Myanmar quake: WHO appeals for $8m as deaths cross 1,700

The World Health Organization (WHO) has put out an urgent appeal for $8m (£6.2m) in aid for its earthquake response in Myanmar, where around 1,700 have died and thousands are at risk of injuries and diseases.

The UN agency says it's responding at its "highest level of emergency activation", and donations are needed to "deliver life-saving trauma care, prevent disease outbreaks, and restore essential health services over the next 30 days."

At the weekend, the WHO said it was looking to move Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) into Myanmar amid reports of insufficient medical supplies, including trauma kits to treat injured people, blood bags for transfusion, anaesthetics, assisted devices, other essential medicines, and tents for health workers.

Marcoluigi Corsi, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar, issued a statement on Saturday expressing his unwavering solidarity with the Burmese people at this tragic time.

"The UN and its partners are urgently mobilizing to support emergency response efforts and stand ready to assist all affected communities wherever they are," he said.

In an interview with UN News, a media website, from Myanmar largest city, Yangon, Corsi said that around 20 million people have been impacted by the quake.

He stressed that the UN and partner agencies have a significant presence in the disaster-affected areas around Mandalay and the capital, Naypyidaw, and crucially, the immediate aid effort can draw stockpiles already in place.

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said on Sunday that humanitarian needs are growing by the hour in Myanmar.

"This is not just a disaster; it is a complex humanitarian crisis layered over existing vulnerabilities," said IFRC Asia Pacific director Alexander Matheou.

Myanmar has been in civil war since its military ousted the civilian government in a 2021 coup. Shortly after Friday's earthquake, the junta reportedly continued launching air strikes.

"Myanmar continues to face internal displacement and food insecurity. This earthquake exacerbates an already fragile situation," Matheou said.

"The global community must step forward to support a bold and sustained response."

The quake was felt hundreds of miles away in neighbouring countries like Thailand, where the death toll has risen to 18.

In Bangkok rescue efforts are ongoing for 76 construction workers trapped under a collapsed high-rise building.