DEC Scotland Myanmar Appeal

Friday April 4 2025

The Disasters Emergency Committee in Scotland is today launching an appeal today (Thurs 3 April) to support millions of people affected by the devastating earthquake in Myanmar.

More than 2,800 people have already died with thousands more injured – it’s another catastrophic blow to Myanmar which already had 20 million people in need of humanitarian aid before the earthquake.

Countless roads and buildings across the country have been destroyed, including schools, hospitals, water supplies and other vital infrastructure. Network and power lines are down, and people are cut off from essential services

With aftershocks continuing, many people are too scared to return home and are sleeping in the streets.  There is urgent need for shelter and emergency medical support.  In soaring temperatures, with the threat of disease rising, fresh, clean water and food are also desperately needed.

The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities at times of crisis overseas where there is significant unmet humanitarian need. Most have been working for some time with expert local partners in Myanmar.  They now urgently need more funds to scale up their work and reach the most vulnerable.

Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland and spokesman for the DEC in Scotland said: “The earthquake in Myanmar has torn apart lives, leaving thousands dead and many others lost beneath the rubble. Many people are sleeping outside in fear of aftershocks, with nothing but the open sky above them and no shelter to protect them. People are scared, injured, and in urgent need of food, clean water and medical care.

“For people who have already endured years of hardship and instability, this devastating disaster has pushed them beyond the brink. DEC charities are on the ground, and with partners are working around the clock to provide life-saving support. At a time of multiple crises, we are asking people across Scotland to show their solidarity with the people of Myanmar. Every donation, no matter the size, will help us scale up our response and deliver aid to those who need it most."

The Appeal was given an early boost in Scotland with the Scottish Government releasing £200,000 from its Humanitarian Emergency Fund, and every pound donated by the British public will be also matched by the UK Government through its UK Aid Match scheme, up to the value of £5 million.

First Minister John Swinney said: "Our thoughts are with the people of Myanmar following this devastating earthquake. Scotland stands in solidarity with all those affected, and, through the Scottish Humanitarian Emergency Fund, we will support the vital efforts of aid agencies working in extremely challenging conditions to deliver urgent life-saving support.

“I urge the people of Scotland to support the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal and help those in desperate need. Every donation will make a valuable difference in delivering food, clean water, and medical assistance to the most vulnerable.”

Donate at https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/myanmar-earthquake-appeal 

Life and Work is the magazine of the Church of Scotland. April issue out now.

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