Responders on the Ground in Bangkok Following Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar

Pictured: The scene in Bangkok, where tremors caused by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake decimated a high-rise building.

In the wake of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, REACT Responders are in Bangkok to embark on critical coordination with international organisations trying to get help to affected communities.

This two-person deployment is REACT’s initial scoping mission and it is aimed at establishing the safest and most effective route to deliver aid to the epicentre of the disaster. With over 2,700 confirmed fatalities, thousands injured, and hundreds reported missing, the humanitarian need is both urgent and immense.

The Response Team, made up of two experienced international Responders Caro O’Callaghan and Lizzy Stileman, landed in Bangkok on 1st April and immediately began meeting with key players in the international humanitarian space. These include UNDAC (the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination team), TaskForce Kiwi, ShelterBox, and representatives from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

“Only around 20% of Myanmar remains under government control,” one international contact reported. “Access is heavily restricted, especially overland, and visa processing is severely backlogged.” These early insights are shaping REACT’s understanding of the complex operational environment and the challenges facing humanitarian organisations on the ground.

Despite these difficulties, REACT’s mission remains clear: to find a way to reach the communities most in need—whether directly or by supporting partners who are already embedded in the region.

In addition to security briefings and access assessments, the team is actively mapping out potential collaboration models with other NGOs and UN agencies. Cross-border aid delivery models, where supplies are handed over at the border to local partners, are currently being explored.

REACT’s operational strength lies in rapid response, agility, and the experience of its trained Responders. With a strong background in working in high-risk, complex environments, the team is uniquely positioned to adapt to the unfolding situation in Myanmar.

“From the moment we landed, our focus has been on gathering intelligence, building relationships, and identifying safe and effective pathways to deliver aid,” said Lizzy Stileman. 

“It’s early days, but the need is undeniable—and REACT is here to do whatever it takes.”

As the situation develops, REACT will continue to provide updates from the ground. We are deeply grateful to our supporters whose generosity continues to make this work possible.