Australia will provide an initial $2 million to Myanmar for humanitarian relief following Friday’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
Australia’s support will assist the International Committee of the Red Cross to carry out lifesaving support including to address emergency medical needs.
“Australia does not provide any direct funding to the military regime and takes proactive steps to ensure our assistance does not legitimise the military regime in Myanmar,” Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said.
Meanwhile, rescue teams from around the world, including the US, Russia, China, New Zealand, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, and Ireland have arrived in Myanmar to search for people still trapped under collapsed buildings, including hotels, schools, and homes.
More than 100 people have been rescued as the death toll passes 1700, and is suspected to be anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 people.
According to updates from the country’s fire services department, dozens of survivors have been found and many bodies recovered across several regions, including Mandalay and Sagaing, near the epicentre of the earthquake.
The ABC reported that Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government had announced a unilateral partial ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts. However, other independent Myanmar media had reported that the military had continued attacks on resistance-held areas despite the earthquake.
To donate, visit The Red Cross, or Medecins Sans Frontiers.
