Earthquake in South-East Asia

We do not know the final death toll at the moment, but we do know that the earthquake was devastating. According to Helvetas, in the Sagaing region, around 60% of buildings collapsed completely, causing considerable damage and a very large number of injuries and deaths.

In Myanmar, more than 28 million people live in the six most affected regions. The survivors are traumatised and lack everything, from food and drinking water to healthcare and shelter.

Several of our Swiss NGO partners are already on the ground in the affected areas, while others are sending teams. They are doing everything in their power to reach the affected areas as quickly as possible. Thanks to strong partnerships with local organisations, these NGOs can act quickly and in a targeted manner to reach those most in need, despite the difficult conditions.

Swiss Solidarity intervenes where humanitarian needs are most urgent and where it can provide rapid and effective assistance in collaboration with its Swiss NGO partners. Currently, the needs are particularly great in Myanmar, where aid will be directed as a priority.

The country has been severely affected, with nearly one in three houses destroyed in the Sagaing region. Already weakened by years of armed conflict, massive population displacement and growing food insecurity, Myanmar is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, threatening the lives of thousands of people.

In the immediate term, Swiss Solidarity is focusing its aid on Myanmar, while continuing to assess the situation and adapt its response if necessary.

Swiss Solidarity works exclusively with Swiss NGO partners recognised for their expertise and extensive experience in this type of context. Most of them have been present in the country for several decades.

Despite the difficult conditions, they are able to act quickly and in a targeted manner thanks to their experience and the strong partnerships they have with organisations in Myanmar's civil society. These NGOs respect the principles of humanity, impartiality and neutrality. They provide assistance where the need is most urgent. They rigorously monitor the selection of aid recipients and are able to act completely independently in the field.  

In addition, Swiss Solidarity finances projects that meet the most urgent needs and ensures rigorous controls to guarantee that donations are put to good use.