ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity headquartered in Cornwall, stated that its staff are responding to the earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in over 1,600 deaths and caused a large number of buildings to collapse. ShelterBox focuses on helping people rebuild their lives after disasters or conflicts, providing essential resources and support.
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04-03, 2025ShelterBox CEO Sanj Srikanthan said that a team will fly to Bangkok, but its focus will be on Myanmar. He stated that the charity has "a lot of work to do," but providing emergency shelter to ensure people's safety is "absolutely vital." This immediate response is crucial for protecting vulnerable populations affected by the disaster.
Mr. Srikanthan said: "We are sending a four-person assessment team to understand what has happened, where the needs are, and how to get aid to the affected population." He added: "Earthquakes cause a lot of trauma, and people are scared of sleeping under hard roofs. Of course, with our tents and tarpaulins, you can sleep outdoors, even if there are aftershocks, and get slight protection." These measures help to alleviate fear and provide a sense of security in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Mr. Srikanthan stated that the difficulties in providing assistance during natural disasters include reaching those most affected and obtaining the funds to be able to respond. The charity stated that it has launched an emergency appeal because support is "absolutely critical to making this response happen." Overcoming these challenges is essential for effectively delivering aid to those in need.
ShelterBox stated that it had previously worked in Myanmar following Cyclone Nargis in 2008, after conflict in 2013, and during the Rohingya crisis in 2017. The charity also stated that, even before the earthquake, Myanmar already had the fifth largest population in the world in need of humanitarian assistance. This highlights the ongoing and complex humanitarian challenges facing the country.
Mr. Srikanthan said: "The people of Myanmar are incredibly resilient, welcoming, and hospitable; but they will be traumatized by this experience, as any population would be. This will be a case of trying to help those affected by the earthquake, but also considering the wider needs within the population, so we have a lot of work to do." The organization is committed to providing both immediate relief and long-term support to the affected communities.
