Czech charities launch Myanmar earthquake funds: Here's how you can help

A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand in the early morning hours of March 28, causing widespread devastation. According to initial information, the earthquake has claimed over 1,600 lives, with more than 2,300 people reported injured, primarily in Myanmar.

The Myanmar government has officially requested international aid, but delivering it remains a challenge due to ongoing conflict in the region. Czechia has provided financial aid to the country through the International Red Cross, and the Foreign Ministry is also in talks with Czech NGOs about further assistance.

Several Czech charities have initiated public fundraising campaigns to provide relief to those affected. Organizations such as Diakonie of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (CCE), ADRA, People in Need, and Doctors Without Borders have been working in Myanmar for several years and are now assessing the damage and determining the necessary aid.

The aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflict in the region. UNICEF has issued an urgent call for international support, highlighting that the country already faces significant challenges.

"There are currently 19.9 million people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance in the country, including 6.4 million children," the organization stated on Saturday.

Pavla Gomba, director of UNICEF Czech Republic, emphasized the importance of providing immediate relief, including clean water and medical supplies. "For CZK 560, we can provide 7,000 water purification tablets, each of which will provide up to 35,000 liters of drinking water," Gomba said.

These efforts are crucial in preventing further health risks as the region grapples with inadequate access to basic needs. The Czech public can contribute to UNICEF's fundraising for Myanmar through the Help the Children in Myanmar campaign on the organization's website or a Darujme.cz drive.

Other Czech organizations have mobilized quickly to support those in need. Diakonie CCE, which has been providing aid to displaced populations and communities in Myanmar since 2014, has established a fundraising account for earthquake relief.

Adra, which has also been working in the region long-term, has also set up a campaign for earthquake victims. The Czech branch has already raised CZK 40,000, and Adra has released CZK 100,000 in initial assistance.

"We are awaiting more information from our local partners to determine how we can best support the affected communities," Filip Muron, local spokesperson for Adra Czech Republic.

People in Need is also assessing the extent of the damage through its local partners. Doctors Without Borders, which has been active in Myanmar since 1992, is prepared to offer medical care once authorities grant access to the affected areas.

The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also involved in coordinating the efforts of these organizations to ensure that aid reaches the hardest-hit areas.