The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the recent earthquake in Myanmar a top-level emergency and is urgently seeking US$8 million (approximately HK$62.2 million) to save lives and prevent disease outbreaks over the next 30 days.
According to reports from French media, the WHO stated on Sunday (March 30) that due to Myanmar's limited surgical capabilities and the high number of casualties and injuries, along with increased infection risks and poor local conditions, the earthquake could exacerbate the threat of disease outbreaks.
The WHO has classified the crisis in Myanmar as a Level 3 emergency, the highest response level under its emergency response framework, and has issued an urgent fundraising appeal.
The WHO said, "Preliminary assessments indicate a significant number of injuries and trauma in Myanmar, requiring immediate medical attention. Local power and water supplies remain disrupted, further deteriorating the accessibility of medical services and increasing the risk of waterborne and foodborne disease outbreaks.
"Due to insufficient surgical capacity and inadequate infection prevention and control, there is a high risk of infections and complications related to trauma injuries, including fractures, open wounds, and crush syndrome."
On March 28, a strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near the central city of Mandalay, followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock minutes later. To date, the earthquake has resulted in over 1,700 deaths in Myanmar, with at least 18 fatalities reported in the neighbouring country of Thailand.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies issued an urgent appeal on March 30, calling for over US$100 million (approximately HK$777 million) in funding to assist the victims of the Myanmar earthquake.
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