International Organizations Appeal for Emergency Aid to 'Gangjin' Myanmar... Highest Level Emergency Declared

International organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have called for urgent support for Myanmar, which has suffered damage from a magnitude 7.7 earthquake.

According to AFP, the WHO, under the United Nations (UN), declared the Myanmar earthquake a highest-level emergency on the 30th and requested $8 million (approximately 11.8 billion KRW) in emergency funding.

On the 28th (local time), a magnitude 7.7 earthquake occurred in Myanmar. Yonhap News

In a statement released that day, WHO said, "We have classified this situation as a 'Level 3 Emergency,' the highest grade in the emergency response system," adding, "There are many injured and trauma patients in Myanmar, and the poor medical environment increases the risk of disease spread."

It continued, "The disruption of electricity and water supply and the deterioration of medical accessibility are increasing the risk of disease outbreaks," and "Trauma patients are at very high risk of infection and complications, so urgent medical support for treatment and infection prevention is critical."

WHO stated that $8 million is needed to provide emergency medical support over the next 30 days, emphasizing, "Funds are immediately required to save lives, prevent disease spread, and stabilize and restore essential medical services."

The IFRC also launched an emergency fundraising campaign worth 100 million Swiss francs (approximately 170 billion KRW) to assist with the Myanmar earthquake damage. In a statement, IFRC said it plans to provide life-saving relief and initial recovery support to 100,000 people (20,000 households) over the next 24 months through this campaign.

Alexander Mateu, IFRC Asia-Pacific Director, said, "This disaster is not just a natural calamity but a complex humanitarian crisis layered on existing vulnerabilities," adding, "Myanmar is still experiencing internal displacement and food insecurity, and this earthquake has further worsened the situation. The international community must provide bold and sustained support for this issue."

The IFRC Myanmar branch has mobilized trained volunteers to begin search and rescue operations. They are providing first aid and pre-hospital treatment, distributing emergency relief supplies such as blankets, tarps, and hygiene kits, and deploying mobile health teams as part of relief efforts.

International organizations warned that delays could worsen the damage. WHO stated, "If immediate funding is not provided, more lives will be lost, and the already vulnerable health system risks collapse." IFRC added, "With rising temperatures and the monsoon season approaching in a few weeks, urgent support is needed before a secondary crisis occurs."

Earlier, on the 28th, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar. According to the State Administration Council (SAC), the highest authority of the Myanmar military regime, about 1,700 people died and 3,400 were injured in the earthquake. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated a 71% probability that the death toll from this earthquake would exceed 10,000. The probability of more than 100,000 deaths was 36%, and the probability of deaths between 10,000 and 100,000 was 35%.