Toronto, ON, April 7, 2025 – Plan International has scaled up its humanitarian response to meet the needs of the estimated 17.2 million children and families impacted by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake which struck Myanmar on March 28.

The death toll has surpassed 3,000, with fears this figure will continue to grow. Plan International has so far distributed dry food and dignity kits filled with things like soap, underwear and menstrual pads, to almost 2,000 people.

Haider Yaqub, Country Director for Plan International in Myanmar, has provided the following statement:

“The situation on the ground is devastating, with needs on an unprecedented scale, we are talking about a crisis beyond imagination, a disaster that has reconfigured lives and landscapes. Survivors are living on the streets, in the heat and at the mercy of mosquitoes, as their homes are destroyed, and aftershocks still being experienced and causing fear. As a humanitarian, I have slept in a lot of places and now, a footpath is added to that list.”

“While a true picture of the disaster’s impact will take weeks to emerge, Plan International has been working tirelessly with our local and international partners to reach those most affected, especially children, who are among the most vulnerable.”

Providing critical aid

“From the second day after the earthquake, we have been providing critical aid, including water, energy biscuits, blankets, mosquito nets, dignity kits and solar lamps, to the hardest-hit areas in the Mandalay region. Simultaneously, we have been conducting needs assessments alongside the United Nations and other humanitarian peers, under 40 degrees Celsius and a scorching sun.”

“Among the most pressing challenges are transportation and communications. Roads have collapsed, bridges have collapsed, telecommunication towers have collapsed, severely hindering rapid relief efforts. Power outages, unreliable internet access and the breakdown of essential services further exacerbate the difficulties. Hospitals have sustained extensive damage and healthcare facilities are overwhelmed.”

Girls remain at risk

“Additionally, many children have been separated from their families, raising significant protection concerns. Women, young girls and children are being forced to sleep on the bare ground without any bedding or protection, leaving them exposed to the heat, rain, and disease-carrying insects. With homes and toilets destroyed, they have no privacy, putting girls and young women at greater risk of harassment and violence.”

“Our primary focus remains on delivering aid effectively while ensuring the safety of our teams and those we serve. Given the complexity of the humanitarian landscape, we are working closely with partners who have access to the most-affected individuals to ensure timely and efficient aid distribution.”

“The people of Myanmar have shown extraordinary resilience, but we need a more peaceful and stable operating environment to maximize our impact. We are deeply concerned about the long-term effects of yet another crisis in the country. As the initial shock subsides, hunger hits and the crime window opens. A cholera outbreak looms over the roofless.”

Funding is required urgently

“The earthquake has compounded an already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar, where prior to this disaster, only 5% of humanitarian needs were being met. Urgent funding is now required to scale up our response, before the monsoon season hits. Our priority moving forward includes restoring water facilities, establishing safe spaces for children to just be children, providing education in emergencies, and setting up mobile sanitation facilities.”

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and is now active in more than 80 countries.

We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

Visit plancanada.ca for more information.

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