Two earthquakes hit Myanmar: over 6 million children in danger in a country already in crisis.
On 28 March, a powerful 7.7 earthquake struck in the early afternoon, with a 6.4 magnitude earthquake following just two minutes later. Strong tremors were felt over 1,300 kilometres away in Bangkok, Thailand with buildings collapsing and lives lost. The force of the earthquake was devastating and the impact on children and families is sitll emerging.
Initial reports and footage show severe damage to buildings and roads in the cities of Sagaing, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay – the second largest city in the country. These cities are home to hundreds of thousands of children.
Latest reports indicate over 1,700 people have been killed and over 3,400 injured. The situation on the ground is evolving rapidly as rescue teams search for survivors.
UNICEF has been working for children and families in Myanmar for 75 years. We have teams on the ground, collaborating with local partners to assess the impact and preparing to respond.
The world’s children continue to face growing uncertainty. From famine confirmed in Sudan to relentless attacks across the Middle East, children are being impacted by devastating conflicts and natural disasters.
During emergencies, children are especially vulnerable to disease, malnutrition and violence. Young people living in conflict areas are more likely to be in extreme poverty or unable to attend school.
Globally, more than 47 million children are displaced from their homes; most are fleeing emergencies that haven’t made international headlines.
Across the world right now, almost 8 million children are at risk of dying from malnutrition without immediate treatment.
Your generosity ensures we are there for children every step of the way, from ensuring survival through the peak of an emergency to the final stages of recovery.
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When we respond to an emergency, we provide immediate lifesaving support and help communities to recover faster and stronger. Our focus is on sustainable solutions to help children thrive in the long term.
For example, the rehabilitation and upgrade of water and sanitation systems in Gaza serves vulnerable households in both the immediate crisis and for years after. In refugee camps in Bangladesh, displaced Rohingya children are taught the Myanmar curriculum so they can continue their education when they return to their homeland.
We work alongside local partners to build resilience in health, education and social protection systems in the Asia Pacific region, across Australia, and around the world.
Your support empowers UNICEF to deliver swift, lifesaving care and long-term solutions to those who need it most. It helps us to bridge the gaps before, during and after emergencies to create safe, resilient communities where children can reclaim their childhoods and fulfill their potential.
Philanthropy: From Survival to Safety
UNICEF and our partners are supporting children from the beginning of an emergency to the restoration of services and communities.
- 80¢on average, 80 cents to every dollar spent for the past three years went directly to helping children in need, including long-term programs, emergency response and community education.
- 20¢on average, 14 cents to every dollar spent for the past three years went to essential fundraising costs that helped us generate more impact for children, 6 cents went to admin costs, such as keeping your personal data safe.
How do we use each dollar donated?