UN leader urges increased global support for earthquake-affected Myanmar
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the need for increased international funding and the provision of rapid, unimpeded humanitarian access to Myanmar.
TroibNews 
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for increased international funding and unhindered humanitarian access to Myanmar on Thursday as the nation grapples with rescue and rebuilding efforts after a devastating earthquake that resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction.
"Myanmar today is the scene of utter devastation and desperation," Guterres stated during a press conference. "This disaster has laid bare the deeper vulnerabilities facing people throughout the country."
He pointed out that Myanmar was already struggling with political and humanitarian crises prior to the earthquake, noting that the natural disaster has worsened the hardships for the population, especially with the monsoon season approaching.
Guterres urged the global community to urgently enhance funding to meet the demands of the crisis and advocated for swift, safe, continuous, and unobstructed humanitarian access to assist those most affected across the nation.
He welcomed the announcement of temporary ceasefires from Myanmar's authorities, describing this action as "essential to help aid flow and let rescuers do their jobs."
To facilitate the response efforts, Guterres revealed that he is dispatching Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher to Myanmar, and Julie Bishop, the UN Secretary-General's special envoy for Myanmar, will visit the country soon to strengthen initiatives for peace and dialogue.
"The United Nations will keep pushing for peace and lifesaving support for the people of Myanmar in their hour of need," he declared.
According to Myanmar Radio and Television, the death toll from last week's magnitude-7.9 earthquake has risen to 3,145, with 4,589 individuals injured and 221 still missing.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
"Myanmar today is the scene of utter devastation and desperation," Guterres stated during a press conference. "This disaster has laid bare the deeper vulnerabilities facing people throughout the country."
He pointed out that Myanmar was already struggling with political and humanitarian crises prior to the earthquake, noting that the natural disaster has worsened the hardships for the population, especially with the monsoon season approaching.
Guterres urged the global community to urgently enhance funding to meet the demands of the crisis and advocated for swift, safe, continuous, and unobstructed humanitarian access to assist those most affected across the nation.
He welcomed the announcement of temporary ceasefires from Myanmar's authorities, describing this action as "essential to help aid flow and let rescuers do their jobs."
To facilitate the response efforts, Guterres revealed that he is dispatching Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher to Myanmar, and Julie Bishop, the UN Secretary-General's special envoy for Myanmar, will visit the country soon to strengthen initiatives for peace and dialogue.
"The United Nations will keep pushing for peace and lifesaving support for the people of Myanmar in their hour of need," he declared.
According to Myanmar Radio and Television, the death toll from last week's magnitude-7.9 earthquake has risen to 3,145, with 4,589 individuals injured and 221 still missing.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
