Myanmar: One month on, earthquake survivors face continuing challenges

Access to safe  drinking water remains a life-saving priority. The ICRC rapidly distributed emergency water filters in the immediate aftermath. Thanks to previous training and equipment provided to the Myanmar Red Cross Society, emergency water treatment units were deployed, providing safe water in three severely affected locations. The ICRC provided shelter equipment to some communities in the days following the earthquake.

ICRC water and habitat engineers have also been assessing damaged hospital structures to support rehabilitation efforts — critical to restoring full healthcare services.

“During a recent visit to a community in Sagaing township,” said Ei Shwe Sin Myo, a Water and Habitat Engineer at the ICRC’s Mandalay sub-delegation, “people told me they urgently need clean water and lighting to protect themselves from snakes at night. Since the earthquake, at least 30 people have died from snakebites in Sagaing. The rubble makes it hard to spot these dangers, especially after dark.”