With humanitarian relief outreach in the aftermath of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March still ongoing, the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) has shared an update on its compassion-based efforts to provide aid to those communities most affected by the disaster.
INEB responded swiftly when news of the humanitarian crisis emerged, launching an urgent international appeal to support relief efforts for vulnerable communities. One month later, and with parts of central Myanmar still experiencing almost daily aftershocks, the crisis continues: according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), nearly 200,000 people remain displaced and homeless.
“The world news cycle may have moved on, but INEB continues to provide support to Myanmar earthquake victims and is exploring long-term support plans,” INEB stated in an announcement on 25 April.
The independent domestic media outlet Mizzima reported on 30 April that at least 5,350 deaths have been recorded from the earthquake, adding that projections from the US Geological Survey indicated that the final death toll could exceed 10,000.
“From 1–25 April, we assisted 22,400 people, which included the distribution of food, drinking water, cooking essentials, medical supplies, emergency treatments, sanitary pads, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, repellents, and temporary shelters, INEB shared. “In addition, support was extended to disaster-response teams through improved communication access across impacted regions.”
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.
“A total of 369 donors contributed to the appeal,” Bangkok-headquartered INEB noted, “resulting in a total income of 1,728,300.85 Thai baht (US$51,800). Of this, 1,624,475.00 baht (US$48,600 ) was spent, leaving a balance of 103,825.85 baht (US$3,100).
“The donations were distributed across five main areas: Sagaing (32.5 per cent), Mandalay (23.4 per cent), Inle Lake (21.0 per cent), Amarapura (12.7 per cent), and Kyaukse (10.5 per cent).
The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management has said that the quake damaged more than 400 roads, 300 hospitals and clinics, 95 bridges, 2,500 schools, and 55,000 houses. Total damages have been estimated at US$1.9 billion.
“Myanmar’s cyclone season starts within days, exposing coastal populations to strong winds and rains—leaving families to face the risks of floods and landslides,” the IFRC said on 28 April. “Conditions on the ground continue to be very challenging.” (DVB)
Yet despite the immense scale of the tragedy from earthquake, and an official ceasefire between Myanmar’s military government and People’s Defense Forces, independent media reports indicate that the military has continued with strikes against civilian militias opposing the ruling junta that overthrew the nation’s civilian government in 2021.
“The International Network of Engaged Buddhists calls on all Buddhists, spiritual leaders, and people of conscience to respond with karuṇa (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),” INEB observed in a statement following the earthquake.
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.
Further details and donation opportunities can be found here. INEB can be contacted directly at: [email protected]
“Our efforts have helped survivors find immediate relief, yet the situation remains dire. Thousands of families still need food, shelter, medical aid, and long-term recovery support,” INEB noted. “INEB is on the ground providing life-saving aid—shelter, food, and medical assistance—to those in need, the organizations emphasized. “Every bit of support makes a difference!”
* Engaged Buddhism: INEB Launches Urgent Humanitarian Appeal in the Wake of Myanmar Earthquake (BDG) and Engaged Buddhism: INEB Shares Humanitarian Relief Update After Myanmar Earthquake (BDG)
See more
International Network of Engaged Buddhists
Myanmar Earthquake Appeal (INEB)
INEB – International Network of Engaged Buddhists (Facebook)
How a ‘supershear’ earthquake tore through Myanmar (DVB)
Open sources show airstrike damages despite post-earthquake ceasefire (DVB)
Human rights groups blast Myanmar junta for its continuing attacks on health workers despite devastating quake (Mizzima)
Related news reports from BDG
Engaged Buddhism: INEB Invites Applicants for International Young Bodhisattva Program 2025
Engaged Buddhism: INEB’s Young Bodhisattva Program for Youth Leaders Commences in Taiwan
Special Report: INEB’s 21st Biennial Conference Concludes in Chennai with a Commitment to a Shared Heritage of Compassion and Inclusivity
Engaged Buddhism Special Report: Jungto Society Hosts INEB Study Tour in South Korea for Female Monastics and Social Activists
Engaged Buddhism: INEB’s SENS Transformative Learning Program Accepting Applications for 2025 Intake
Related features from BDG
INEB Conference 2024: Tracing the Roots of Compassion and Equity Through Inclusive Social Engagement
INEB Conference 2024: The Five Aggregates and Socially Engaged Spirituality
