Tzu Chi’s Phase Two Relief and Medical Aid after Myanmar Earthquake

The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (BTCF) has continued its extensive relief operations to support displaced and vulnerable communities following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28, 2025. According to UN OCHA (May 4, 2025), over 6.3 million people in Myanmar's earthquake-affected areas require humanitarian aid. The early monsoon rains are worsening conditions in temporary shelters and raising health concerns. Beyond immediate relief, OCHA stresses the urgent need for early recovery and livelihood support.

From April 2 to April 20, Tzu Chi implemented its first phase of relief, completing 18 days of distributions and support in heavily impacted areas. Through a coordinated effort involving BTCF offices in Myanmar and neighboring countries, relief items reached over 12,818 households. Each received 24 kilograms of rice and two liters of cooking oil to support food security in the short term. Emergency financial assistance was also provided to 657 of the most vulnerable families. Simultaneously, four hospitals received medical supplies, including surgical gloves, masks, and essential medicines, to support overstretched healthcare services. Local volunteers organized a cash-for-work initiative that provided income opportunities to 1,342 participants, helping with distribution, debris removal, and other logistics.

Essential relief items distributed during this phase included 27,900 bread rolls, 11,180 packs of instant noodles, 2,620 packs of sanitary pads, 1,000 units of wound ointment, 8,180 eggs, 10,620 bottles of drinking water, 16,500 energy drinks, and 2350 packs of biscuits. Additional supplies such as 1,460 Jing Si foldable beds, 840 solar lanterns, 160 lighting kits, and 128 eco-blankets were distributed across shelters and affected monasteries. BTCF also provided 110,000 medical masks, 20,200 N95 respirators, 200,000 pairs of medical gloves, 439 straw mats, and 74 mosquito nets to minimize the spread of disease under extreme heat and humidity in Myanmar.

On May 8, BTCF volunteers met with Myanmar’s Minister of Religious Affairs, U Tin Oo Lwin, in Naypyidaw. The Minister expressed gratitude for the aid delivered to communities in the capital and Mandalay, and formally acknowledged Tzu Chi’s contribution with a certificate of appreciation. During the meeting, volunteers further assessed the damage to religious institutions, including temples and pagodas, which play a central role in the spiritual and daily lives of the people.

As the crisis continues, Tzu Chi has launched its second phase of aid, focusing on the severely affected areas of Sagaing, Amarapura, Tada-U, and Inn Wa. This phase began on May 10 and aims to benefit 30,000 households through large-scale food distribution, with 3,000 families also receiving financial relief. Over just two days, May 10 and 11, volunteers carried out large-scale distributions benefitting 342 monasteries (supporting 5,472 monks) and 547 families. Supplies included 3,421 bags of 24kg rice, 3,421 bottles of 1-liter cooking oil, 2,000 folding beds from Da Ai Tech and 547 from Jing Si, 2,547 mosquito nets, and 547 portions of instant rice meals.

The increasing heat and rain following the disaster have caused a surge in skin infections and respiratory illnesses among children, displaced families, and monks living in exposed conditions. In response, BTCF initiated free medical outreach services in collaboration with local doctors and health professionals based in Mandalay. On May 6 and May 8, four medical outreach events were held, benefiting a total of 495 individuals. The medical teams, mobilized with the support of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) Yangon, focused on treating skin conditions, cough, and other common ailments resulting from prolonged exposure and poor sanitation.

To address the urgent educational needs of children, Tzu Chi is also preparing to construct 200 temporary classrooms. The prototype for the first classroom was completed by May 13, with full implementation planned across high-need areas as resources and coordination allow.

Tzu Chi’s presence in Myanmar began in 2008 following Cyclone Nargis and has since grown into a robust humanitarian network supporting 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. The current relief mission builds on years of trust, collaboration, and compassionate service, underscoring BTCF’s commitment to delivering timely, dignified, and culturally respectful aid in times of crisis.

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 138 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.