Intrepid Travel, through its corporate social responsibility arm Intrepid Foundation, is calling upon the world to send aid to those severely impacted by the 28th March earthquake.
Homes, businesses, and schools have been destroyed by the massive tremors, but responders struggle to bring aid where it matters, as many roads remain blocked and the bulk of national communication systems are down.
In light of such circumstances, donations to the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal will help provide immediate emergency relief and critical assistance for the worst-hit communities in the country.
Also, Intrepid will match all donations up to AU$100,00 to bring as much relief as possible to quake victims.
Hitting close to home
Regional general manager for Southeast Asia Mike Stewart said: “My friends and colleagues are reporting catastrophic damage in Myanmar, a country that holds a special place in my heart.”
Stewart lived and worked in Myanmar for a couple of years, around 2011 when it was just emerging from military rule and reopening to the world.
He said: “The country’s progress was palpable, and it was an exciting time to be there. But as we all know in recent years, Myanmar has slid back into violence, and the situation has become increasingly dire.”
Stewart pointed out that, just before the quake hit, he spoke to Intrepid’s staff in the capital city Yangon.
He remarked: “They were struggling with electricity blackouts lasting up to eight hours a day, and one, is also without access to water.”
This bleak state of affairs has been exacerbated by the destruction wrought by the disaster.
Time to reach out and help
As of noon on Sunday, 30th March, Myanmar’s military junta has reported 1,644 fatalities due to the earthquake, 3,408 injured, and 139 missing.
Biheng Zhang, general manager of the Intrepid Foundation, declared that now is the time for the global community, especially fellow professionals in the travel and tourism sectors, to step in and provide support.
Zhang said: “The impact of the earthquake in Myanmar is severe. Although we’re not currently travelling in Myanmar, the country continues to hold a special place in Intrepid’s heart. I appeal to our global travelling community: those who’ve been to Myanmar in the past or who have simply visited the region. Your support at these times can bring critical aid to the thousands of families at a time they need it most.”
Learn more about Intrepid Foundation’s Myanmar Earthquake Appeal via https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/myanmar-earthquake-appeal.
Donations may be made online through the aforementioned website.
