Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal: A Call for Immediate Support 9 Apr 25

On Friday, March 28th, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, leaving a trail of destruction and an overwhelming humanitarian crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, the urgent need for help grows.

According to the latest reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the earthquake has already claimed the lives of over 3,500 people, with 200 more still missing and 5,000 others injured. Tragically, these numbers are expected to rise significantly in the coming days. The Myanmar regime has called for international aid, and while efforts are underway, we at Leprosy Mission Myanmar are already on the ground, working within the communities we know well to provide immediate support.

In an interview with Radio NZ, Dr. Zaw Moe Aung, the Country Leader of Leprosy Mission Myanmar, shared the dire situation from Yangon, stating, “The situation is being made worse by extremely high temperatures—over 40°C. Prior to the earthquake, between 12 and 30 million people were already in need of assistance. Now, people are terrified, sleeping outside, and urgently requiring body bags, blood transfusions, and medical kits. The need is immense.”

The Devastation of the Earthquake: Schools and Health Systems Destroyed

The earthquake has also severely disrupted Myanmar’s already fragile education system. Over 1,800 schools have been damaged or completely destroyed, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without access to education.

UNICEF has warned that recovery will take time. As Eliana Drakopoulos, UNICEF Myanmar’s Chief of Communications, emphasized, “Children need safe spaces where they can heal, learn, and regain a sense of normalcy.” With the ongoing heavy rains and the destruction of essential infrastructure, including hospitals and sanitation systems, the risk of disease outbreaks is escalating. Moreover, the damage to more than 65 health facilities and a critical shortage of medical supplies put vulnerable children at even greater physical and emotional risk.

How Your Support Can Save Lives

The Leprosy Mission Myanmar is already mobilizing to provide essential relief, but we need your urgent support to continue our vital work. Here’s how your donation can make a life-saving difference:

• Emergency Relief: Help provide food, clean water, shelter, and essential supplies to families affected by the earthquake.
• Care for the Vulnerable: Support people with leprosy, disabilities, and other vulnerable groups through our rehabilitation centers in Taungoo and Pakokku.
• Support Our Staff: Many of our dedicated staff members have been personally affected by the earthquake, losing loved ones, homes, or suffering significant damage. Your contribution will help support them financially and provide necessary mental health assistance.

A Message of Hope and Resilience

Despite the chaos and devastation, we are relieved to report that our staff in Mandalay have safely evacuated from the Leprosy Mission office, located on the 8th floor of the building. However, all of our staff members are facing personal losses, and we are supporting them as they recover from this traumatic experience.

In Taungoo, our Disability Centre and dormitory sustained minor damage but have been declared safe. Our workshop, which manufactures wheelchairs and prosthetics for those affected by leprosy and other disabilities, is being set up to assist in the recovery of those injured in the earthquake.

Join Us in Praying for Myanmar

We ask for your prayers and support for our Leprosy Mission Myanmar team and all those affected by the disaster. We find comfort in the words of Psalm 46:1-3:

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."

DONATE