The United Kingdom has pledged £10 million ($12.9 million) in humanitarian aid to Myanmar following a devastating earthquake that claimed over 1,600 lives and caused extensive damage across the country.
The powerful 7.7-magnitude quake struck central Myanmar, triggering widespread destruction and a desperate search for survivors.
The UK’s Foreign Office issued a statement on Saturday, detailing that the funding would be used to support food and water supplies, medicine, and shelter in the hardest-hit areas.
The statement read, “This UK funding will increase support in the hardest hit areas of the earthquake and geared towards food and water supplies, medicine, and shelter.”
In a show of solidarity, Development Minister Jennifer Chapman expressed her condolences, stating, “I offer my deepest sympathies to the people of Myanmar after this tragic event.”
She also highlighted that local partners funded by the UK are already on the ground providing immediate humanitarian assistance.
The isolated country’s ruling junta made a rare appeal for international help following the quake.
This pledge comes despite the UK’s previous sanctions on individuals and entities connected to Myanmar’s military-led government.
The disaster has placed further strain on the war-torn country, already facing significant challenges.
