Myanmar nationals in Japan organized a donation drive to aid earthquake victims. The quake caused severe destruction in Mandalay and Naypyitaw, resulting in around 1,700 fatalities. Participants emphasized the urgent need for support and recounted their personal connections to the disaster.
A group of Myanmar nationals residing in Japan on Sunday organized a fundraising campaign to aid those affected by the recent earthquake in central Myanmar. The earthquake, which occurred on Friday, inflicted significant damage, particularly in Mandalay, the second-largest city, as well as in the capital, Naypyitaw. According to military sources, approximately 1,700 individuals lost their lives, and a considerable number of structures were destroyed.
Approximately 50 Myanmar citizens gathered for donations in front of JR Otsuka Station, located in Tokyo’s Toshima Ward. They engaged with passers-by, emphasizing the tremendous loss of life and the challenges they face in supporting survivors independently. One participant, aged 35, shared that she confirmed her family’s safety in Mandalay via phone, although many people are now sleeping outdoors due to fears of further collapses from aftershocks. She pointed out the urgency for rescue operations and the daunting prospect of years of reconstruction ahead.
A 14-year-old participant expressed his shock at the situation and his determination to continue raising funds for the victims of the earthquake. Similarly, a young Japanese man who made a donation recounted his own experience during the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, stating his hope that the survivors would remain resilient and take care of themselves amidst the devastation.
The fundraising effort by Myanmar nationals in Japan highlights the solidarity and support for earthquake victims in Myanmar. With significant loss of life and widespread destruction reported, the urgency for aid and the challenges of reconstruction are critical. The dedication of the community to raise funds underscores a collective response to the disaster, reflecting shared experiences and empathy between citizens of Myanmar and Japan.
Original Source: www3.nhk.or.jp
