THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that it is mobilising resources in response to the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, leaving widespread destruction and a rising death toll.
Speaking from Geneva, a spokeswoman for the organisation described the event as a major threat to life and health, prompting the activation of its emergency management systems.
The WHO confirmed it was preparing trauma injury supplies at its logistics hub in Dubai, anticipating significant medical needs due to the scale of injuries caused by the disaster.
Margaret Harris, a WHO spokeswoman, said the organisation was focusing on delivering essential medicines and equipment, including external fixators for fractures, while also assessing potential damage to Myanmar’s already fragile healthcare infrastructure.
Drawing on lessons from the 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquakes, Harris noted that rapid deployment of aid is critical in such emergencies.
She emphasised that recent assessments of supply routes into Myanmar would aid in ensuring swift delivery of assistance. However, she stressed that accurate information from affected areas remained vital to guide relief efforts.
Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has called for immediate access to the hardest-hit regions and urged authorities to expedite approvals for deploying personnel and supplies. The charity highlighted the importance of surgical teams in the initial days following such disasters to address life-threatening injuries.
The earthquake, which struck near Mandalay, has caused extensive damage across Myanmar and neighbouring countries. At least 191 fatalities have been reported so far, with hundreds injured or missing. The United Nations health agency and other humanitarian groups have appealed for international support to address the crisis.
-BTS Media
