World Vision's response

World Vision’s staff in Myanmar have distributed essential items including bottled drinking water, water purification tablets, food, mosquito nets, candles and plastic sheets for shelter to affected families.

World Vision has also assisted hospitals in the town of Tarchileik by providing meals for wounded patients, staff and volunteers and water storage tanks.

World Vision has also established three Child Friendly Spaces, where children can play and learn together in a safe and supervised environment, giving them a sense of normalcy following a disaster such as this.

Background information

On March 24 at (20:35 local time), a 6.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in the highly populated region of Shan State in Myanmar, near the border with Thailand and Laos. The earthquake was felt for at least 3 minutes was felt by people in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, China and Vietnam.

The most affected areas are in Tachilek district, 47km from the epicentre. In particular the townships of Tar Lay and Mong Lin, with a total population of 15,593, have felt the impact of the earthquake. The official death toll stands at 73, with 111 people injured and 244 houses destroyed. At least 9 government buildings and 10 monasteries have been destroyed.

Children sponsored by Australians

World Vision Australia does not have programs in the areas affected by the earthquake.

How you can help

Support for the Emergency & Preparedness Fund enables World Vision to prepare for emergencies by pre-stocking and positioning life-saving supplies and ensuring trained staff are available to be on the scene quickly, to respond to emergencies. Your support enables World Vision to commit to long term rehabilitation of devastated areas as well as emergency relief work where needed most.

• Find out more about our Emergency & Preparedness Fund or donate now.