Call for Scots to show ‘solidarity’ and donate to Myanmar Earthquake Appeal

Charities have called on Scots to “show their solidarity” with the people of Myanmar as they launch an appeal to support the millions of people affected by the recent earthquake.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in Scotland said more than 2,800 people are already known to have died as a result of the disaster and thousands more have been injured.

Countless roads and buildings across the country have been destroyed, including schools, hospitals, water supplies and other vital infrastructure, while network and power lines are down, and people have been cut off from essential services.

The earthquake in Myanmar has torn apart lives, leaving thousands dead and many others lost beneath the rubble

The DEC said that with aftershocks continuing, people are too scared to return home and are sleeping in the streets, and that there is an urgent need for shelter and emergency medical support.

They said fresh, clean water and food were also desperately needed amid soaring temperatures and a rising threat of disease.

The DEC, which brings together 15 leading UK aid charities, added that the event was a “catastrophic blow” to a country where 20 million people were already in need of humanitarian aid.

Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland and spokesman for the DEC in Scotland, said: “The earthquake in Myanmar has torn apart lives, leaving thousands dead and many others lost beneath the rubble.

“Many people are sleeping outside in fear of aftershocks, with nothing but the open sky above them and no shelter to protect them.

“People are scared, injured, and in urgent need of food, clean water and medical care.

“For people who have already endured years of hardship and instability, this devastating disaster has pushed them beyond the brink.

“DEC charities are on the ground and, with partners, are working around the clock to provide life-saving support.

“At a time of multiple crises, we are asking people across Scotland to show their solidarity with the people of Myanmar.

“Every donation, no matter the size, will help us scale up our response and deliver aid to those who need it most.”

The appeal was given an early boost when the Scottish Government released £200,000 from its Humanitarian Emergency Fund.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Our thoughts are with the people of Myanmar following this devastating earthquake.

“Scotland stands in solidarity with all those affected, and, through the Scottish Humanitarian Emergency Fund, we will support the vital efforts of aid agencies working in extremely challenging conditions to deliver urgent life-saving support.

“I urge the people of Scotland to support the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal and help those in desperate need.

“Every donation will make a valuable difference in delivering food, clean water, and medical assistance to the most vulnerable.”

Every pound donated by the British public is being match funded by the UK Government through its UK Aid Match scheme, up to a value of £5 million.

UK development minister Baroness Chapman said: “The UK Government is proud to support the DEC’s efforts to do more for people in desperate need in Myanmar.

“We will match public donations pound-for-pound up to £5 million, meaning your support will go even further.

“UK support is already reaching hardest-hit areas, supplying emergency items, including food, water and shelter.

“For people already enduring so much turmoil, this crisis has only brought more suffering and urgent need to Myanmar.”

The appeal will be broadcast across radio and TV throughout the day on BBC Scotland, STV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky and on commercial radio.

Donations can be made at www.dec.org.uk, by phone on 0330 123 0555, or by texting HOPE to 70727 to donate £10.