Unicef Malaysia is appealing for RM1 million in aid after the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar last week.

In a statement, Unicef Malaysia said the earthquake has compounded an already critical humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where 6.5 million children were already in need of assistance due to the ongoing civil war in the country.

“The psychological trauma is immense. For children who were already living through conflict and displacement, this disaster has added yet another layer of fear and loss,” said Unicef’s deputy representative in Myanmar, Julia Rees.

“Children with serious injuries need urgent care. Many are deeply traumatised, having lost loved ones or been pulled from the rubble themselves.

“The longer we wait, the deeper the impact on children’s lives and futures.”

Rees said entire communities in Myanmar have been flattened, with families sleeping on the streets as they have no homes to return to.

Damage to vital infrastructure – including schools, hospitals and power lines – has left victims without electricity, clean water and telecommunications.

Unicef teams have begun distributing emergency supplies, including water, sanitation and hygiene kits, medical kits and nutrition supplies.

However, the scale of destruction requires immediate additional funding to provide life-saving support, such as medical care, psychological assistance and emergency education for displaced children.

Individuals and corporations wishing to contribute can do so through online donations at Unicef Malaysia’s donation page or via bank transfer to its Maybank account at 5143 2960 2449.

For further information or corporate donations, inquiries can be directed to Alamat emel ini dilindungi dari Spambot. Anda perlu hidupkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya..

Earlier today, Myanmar prime minister Min Aung Hlaing said the death toll from the earthquake had risen to 2,719, with 4,521 people injured and 441 others still missing.

Malaysia sent a 50-member team to Myanmar to assist in humanitarian and relief efforts last Sunday.