Tzu Chi Provides Extensive Earthquake Relief in Myanmar

Following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (BTCF) has expanded its relief operations throughout Mandalay and Naypyidaw, where damage to homes, temples, schools, and healthcare facilities remains widespread. With more than 3,700 lives lost, 5,020 injured, and over 13,000 homes reduced to rubble, immediate humanitarian needs have been met with a broad and targeted response from BTCF volunteers on the ground.

In response to the disaster, BTCF Myanmar rapidly mobilized volunteers for on-site assessments, distribution, and care. Starting on April 7, BTCF Malaysia worked with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) to deliver its first batch of supplies to Naypyidaw. Volunteers quickly prepared Jing Si foldable beds and Tzu Chi eco-blankets, which were transported to Myanmar via military aircraft. These foldable beds were specifically allocated to hospitals and mobile clinics conducting free medical services in disaster areas. Two volunteers accompanied the aid shipment to personally hand over the supplies to the Myanmar Red Cross Society.

The devastation caused by the quake and its powerful aftershocks has severely damaged not only homes and schools but also over 10,000 religious buildings, deeply impacting the Buddhist-majority nation. Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, experienced some of the most severe destruction.

Up to now, BTCF teams have distributed materials originating from multiple countries and territories across the region. The relief materials included over 300 metric tons of food and hygiene supplies, covering more than 58 categories. The distributions prioritizing families in temporary shelters and rural villages as well as monasteries, hospitals, and orphanages. Core relief items included 24kg sacks of rice, bottles of cooking oil, instant noodles, biscuits, water, and eggs. To address health, hygiene, and safety, 2,620 packs of sanitary pads, 600,000 medical masks, 20,200 N95 masks, 1,000 packs of wound treatment ointment, and nearly 600,000 pairs of medical gloves were provided to safeguard both survivors and frontline workers. Volunteers also provided 840 solar-powered lanterns and 160 lighting kits to bring light to households in areas left without electricity.

For shelter, BTCF provided more than 100 heavy-duty tents, along with 690 eco-blankets, 3,975 Jing Si folding beds, and 1,900 Jing Si mosquito nets to reduce exposure to both the elements and disease vectors.
Vulnerable households—including the elderly, orphans, and families with infants — received baby formula, diapers, and small toys to ease distress.

Hospitals and clinics damaged by the quake were supported with medical beds, bandages, and surgical gloves, while Tzu Chi volunteers also brought meals and water to frontline healthcare workers and search-and-rescue teams. Additional relief materials are currently under preparation or in transit to Myanmar.

In total, BTCF has completed relief distributions in more than 23 villages and townships across Mandalay and Naypyidaw, working closely with local volunteers and community partners such as the Yunnan Chamber of Commerce. More than 780 volunteer shifts were logged in the 18 days following the earthquake, supporting logistics, crowd coordination, meal preparation, debris cleanup and emotional care.

Beyond material aid, Tzu Chi held a prayer and memorial ceremony on April 17 in Mandalay, where 550 monks from 26 monasteries joined in chanting and blessings for victims. Volunteers also offered bereaved families symbolic gifts including prayer beads, condolence cards, and red envelopes containing consolation funds. Support was extended to crematorium workers and burial teams, many of whom were emotionally and physically exhausted from continuous work.

Tzu Chi’s humanitarian presence in Myanmar stretches back to 2008, beginning with relief efforts after Cyclone Nargis. Today, the Foundation supports over 20,000 long-term member households and 33,000 rice donation families across the country. More than 784 volunteers and commissioners, working through one liaison office and three community centers, have formed a strong local network that enabled swift mobilization in the aftermath of this disaster.

The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a global non-profit humanitarian organization founded in 1966 by Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen. Its missions of medicine, charity, education, and humanistic culture have brought relief to 136 countries. The heart of Tzu Chi is embedded in its name: in Chinese, “Tzu” means compassion and “Chi” relief, to relieve the suffering of those in need while creating a better world for all through compassion, love and hope. For more information, visit global.tzuchi.org. For additional information and media inquiries, welcome to contact us through this form.