MAG has launched an emergency response to help keep people safe from landmines and explosive ordnance that pose a lethal threat in areas devastated by the earthquake in Myanmar.
Following last Friday’s 7.7 earthquake, an emergency explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) campaign has been instigated to provide urgent assistance to affected communities and vital support for first responders.
With over 1,700 people confirmed dead and 3,400 injured, the earthquake has devastated a country already heavily impacted by protracted conflict and that has the highest number of annual landmine casualties worldwide.
MAG, which has been present in Myanmar since 2013, has scaled up its explosive ordnance risk education activities to a full emergency campaign and will be providing information on how to recognise and stay clear of landmines and unexploded ordnance, as well as safety advice in the event of another earthquake.
“With such destruction and devastation, we know from experience that landmines and unexploded ordnance are very likely to be among the debris,” notes Llewelyn Jones, MAG’s Asia Pacific Regional Director.
“This presents a lethal threat for people, including first responders and humanitarian actors, who are trying to find missing people or salvage whatever they can from the rubble. That’s why sharing our expertise and tailoring our key safety messages to the increased risks is so important. It allows responders to work as safely as possible and provides communities with information that could save their lives.”
MAG is also launching a digital risk education campaign via social media and local media to disseminate its life-saving messaging as widely as possible.
“Time is not on our side here,” adds Jones. "The monsoon season is fast approaching with heavy rain, flooding, and landslides all further increasing the risk of coming across landmines and explosive ordnance. Our aim, through our emergency campaign, is not only to respond to the current situation but also prepare communities and humanitarian actors for an even more complex and challenging context in the coming weeks.”
MAG has been working in Myanmar since 2013, focusing on community liaison activities, with the support of international donors, including the UK government. Learn more here.
