Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal to help victims of Friday’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, which caused widespread damage across the country and parts of Thailand. All funds raised will go directly towards providing medical support and aid to communities through Intrepid’s trusted local NGO partner in Myanmar. The Intrepid Foundation will match all donations up to AUD$100,000.
Initial reports indicate that hundreds of people have been killed, with thousands more missing and the death toll expected to rise. Homes, businesses and schools have been destroyed and with roads blocked and communications down, emergency responders are working to get critical resources into the worst-impacted areas. Donations to the appeal will provide medical support and aid to impacted communities in Myanmar.
“The impact of the earthquake in Myanmar is severe,” said Biheng Zhang, GM of The Intrepid Foundation. “After years of ongoing civil war in the region, this earthquake proves devastating for the people and communities who were already facing a humanitarian crisis.
“Although Intrepid does not currently run trips in Myanmar, the country continues to hold a special place in our heart. I appeal to the global travelling community – who may have 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 the most.”
The most significant impacts of the earthquake were felt in Myanmar and Intrepid says it’s trips in neighbouring Thailand continue to run and that all its staff and customers in Thailand are safe and accounted for.
Intrepid halted all trips to Myanmar in 2020 and does not currently operate in the country and says it strongly condemns the ongoing violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar and any future decisions to resume operations in Myanmar will be based on the safety of travellers, staff and local communities.
To donate to recovery efforts, visit The Intrepid Foundation’s Myanmar Earthquake Appeal HERE.
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