The Irish Government has pledged €6 million in aid to support relief efforts following the “devastating” earthquake in Myanmar, which has claimed over 1,000 lives, reports Breaking News.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, at midday and was followed just 12 minutes later by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock.
These aftershocks have complicated rescue operations and heightened concerns about additional casualties, reports Breaking News.
With Myanmar already facing a brutal civil war, the earthquake’s impact on an active conflict zone has further exacerbated existing humanitarian needs.
Of the total funding, €3 million will be allocated to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the Myanmar Red Cross Society.
An additional €1.5 million will be directed to the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund, while another €1.5 million will support the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Joint Response Plan, which is assisting displaced Rohingya people, reports Breaking News.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris acknowledged the immense strain the disaster will place on those already in need, saying the destruction will bring “extraordinary pressure” to affected communities.
“Ireland stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and will provide immediate emergency humanitarian assistance. Funding from Ireland will support a locally-led response and provide assistance to those most impacted by this disaster,” reports Breaking News.
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