Integral has launched a joint Disaster Response for the impact of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar. Fifteen Integral Members are responding together to this crisis, combining their strengths to serve affected communities better.[1]
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on 28 March, destroying homes, buildings and infrastructure across the region. The number of fatalities continues to rise and could far exceed 10,000 [Source here]. Myanmar was already experiencing a civil war and complex humanitarian crisis before the earthquake, with nearly 20 million people, including 6.5 million children, already in need of assistance [Source here and here]. Urgent help is now needed to provide survivors with food, shelter, medical assistance and essential items like blankets, sleeping mats and warm clothing.
Integral Members and their Partners are on the ground now conducting needs assessments and are beginning their responses with distributions of food, water and non-food items, as well as cash. They are well positioned to respond in the areas of shelter, water and sanitation, medical treatment and trauma counselling. At the same time, Integral Members have launched fundraising campaigns across the world, reaching out to supporters in Canada, US, Hong Kong, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Slovakia.
In Mandalay, the hardest-hit city, Integral Member ZOA has deployed a team that is not only responding to immediate needs but also supporting Partner NGOs. This team includes an assessment unit that continuously monitors priority needs and any changes in the situation. They ensure transparency and efficiency in their operations, targeting aid to those most in need.
Paul Roelofsen, ZOA’s Country Director in Myanmar explains, “Since 2004, ZOA has been actively working in Myanmar, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the region. Over the past two years, ZOA has focused its efforts on the areas most severely affected by the earthquake, establishing a robust network of well-trained and experienced local NGOs. These Partners are currently on the ground, providing critical assistance.”
Hielke Zantema, ZOA’s Deputy Director of Disaster Response, adds “Thanks to the Integral Alliance, we are able to raise funds quickly, so the response has started already. We are in touch with other Integral Members and Partner organisations to coordinate the aid well. Since Integral is built on strong and long-standing relationships, this is an efficient and effective way of aid delivery.’’
In the initial stages of an Integral response, operational and communications calls are held as frequently as necessary, so that Members can share information in the critical phase when needs are acute. The Integral online platform enables Members to share photos and stories, response plans and funding needs.
Integral is a global alliance of 21 Christian relief and development agencies that come together to respond in times of disaster. We believe we can serve people better by uniting our collective reach, funding and expertise.
[1] Cedar Fund (Hong Kong), Ena (Switzerland), Integra (Slovakia), Medair (Switzerland), Tearfund Australia, Tearfund Belgium, Tearfund Ireland, Tearfund Netherlands, Tearfund New Zealand, Tearfund (UK), Transform Aid International (Australia), World Concern (USA), World Relief (USA), World Renew (North America), ZOA (Netherlands)
