Myanmar 7.7 Earthquake: Latest Disaster Update & Emergency Aid Appeal

Myanmar 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake: Latest Disaster Report and Urgent Call for Aid (Updated March 30, 2025)

⛑️ When one suffers, all share the burden ⛑️

At 12:51 PM local time on March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar (measured at magnitude 7.9 by the China Earthquake Networks Center, with a depth of 30 km). The epicenter was located between Mandalay and Sagaing Regions. Tremors were felt across Yangon and neighboring areas, with noticeable shocks reported in Yunnan, China, and parts of Thailand. Reports confirm widespread building collapses and severe destruction. A strong aftershock of magnitude 5.3 occurred at 1:38 PM (local time) on March 30, further collapsing already damaged structures and causing new damage to roads. This aftershock has worsened the already dire situation, making ongoing rescue efforts even more challenging.

📌 Latest Updates on the Disaster

1. Severe Infrastructure Damage: Numerous buildings in Mandalay have cracked or collapsed. Historical landmarks such as the Mandalay Palace walls, the old Sagaing Bridge, and bridges along the Yangon-Mandalay Highway have been severely damaged.

2. Communication and Power Outages: Several areas are experiencing communication blackouts and power failures, worsening an already fragile electricity supply.

3. Continuous Aftershocks: According to the Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, 12 aftershocks have been recorded as of March 29, with the strongest reaching magnitude 7.5.

4. Rising Casualties: As of March 30 at noon, official reports confirm at least 1,700 deaths, 3,400 injuries, and over 300 people missing. These numbers are still being updated.

5. Mass Displacement and Emergency Shelters: Fearing further aftershocks and building collapses, large numbers of residents in Mandalay and other affected areas have fled to open spaces such as parks and stadiums, where they have set up makeshift tents for temporary shelter.

6. Severe Challenges for Rescue Missions: The epicenter in Sagaing Region is one of the hardest-hit areas. However, ongoing armed conflict between military forces and resistance groups has severely hindered rescue operations. Many bridges and roads leading to the disaster zone have been blocked by armed groups, preventing aid teams from entering. Communication disruptions have also made it difficult for survivors to call for help, increasing the urgency of the crisis.

7. Churches Damaged, Pastors Lost: Many churches in Mandalay were heavily damaged, some completely collapsed, while others now have cracked walls and unstable structures. Heartbreakingly, some devoted pastors lost their lives during the quake, buried under the rubble. Their loss has deeply wounded local congregations.

⛑️ International Response

In response to the critical situation, the State Administration Council of Myanmar has issued an international plea for emergency aid. Rescue teams from China, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and other countries and regions have arrived to assist with search and rescue operations. May every trapped soul be rescued, and may those who perished rest in peace. May the survivors find strength and hope.

⚠️ Urgent Aid Needed ⚠️

We earnestly call upon our global brothers and sisters to extend a helping hand and join us in providing emergency relief to the victims.

📦 Supplies Needed

✅ Medical supplies (antibiotics, pain relievers, bleeding control, etc.)
✅ Dry food, bottled water
✅ Tents, blankets, and other temporary shelter materials

⛑️ Personnel Needed

✅ Professional rescue teams and equipment
✅ Medical staff and volunteers
✅ Institutions or individuals who can provide safe shelters

💰 How to Donate

Myanmar Theological Education & Mission Resources (MTEMR), the Myanmar Mission Team, and other Christian organizations and churches are launching donation campaigns. All collected resources will be delivered directly to the disaster zones by the Myanmar Mission Team for rescue operations.

📩 If you would like to contribute or offer help, please contact:

🔹 Evangelist Paul Lee (WhatsApp: +959955965008)
🔹 Pastor Peter (Leader of the Myanmar Mission Team) (WhatsApp: +959780641867)

🙏 Prayer Requests 🙏

1. Pray for the victims
   May God comfort families who lost loved ones, heal the wounded, and give peace and hope to those in distress, so they may experience His love and presence in the midst of suffering.

2. Pray for rescue efforts
   Pray for the safety and effectiveness of rescue workers, that God would protect and guide them in these dangerous conditions. May aid reach those in need swiftly.

3. Pray for the church’s response
   Ask the Lord to awaken the global Church to the needs of society and to respond actively with manpower and resources, demonstrating Christ’s love. May the Gospel bring hope and new life even amid disaster.

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who take refuge in Him."
— Nahum 1:7

Prepared by:
Pastor Lee Sheng Dan
Myanmar Theological Education & Missionary Resources (MTEMR)