The Netherlands mobilises resources to strengthen relief efforts in Myanmar
In the wake of the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and the surrounding region on Friday, 28 March, the Netherlands swiftly deployed emergency aid to support the affected communities.
Although the full impact of the disaster remains unclear, the death toll has risen to over 3,500 according to publicly available figures, with thousands more injured and hundreds still missing. Humanitarian workers on the ground have reported that in the hardest-hit regions, urgent needs for shelter, medical supplies, and clean water remain critical.
Acute Crisis Joint Response by Dutch Relief Alliance
In response to this dire situation, the Dutch Relief Alliance initiated an Acute Crisis Joint Response with a funding of three million euros from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Starting on 1 April, partners in this joint effort, including World Vision, Stichting Vluchteling, ZOA, CARE, Cordaid, and Tearfund, along with local partners, have launched coordinated emergency relief efforts across Myanmar. This rapid intervention focuses on alleviating immediate suffering and providing critical aid to those affected over the next six months. Priority areas of intervention include Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Shan, and Naypyidaw.
World Vision has reported that critical water sources, wells, and sanitation facilities have been damaged, significantly increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. As part of the coordinated joint response, World Vision and its partners are distributing bottled water and water purification sachets to affected communities. Alongside these life-saving supplies, families are also receiving practical training to ensure safe and effective use. This simple yet vital intervention is making a real difference, helping to secure safe drinking water and protect the health and well-being of vulnerable children and their families. Additional support includes shelter, food, mattresses and blankets, hygiene items, healthcare, psychosocial care, and financial assistance.
The Dutch Relief Alliance was able to deploy the 3 million euros almost immediately, thanks in part to multi-year and flexible funding from the Netherlands. Minister Reinette Klever for Foreign Trade and Development Aid explained that humanitarian organisations receive these financial resources in advance, allowing them to act swiftly and provide aid in emergencies such as the current one in Myanmar.
Dutch expertise at EU Level
As the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated by the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), a team of European experts from Finland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden has been deployed to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur to coordinate the arrival of aid from EU Member States. Minister Klever confirmed that two Dutch disaster specialists, an information management expert and a logistics specialist, are part of this international response team. Their work will focus on assessing access to affected regions and organising logistics and transportation to ensure timely delivery of aid.
WASH expertise
Additionally, the Dutch Disaster Risk Reduction and Surge Support (DRRS) Programme is contributing to the response efforts of the World Health Organisation with a qualified Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) expert. Coordinated by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, the DRRS Programme aims to mitigate the impact of water and climate-related disasters globally and enhance the resilience of affected communities.
With swift action and continued collaboration, the Netherlands and its partners are providing vital support to Myanmar as it faces this devastating crisis.
