World Vision New Zealand has launched an urgent appeal to help children affected by the Myanmar earthquake.

The international aid agency says central Myanmar is reeling from the devastation caused by the recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake, “which shook buildings as far away as Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, China and Vietnam, shattering lives and leaving destruction in its wake”.

Children are feared to be trapped under rubble and separated from their parents.

World Vision NZ is calling on the public to provide donations to help to support children and communities affected by the earthquake.

The charity is on the ground in Myanmar and providing an emergency response.

In that country, the earthquakes brought down homes, Government buildings, a Buddhist monastery, stores, and damaged hospitals, schools, roads and other infrastructure.

It’s been difficult to establish the death and injury toll in Myanmar’s worst hit areas due to poor communications following the quake.

Dr Kyi Minn, national director of World Vision International Myanmar, says: “Central Myanmar has been hit by several very large earthquakes, with one registering at least 7.7.

“The area affected is populated and likely to be heavily impacted by this magnitude of the quake.

“We’re trying to establish with staff in the area what exactly has happened and stand ready to respond as the scale and location of this disaster becomes clearer.

“We are particularly worried about children who may have been travelling to school at the time of the earthquake and now may be trapped under rubble and separated from parents.

“Our immediate priority is ensuring access to food, shelter, clean water, and healthcare to those who have been impacted.”

Grant Bayldon, national director of World Vision NZ, adds: “In just seconds, homes, schools, and hospitals were reduced to rubble.

“Families fled into the streets. Children were separated from their loved ones. The devastation is overwhelming.

“We are calling for urgent donations to get children and communities in Myanmar the support that they so desperately need during this incredibly difficult situation.

“Our teams are already there on the ground, but to be able to help, they desperately need supplies of clean water, food and shelter.

“That’s where we need your help. Your love can show children that even in the darkest moments, someone still sees them, believes in them.”

All World Vision staff in Myanmar are accounted for, and its security team is closely monitoring the situation.

The organisation says it’s “deeply concerned” about the well-being of affected children and families.

It’s committed 20 per cent of its area programme’s existing funds to provide humanitarian assistance in target areas and is in close communication with community-based organisations to conduct initial assessments and determine urgent needs on the ground.

“Emergency aid will be critical in the days and months ahead to provide desperately needed support to children and communities in Myanmar.”

To donate to the appeal go online to www.worldvision.org.nz/myanmar-give