Tzu Chi relief aid underway for quake-hit Myanmar

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (BTCF) has begun coordinating its response to Mandalay, Myanmar to address immediate needs of the victims following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that left huge devastations across the country.

On April 1-2, 2025, BTCF Indonesia began dispatching batches of relief goods, including 3,460 blankets, 5,000 mosquito nets, 2,500 plastic mats, 1,000 cleaning kits, 6,000 boxes of face masks, 500 cartons of instant noodles, and five generators.

The Indonesian military offered help to airlift the goods to Myanmar. The delivery of relief goods is expected to arrive on April 3 in the country’s capital, Naypyidaw. From there, the supplies will be transported by road to Mandalay and distributed to those in need.

The magnitude 7.7 earthquake happened at 12:50 (GMT 06:20) on 28th March 2025 in Myanmar’s second largest city, Mandalay, and also affected neighboring Thailand and causing strong aftershocks across Southeast Asia. According to Reuters, the death toll has reportedly crossed 3,000 with hundreds missing.

Following the disaster, BTCF offices in Myanmar and Thailand swiftly mobilized their resources after confirming the safety of their staff and facilities. On April 2nd, a dedicated team of 13 members from the Tzu Chi Foundation in Yangon travelled to Mandalay to perform a thorough assessment of the situation. This proactive effort will enable the team to evaluate the challenges ahead effectively and develop a strategic response to assist those in need.

Fundraising activities are being organized to support relief efforts by BTCF offices globally.

Image 2. Assisted by the Indonesian military, the relief goods were brought to the DAAU LANUD Warehouse of Halim Perdana Kusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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 137 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 BTCF directly through this form.