As Myanmar struggles to recover in the aftermath of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on 28 March, the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) responded swiftly, launching an urgent appeal to provide humanitarian aid in Myanmar. On 4 April, INEB shared an update on its ongoing efforts to provide relief to those most affected by the disaster.

“This earthquake has caused extensive damage to . . . temples, mosques, commercial buildings, residential structures, infrastructure, and public utilities,” INEB reported in a recent statement. “Many survivors have been left without shelter or food and are desperately searching for missing loved ones among the ruins. Large areas remain without electricity, internet access, phone signals, or fuel supplies. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured, with patients spilling onto the streets.”

The independent domestic media outlet DVB reported on 7 April that at least 4,316 bodies had been recovered as of 6 April, with at least 6,168 people injured, 769 still missing, and 498 rescued as of 5 April. Official data from the ruling military junta put the death toll as of 6 April at 3,514.

The junta declared a state of emergency in Sagaing Region in the wake of the earthquake, as well neighboring Bago, Magway, Mandalay, the capital Naypyidaw, and Shan State, appealing for international assistance to ease the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

For the period from 1-4 April 2025, INEB received donations totaling 1,050,458 Thai baht (more than US$30,000), of which 822,454 baht (US$24,020) has already been allocated for the relief effort. INEB’s humanitarian aid is focused on bringing food, clean water, blankets, medical supplies, emergency shelters, and other essential supplies to those most in need.

INEB detailed that 21,990 people had so far received short-term and long-term assistance, including food, drinking water, cooking essentials, medical supplies, sanitary pads, hygiene kits, and mosquito nets and repellent. INEB noted that funds were made directly available to trusted local partners to ensure that aid reached those people and families most in need of humanitarian assistance.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake, and a subsequent 6.4-magnitude tremor, 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). Since the quake, rescue and recovery efforts have been hampered by strong winds and heavy rainfall.

“Families have lost everything and are in desperate need of shelter, food, and medical aid,” INEB emphasized. “Religious and community centers, which served as shelters for many, are now in ruins. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, but more support is urgently needed. We are calling on our global community to stand with Myanmar. Every donation helps provide food, water, medicine, and emergency aid to those affected.”

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)

“At the time of the disaster, around 180 Buddhist monks were taking a Tipitaka examination at a temple in Mandalay when the building collapsed. Only 21 monks survived,” INEB reported. “Meanwhile, during Friday prayers, at least 60 mosques in Mandalay and Sagaing Region collapsed, killing at least 700 Muslim worshippers. A kindergarten in Mandalay also collapsed, trapping 70 teachers and children aged 2–7, with an estimated 40 fatalities. An orphanage in Ywar Thit Kone Village near Sagaing collapsed, killing a nine-year-old girl and injuring several other children, leaving survivors without shelter. 

“Crematoriums in Mandalay are overwhelmed, with one site burning up to 300 bodies per day. As a result, locals have been forced to cremate loved ones on the streets. The extreme heat, exceeding 40°C, has caused corpses to decompose rapidly, raising concerns about potential disease outbreaks.”

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.

* Engaged Buddhism: INEB Launches Urgent Humanitarian Appeal in the Wake of Myanmar Earthquake (BDG)

See more

International Network of Engaged Buddhists
Myanmar Earthquake Appeal (INEB)
INEB – International Network of Engaged Buddhists (Facebook)
Regime blocks aid groups from providing relief to earthquake survivors in central Myanmar (DVB)
UN condemns regime attacks, urges unhindered aid access as earthquake death toll surpasses 4,000 (DVB)
Rains add to challenge for Myanmar quake relief, toll at 3,471 (DVB)
Rain complicates recovery in quake-hit Myanmar as death toll rises (Mizzima)
WHO says Myanmar quake a top-level emergency, seeks urgent funding (Mizzima)

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