC) launched a major appeal following the devastating natural disaster in the Southeast Asian country on 28 March 2025, which also affected neighbouring Thailand.

Guernsey's contribution will go towards helping 15 charities under the DEC, including the British Red Cross, Save the Children and Plan International, to aid humanitarian efforts in the region.

Deputy Chris Blin, the President of the OA&DC, says the Commission is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the thousands of injuries resulting from the earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected, especially the injured and those who have lost their homes or loved ones.

"The Commission will also continue to monitor the situation and is involved in ongoing discussions with charities to see if it can further assist in any way, as the position on the ground becomes clearer."

Aftermath of the Myanmar earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand. Credit: Sky News

Since the earthquake and its aftershocks, vital infrastructure has been destroyed, including roads, bridges and buildings.

Thousands of people have died, and millions of people need support.

It is understood that more than a third of the country's population (19 million) needed aid before the earthquake.

Families in Myanmar, whose homes have been destroyed and badly damaged, are sleeping outside, with limited access to shelter, food, clean water and medical supplies.