The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) has launched an urgent appeal to fund humanitarian aid for Myanmar in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck the country on 28 March, killing more than 2,900 people and causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
INEB said its humanitarian relief effort will focus on bringing food, clean water, blankets, medical supplies, emergency shelters, and other essential items to communities most in need.
“By now, you have all heard the devastating news of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar and was felt strongly in Thailand on Friday, 28 March,” INEB announced. “The widespread destruction, made worse by the lack of support systems, has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, left many more injured, and devastated countless communities. With many thousands displaced and lacking access to basic necessities, the crisis continues to worsen. Food, shelter, medicine, and clean water are in desperate need, and a healthcare emergency is imminent.”
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake at at 12:50 p.m. local time, and a subsequent 6.4 magnitude tremor later on on 28 March, was centered along the Sagaing fault line in the Sagaing Region of Myanmar, with its epicenter close to the nation’s second-largest city Mandalay (population 1.7 million). Independent local media reported on Monday that at least 2,928 bodies had been recovered as of Sunday, with thousands more injured and hundreds of people still missing.
The nation’s military junta has declared a state of emergency in Sagaing Region, as well neighboring Bago, Magway, Mandalay, the capital Naypyidaw, and Shan State, and appealed for international assistance to ease the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“This disaster reminds us of the Buddha’s teaching on interconnectedness—when one suffers, we all suffer.” INEB emphasized. “Despite this immense suffering, violence continues. The Myanmar military has not halted its military offensives, further exacerbating the crisis and preventing essential humanitarian aid from reaching those in need. An estimated 28 million people live in the six hardest-hit regions: Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Shan, and Naypyidaw.
“The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) calls on all Buddhists, spiritual leaders, and people of conscience to respond with karuna (compassion) and metta (loving-kindness). This is a moment to embody the bodhisattva path—to alleviate suffering, protect the vulnerable, and uphold the sacred principle of ahimsa (nonviolence).”
Click here to help INEB’s Myanmar Earthquake Appeal
The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) is a worldwide network of individuals and organizations who are committed to promoting and working toward social justice, environmental sustainability, and world peace. INEB was formed in 1989 by the renowned Buddhist scholar and activist Prof. Sulak Sivaraksa and a group of Buddhist leaders seeking to apply the Buddhist teachings and principles to contemporary social and political issues. Through its global network, INEB works to promote understanding, cooperation, and connection among inter-Buddhist and inter-religious groups, and to actively address urgent global issues such as human rights, conflict resolution, and environmental crises.
The World Health Organization has described the situation in Myanmar as “a Grade 3 emergency—the highest level of activation under its Emergency Response Framework.” The WHO noted that the high number of casualties and trauma injuries were at serious risk of infection due to limited hospital capacity, while underlying social conditions intensified the risk of disease. (Mizzima)
“Although our immediate focus is on emergency relief, we are equally committed to providing long-term support,” INEB stated. “While Buddhist monasteries have been reduced to rubble, many other places of worship—Muslim mosques, Christian churches, and Hindu temples—have also been destroyed.
“Religious minorities, who already face marginalization in Myanmar, are receiving little attention and will endure prolonged hardships. INEB has long been dedicated to interfaith collaboration, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping all affected communities rebuild their lives.
“The true strength of a nation lies not in weapons, but in compassion, morality, and justice. Let this moment of crisis be a turning point. Let the leaders of Myanmar choose peace over war, compassion over cruelty, and healing over destruction. Only through collective wisdom and moral courage can we rebuild Myanmar as a land of peace, dignity, and harmony.
“We urgently call for:
• An immediate ceasefire to stop the violence and allow rescue efforts to continue.
• An end to the killing of innocent people—every life is valuable, and taking life goes against the Buddha’s teachings.
• Full access for humanitarian aid and relief efforts, so that those who are injured and homeless can get the help they need.
• A commitment to peace and dialogue, so that Myanmar can heal and rebuild.”
Headquartered in Bangkok, INEB has established a wide range of social projects and outreach programs across the region aimed at overcoming suffering and empowering vulnerable communities through the practice of the Dharma and social engagement—such as education and training programs, community development projects, advocacy and lobbying efforts, and interfaith dialogue.
INEB emphasizes the importance of developing an ethical, Dharma-based approach to its work, and encourages members to work collaboratively and respectfully with individuals and organizations upon a foundation of shared values and aspirations. The network also advocates the importance of environmental sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources, and has promoted sustainable development practices in various communities.
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Myanmar Earthquake Appeal (INEB)
International Network of Engaged Buddhists
INEB – International Network of Engaged Buddhists (Facebook)
Death toll from Myanmar earthquake nears 3,000; Ninety percent of Sagaing town destroyed, say residents (DVB)
WHO says Myanmar quake a top-level emergency, seeks urgent funding (Mizzima)
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