Christian humanitarian organisations are mobilising quickly to offer relief following a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar and parts of Thailand on Friday.
Just 12 minutes later, a strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock shook the region again, compounding the destruction. More than 1,700 people have been killed, with tens of hundreds injured and displaced.
Both Samaritan’s Purse and Christian Aid are Christian international relief organisations which have responded swiftly to the earthquake and have a longstanding presence in Myanmar. Samaritan’s Purse has served the country since responding to Cyclone Nargis in 2008, operated a rustic office from 2017 to 2022, while Christian Aid has assisted communities and partner organisations in Myanmar for many years through trusted local partners, particularly within the central regions most affected by the quake.
Responding to the catastrophe, Samaritan’s Purse has deployed its Disaster Assistance Response Team from Vietnam and Cambodia and can arrange a fully-equipped Emergency Field Hospital in Myanmar.
The facility will likely be the biggest model in its arsenal, including a pharmacy, an emergency room, a laboratory, in-patient wards and two operating theatres. The organisation’s DC-8 jet is scheduled to depart from Greensboro, North Carolina, carrying 28 medical and disaster response specialists together with the hospital.
Additional supplies similar to water filtration systems, emergency shelter materials, hygiene kits, and flashlights, will likely be airlifted by Samaritan’s Purse in the approaching days.
The President of Samaritan’s Purse, Franklin Graham, remarked, “This devastating earthquake has rocked Myanmar and Thailand, killing not less than 1,700 people and leaving entire communities in ruins. Now, families are grieving the lack of family members and lots of are left with nothing— sleeping outside in the weather as aftershocks proceed. Samaritan’s Purse is responding in Jesus’ Name to bring relief to those that are hurting. Please pray for all those affected and for our teams as they serve.”
Similarly, Christian Aid has also stepped into motion, working closely with local partners to evaluate damage and coordinate relief efforts. The organisation confirmed reports that the Kyaukse Kinta Dam in Mandalay burst as a result of the quake, flooding lowland areas, and heightening the crisis.
In response, specializing in a locally-led, community-based response, Christian Aid has released emergency funds to support areas where access to essential services has been critically disrupted, providing immediate needs similar to clean water, food parcels, temporary shelters, and money assistance.
The organisation is appealing for donations through its emergency giving page and is inviting people world wide to affix in prayer:
“God, our strength and our refuge, we pray to you for the people of Myanmar. We hold in mind those that are injured or have been bereaved. We ask your protection for everybody awaiting rescue. May those that have lost homes and belongings be comforted. May emergency staff and medical staff be secure as they pour their energy into saving the lives of others. May the international community respond quickly to support those affected. God, our strength and our refuge, be with our global neighbours today.”
As search and rescue operations proceed, the death toll is predicted to proceed rising. Even before the earthquake struck, Myanmar was already grappling with deep challenges brought on by poverty, conflict, and displacement.
Acknowledging this reality, the Christian Aid’s Head of Asia, Middle East & Europe, Julie Mehigan, stated: “Myanmar is one in every of the lowest-income countries on the earth. Even before this heartbreaking earthquake, we all know conflict and displacement has left countless people in real need. Every prayer and each gift will bring hope to people hit by disaster.”
