Shelterbox Responds to Thailand Earthquake

Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, ShelterBox has sent a response team first to Bangkok to begin its assessment of what to deploy after the powerful earthquake that caused widespread destruction. ShelterBox USA President Kerri Murray says it’s anticipated the humanitarian needs will be high, especially for durable, moveable tents.

“ShelterBox is accustomed to responding to catastrophic earthquakes from Haiti and  Turkey, to most recently Morocco,” said Murray. “In areas with strong aftershocks our tents tend to be very desirable. We saw this most recently in Morocco when after the earthquake, families were afraid to sleep in damaged buildings due to significant aftershocks. Our emergency shelter, tents, cookware sets, and other aid items were lifesaving to families who lost everything to the quake there.” 

Thai authorities have declared a state of emergency for Bangkok where earthquakes are uncommon, and buildings aren’t built to withstand such shocks. A rare request has been made for international humanitarian aid by Myanmar’s authorities who have declared a state of emergency across six regions. In Myanmar, nearly 20 million people – more than a third of the population (mostly women and children) – are estimated to need humanitarian assistance. 

411: www.shelterboxusa.org