Myanmar is in a state of emergency following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake which hit the country on Friday, 28 March. The earthquake and its aftershocks were so powerful that it was felt elsewhere, including in Thailand and south-west China.

DONATE TO THE EARTHQUAKE APPEAL

The most recent reports from Myanmar confirm that more than 1,700 people have died and more than 3,400 have been injured. It is feared the eventual death toll could be significantly higher as many are still missing.

The immediate rescue efforts have been hindered by powerful aftershock, as poorly equipped rescuers and volunteers are digging through the ruins of collapsed buildings looking for bodies.

At the time of the earthquake, the Order of Malta’s international relief aid agency, Malteser International (MI,) already had teams on the ground, with ongoing programs to provide health care, aid for displaced people and WASH service provisions both in Myanmar and refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border.

We can report that the MI Teams in all locations were unharmed by the earthquake and are already assessing needs of the population following this disaster and providing emergency aid.

Sadly, this disaster will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable people. Many of them have been dealing daily with the effects of conflict and displacement for decades. During that time, the Order of Malta has not left their side, and we will keep on supporting them throughout this difficult period.

The immediate relief effort will see MI providing the people in Myanmar who have lost everything in the quake with food, clothing, hygiene items, tarpaulins, buckets, blankets, and soap. Longer-term recovery efforts will also be assessed and are expected to be extensive with modelling suggesting that the losses will surpass the countries annual economic output.

The need in Myanmar is dire and urgent. Please give generously to support these aid efforts.

Gifts $2 and more are tax deductible to Australian Taxpayers.

“Our medical teams, water, sanitation, and hygiene specialists, along with trained volunteers, are on the ground assessing needs and coordinating emergency assistance. Medicines and medical supplies are urgently needed.”

Oliver Hochedez, Head of the Emergency Relief Department at Malteser International.

Other ways to donate:

Direct Deposit:​

• • The Order of Malta
  • BSB 083-453
  • Account number: 448 881 897
  • Description: EARTHQUAKE  
  • Email info@orderofmalta.org.au with your receipt information

Post:

• • • Cheques payable to ‘The Order of Malta‘
    • sent to ‘The Order of Malta, PO Box 79, CARINGBAH, NSW 2229’

Phone:

• • Calling 02 9331 8477 (Please note the office is closed on weekends).