Ireland donates €6m to Myanmar earthquake response

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

The Irish Government has donated €6 million to help respond to the “devastating” earthquake which has claimed more than 1,000 lives in Myanmar.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake, with an epicentre near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city, struck at midday and was followed 12 minutes later by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock.

This complicated rescue efforts and has raised fears of further casualties.

As Myanmar is embroiled in a brutal civil war, with the epicentre of the earthquake hitting an active conflict zone, pre-existing humanitarian needs have been worsened.

Some €3 million in funding is to be given to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and Myanmar Red Cross Society.

A further €1.5 million is being donated to the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund and another €1.5 million to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Joint Response Plan, which is responding to the urgent needs of displaced Rohingya people.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said the destruction will place “extraordinary pressure” on many people already in need.

“Ireland stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and will provide immediate emergency humanitarian assistance.

“Funding from Ireland will support a locally-led response and provide assistance to those most impacted by this disaster.”