Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake which struck Myanmar on Friday.
The earthquake caused widespread damage across the country and parts of Thailand, and all funds raised will go directly towards providing medical support and aid to communities through Intrepid’s local NGO partner in Myanmar.
The not-for-profit Intrepid Foundation will match all donations up to A$100,000.
Donations to the appeal will provide medical support and aid to impacted communities in Myanmar.
The appeal has been made despite Intrepid halting all trips to Myanmar in 2020 amid criticism of ongoing violence and human rights abuses in the country.
Intrepid Foundation general manager Biheng Zhang said: “The impact of the earthquake in Myanmar is severe. 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.”
Asian DMC Exo Travel, which has operated in Myanmar since 1995, also appealed for donations as its non-profit Exo Foundation pledged $20,000 to support relief efforts.
A statement said: “While neighbouring countries have resumed daily life, communities in Myanmar continue to grapple with the devastating aftermath.
“Entire villages have been reduced to rubble. Homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure have collapsed. Thousands of families are left injured, displaced or mourning the loss of loved ones.
“The true scale of the disaster is still unfolding. What is clear, however, is that urgent support is needed.”
The Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Myanmar on Saturday to confirm that the country’s military regime, installed since a coup four years ago, had declared a state of emergency in six states due to the quake.
“We advise against travelling to all affected areas at present,” the advisory said as the UK government announced emergency relief funding of up to £10 million to help with food and water supplies, medicine and shelter in the hardest hit areas.
Development minister Baroness Chapman said: “UK-funded local partners are already mobilising a humanitarian response on the ground, and this £10 million package will bolster their efforts.”
Meanwhile, Bangkok “returned to normal” on Saturday, less than 24 hours after the powerful earthquake struck neighbouring Myanmar killing at least 1,700 people.
Rescue efforts continued in both countries as the death toll in the Thai capital reportedly rose to 18 with 76 workers missing following the collapse of a high-rise building while under construction.
Aftershocks have continued following Friday’s 7.7 magnitude quake near Myanmar’s second-largest city Mandalay, with tremors felt in several other countries.
Thailand’s prime minister declared Bangkok an “emergency zone” on Friday after damage was reported across the city.
However, airports in the Thai capital remained operational, with some disruption to local commuter rail services.
Tourism Authority of Thailand UK & Ireland director Worapa Angkhisirisap said on Saturday: “The situation in Bangkok has returned to normal.
“Businesses have resumed operations. Tourist attractions and shopping malls are open as usual.
“Planned festivals and events will go ahead as scheduled including upcoming Songkran (Thai New Year).”
She added: “Assessments are still taking place across the city to ensure safety.
“Airports and transport systems have been assessed and are back in operation with minimal disruption.”
TAT also noted: “The Thai authorities and the concerned public and private sectors are collaborating their efforts to ensure safety and security for tourists and the general public.”
Myanmar photos: Exo Travel