A British disaster response team has arrived in Thailand to assist in relief efforts following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on Friday.
The earthquake has left thousands dead across Myanmar and Thailand, with rescue operations underway in both countries.
The team, from Wiltshire-based charity REACT, specializes in disaster response and helping vulnerable communities. Their immediate focus is Thailand, where 20 people have died and many more need urgent assistance. They aim to support local organizations in delivering aid to affected areas efficiently.
Efforts are also being made to enter Myanmar, where the situation is more complicated due to an ongoing civil war. Political instability and restricted access have made it challenging for international aid teams to reach those in need.
Two key members of the team, Caro O’Callaghan from Lymington and army veteran Lizzy Stileman from Hertfordshire, landed in Bangkok on Tuesday morning. Their role is to establish connections with local and international groups while awaiting approval to enter Myanmar.
If access is granted, two additional response teams will join them. These teams, usually made up of six people, are currently on standby, prepared to deploy at short notice. The advance planning by O’Callaghan and Stileman will ensure that teams have a clear strategy and base of operations once they arrive.
Myanmar’s weak infrastructure makes even basic necessities difficult to obtain, so the charity’s mission is to provide essentials such as food, water, and shelter. With many lives at risk, their work could make a crucial difference in the aftermath of the disaster.