IRC on alert after earthquake strikes Myanmar

The International Rescue Committee's aid teams in Myanmar and Thailand are on standby to assist in the wake of an earthquake that hit northeastern Myanmar today.

The 7.0 magnitude quake struck an area along Myanmar's border with Thailand and Laos in the evening.  Early reports from Thailand indicate minimal damage, although tremors were felt in Bangkok.  The situation in Myanmar is not clear. 

IRC teams in both Myanmar and Thailand are closely monitoring reports, will coordinate with partner organizations to assess the situation, and are able to dispatch humanitarian aid staff to affected areas if needed.

In Myanmar, the IRC responds to emergencies and maintains health, sanitation, water supply,  livelihoods and other programs in the Ayeyarwaddy Delta and Chin, Shan and Northern Rakhine States.  In Thailand, the IRC provides health care, water and sanitation to tens of thousands of Burmese living in refugee camps along the Thailand-Myanmar border, in addition to legal aid activities and programs to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation.