Updated: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Situation:
On Friday, March 28, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, followed minutes later by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock. In total, more than 3,800 people were killed (with estimates rising to 10,000) and more than 3,400 have been injured. Widespread damage has left 143,630 buildings beyond repair, including 1,600 houses, 670 monasteries and 60 schools, leaving more than one million people without homes.
Public infrastructure has also been significantly impacted, as three major bridges have been destroyed and two major dams were compromised. Following the initial shocks, an under-construction building collapsed in Bangkok, trapping upwards of 101 people who were missing and believed to be trapped under the rubble. A state of emergency was declared in Bangkok, and in six regions and states in neighboring Myanmar, where the first quake was centered. According to the Earthquake Observation Division, Myanmar experienced a total of 317 aftershocks between March 28 and April 4, 2025, and the highest numbers of casualties, injuries and destruction were reported in Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Naypyidaw, Shan State and Bago Region. Karen and Kayah States also experienced considerable impact.
The most urgent needs for those affected include shelter, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, hygiene services, food and protection. However, responders face significant challenges, including restricted access due to airstrikes, military checkpoints and logistical barriers such as visa delays and disrupted communications. Widespread internet outages have hindered coordination and needs assessments, while ongoing power and water shortages heighten the risk of disease and further endanger vulnerable communities. Despite these challenges, CWS is actively collaborating with local partners to provide immediate relief and support to affected communities.
CWS Response:
In our initial response, CWS has dispersed $10,000 to New Myanmar Foundation (NMF), a CWS local partner, to reach communities close to the epicenter and outside of Junta-controlled areas where little or no help has been provided. Through the Asian Disaster Reduction & Response Network (ADRRN), CWS Japan is also coordinating with local disaster organizations, including Mercy Malaysia and Community Development Association in the Mandalay area, to continue to assess the situation. CWS remains committed to ongoing relief efforts to ensure sustained support for those affected.
CWS has partnered with NMF to rent heavy equipment for rescue and body recovery and provide pre-cooked meals, as most people are currently without access to cooking facilities. In Sagaing, teams provide daily meals to 600 displaced individuals, repair roads and distribute water to communities facing shortages. In Amarapura and nearby areas, teams supply water tanks and distribute meals to affected populations. In Shan State (Inlay Pond region), relief efforts include distributing meals, dry food, sanitation and hygiene kits, cooking supplies and solar lamps to those in need. In the most affected areas, including Mandalay City, Sagaing Province, and Nay Pyi Taw, critical items have been distributed, including food, hygiene items, cash assistance and emergency shelter and hygiene kits.
Despite the widespread damage caused by both earthquakes, funding from the international community is far below what is needed. The scale of the disaster requires a massive response, but global engagement—especially from major donors—has been limited. CWS will continue to work with partners in the region to provide initial life-saving support and work with affected communities long after the initial disaster response phase to identify unmet needs and gaps where our support and efforts are most impactful. We will be involved in long-term recovery efforts to help meet these needs in the months and years to come.
The lack of global foreign aid will have a critical impact for millions of people who call Myanmar home. With limited global engagement, the support provided by CWS and other organizations is more important than ever. Your contributions—especially in light of recent funding cuts to U.S. foreign aid assistance programs—ensure that we can provide critical and life-saving resources to our neighbors when it’s most needed and sustain that support long after the news has left the headlines.
How to Help
To support CWS emergency response efforts, donations can be made online or sent to Church World Service (P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515).