The UK has significantly increased its humanitarian aid for Myanmar following the devastating earthquake, now pledging up to £25 million in total support. This new funding boost includes an

extra £10 million added to the ongoing relief efforts, alongside the previously announced amounts—up to £5 million to match public donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal and £10 million declared on 29 March.

UK-funded relief supplies are already making an impact on the ground, reaching communities hard hit by the quake and assisting more than 15,000 people to date. The aid, provided through trusted local partners, delivers essential services such as first aid, emergency trauma care, primary healthcare, as well as vital provisions including food, water, shelter, and hygiene kits. Notably, the UK government ensures that none of this support benefits the Myanmar regime. During her visit to the DEC offices in London on 4 April, Catherine West, the UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, emphasized the urgency of the situation.  «Even before this earthquake struck, Myanmar was already facing one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises after four years of conflict.

It is right that we step up to help. The rapid UK response means lifesaving supplies are already reaching those worst-affected by the quake – and new funding will enable partners on the ground to reach even more people in need.

We thank the British public who continue to generously support the Myanmar people through the DEC appeal”, she said. West praised the rapid response that has enabled lifesaving supplies to reach the most affected areas and expressed gratitude to the British public for their generous support through the DEC appeal.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is coordinating this response by working with specialist partner organizations, ensuring that aid reaches those in dire need despite the challenging conditions in Myanmar. This commitment builds on a long history of UK humanitarian assistance in the region, which has amounted to over £170 million since the military coup in 2021. In addition to the humanitarian aid, the FCDO continues to offer consular assistance to British nationals in both Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, which was also impacted by the earthquake.

Overall, this comprehensive UK response underscores the country's dedication to saving lives and supporting vulnerable communities during this critical period. Photo by LBM1948, Wikimedia commons.