At 12:50 local time, a violent earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar. Tremors were felt in Laos, Thailand and also in China.

“I had just returned to my office after lunch when I felt the walls and tables shaking violently. I was extremely surprised because the tremors lasted a very long time. I have experienced earthquakes before, but this one lasted a really long time,” reports Kyaw Zaw Naing, HI's operations manager in Myanmar.

At present, the human toll is still unknown, but many injured people are pouring into hospitals. We fear a serious humanitarian situation in the country, already weakened by a political, economic and health crisis.

“In this type of context, we can also expect a high number of casualties, including many injuries: wounds, complex fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries and amputations,” says Pauline Falipou, emergency rehabilitation specialist at HI.

The authorities have declared a state of emergency in six regions affected by the earthquake. The Burmese junta has also launched an appeal for international aid.

It is vital to act quickly after a disaster of this magnitude.

Already present on the ground, and knowing how vital intervention in the first hours after an earthquake is to combating long-term disabling injuries, Humanity & Inclusion teams, trained in emergency response, are on the job. They are currently assessing the extent of the damage and the needs of the most vulnerable groups in order to plan an intervention on the ground.

“Our aim is to intervene as quickly as possible with rehabilitation in order to avoid more serious disabilities. We offer our expertise by carrying out the first steps of rehabilitation, as well as providing technical assistance such as wheelchairs, crutches, etc. We are particularly vigilant about the situation of the most vulnerable groups, especially disabled people who may have found themselves unable to flee without assistance,” adds Pauline Falipou.

In this emergency, significant resources are needed, and that is why we are reaching out to our Canadian community today. Every donation is essential to restoring hope to these people who have lost their loved ones and their homes.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you on their behalf.

_{Please note that the funding needs outlined in this appeal for donations issued by Humanity & Inclusion Canada may change depending on other sources of funding received. This is why the donations entrusted to us are pooled to meet the priority needs of our various missions.}