(In 2013, I was with Habitat for Humanity when a killer quake hit my home province of Bohol. This was followed closely by the most devastating typhoon ever to hit the country – Super Typhoon Haiyan – running rampage over the entire Visayas provinces. There was chaos, there were tears, as the twin disasters came barreling through like a demolition tag team. This is why the post-earthquake relief and rehab work in Myanmar resonates deeply with me, for I have seen the pain and despair, as well as the guarded relief and tearful joy from survivors who must now restart their lives. Natural disasters can devastate entire communities, leaving many in dire need of assistance. By providing support, whether material or otherwise, you can contribute to their recovery and help restore hope. It is such a wonderful opportunity to show compassion and solidarity with those facing unimaginable challenges, reminding us all of our shared humanity in times of crisis.)
On March 28, 2025, a catastrophic 7.7 magnitude killer-quake struck Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city, claiming the lives of roughly 4,000 people and leaving countless others injured and displaced. This disaster struck in the midst of a prolonged civil war that has affected the country since 2021, making response efforts even more challenging. Mandalay, in central Myanmar, already has over 1.6 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had fled because of the ongoing violence. The recent earthquake has uprooted even more, and the devastation has further escalated forced evacuation, worsening the food shortage and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks in a country already in crisis.
The earthquake wreaked havoc across the nation, destroying homes, schools, and vital infrastructure. In Mandalay, more than 500 buildings collapsed, but there is not enough equipment, forcing rescue workers and relatives of those missing to dig frantically for survivors with their bare hands. Many villages have been flattened, and many survivors are left without access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and medical care. The situation is dire, and the need for immediate humanitarian assistance cannot be overemphasized.
Despite this devastating disaster being further exacerbated by an ongoing insurgency problem, the resilience of the people of Myanmar is truly admirable. However, they urgently need our support to rebuild their lives and communities. Now is the time for us to come together as a global community. Remembering how a number of charitable countries as well as private companies came together to help the Philippines in our hour of need during the Yolanda disaster, I’d like to make this appeal to everyone: let us extend our compassion and assistance to those affected by this tragedy.
One of the most effective ways to help is through donations to reputable organizations working on the ground in Myanmar. NGOs such as the Red Cross, Save the Children, CARE, World Vision and other foreign and local charities are mobilizing resources to provide emergency relief. Your financial support can help deliver food, medical supplies, and provide temporary or permanent shelter to those in desperate need.
For those who wish to be more involved, you can organize or participate in fundraising events within your community or circle of friends. Whether it’s a class meeting, an office workshop, or an online crowdfunding campaign, surface the issue. Talk to your friends, your family, and your colleagues to amplify your cause. We need to bring awareness and resources to those in need.
It is important to use your voice to raise awareness about the situation in Myanmar. Share information on social media platforms, write to your local political and social leaders, and encourage others to get involved. The more people know about the challenges facing the victims, the greater the collective response can be.
Reach out to the local Myanmar community. Perhaps they can provise insights on how to maximize your support by way of knowing the priority needs, knowing the right routes, knowing the correct people. Follow the developments in Myanmar. This knowledge will help provide more targeted support, whether through donations or advocacy.
In times of crisis, it is essential to remember that we are all part of a global community. I learned to appreciate the world’s empathy during those desperate days when we had to deal with the twin disasters of the Bohol earthquake and Super Typhoon Haiyan. Now, I wish to pay it forward, in my own humble way. The people of Myanmar are resilient, but they cannot rebuild alone. They need our help, our compassion, and our commitment to stand by them in their time of need.
Together, we can be the lifeline that helps the people of Myanmar recover from this tragedy. Let us extend our hearts and hands to those who have lost so much. Your support can bring hope to the hopeless and a path to recovery for a nation in need. Stand with our brothers and sisters in Myanmar—your contribution can make a profound difference.
Cover photo courtesy of the New York Times. The photos courtesy of South China Morning Post, the Los Angeles Times, CNN, Global News, AP News, France 24, UN News and Asia Society.
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