The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on Wednesday that it is preparing a $3 million grant to assist the people of Myanmar, who are grappling with the aftermath of a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on March 28.
The ADB’s Board of Directors is fast-tracking approval for a grant to be delivered through the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to provide urgent humanitarian aid. The funding will support food distribution and multi-purpose cash assistance, enabling survivors to buy essentials like drinking water, medical supplies, and shelter materials.
“The earthquake has further compounded the already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar,” Winfried Wicklein, ADB Director General for Southeast Asia said in a statement by ADB. “We are deeply concerned by its impact on the people of Myanmar and are taking swift action to support emergency relief efforts.”
The magnitude 7.7 earthquake has exacerbated Myanmar’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, which has been fueled by ongoing conflict, economic hardship, and displacement. The country, already facing significant challenges, is now confronted with a disaster that has left thousands in urgent need of assistance.
The grant is sourced from the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund (APDRF), a special initiative that allows the ADB to provide fast-tracked financial assistance to developing countries in the wake of major natural disasters. The fund is designed to address life-saving needs immediately after a disaster strikes, helping to alleviate human suffering and support recovery efforts.
The ADB’s response comes as numerous foreign governments rush to offer aid.
The UK has pledged up to $12 million for aid inside Myanmar, while Australia and the US have committed $2 million each. The UN’s Central Emergency Fund has allocated $5 million.
On Wednesday, Australia announced an additional $7 million, bringing its total to $9 million. Japan is providing $6 million through international organizations and has dispatched a medical team and emergency supplies. China has donated $13.8 million and sent 135 rescue personnel. India deployed two military aircraft with a field hospital and over 100 medical personnel. Russia sent 120 rescue workers, and Ireland pledged $6.5 million. Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, have also sent relief teams.
Despite international aid efforts, concerns remain over the Myanmar junta’s history of redirecting or mismanaging relief. Agencies and governments are pushing for swift, effective delivery, but success hinges on military cooperation.
Winfried Wicklein said in the ADP statement that this could be just the first of multiple grants that would go to earthquake relief.
“In addition to this immediate response, we are exploring the possibility of additional and more substantial support through the Asia Development Fund 14.”
