According to the latest figures from the BBC News, the death toll from Myanmar earthquake has risen to 3,085 people and the number of injured has surpassed 4,715 (as of press time).
Many countries —including China, India, Russia, South Korea, the United States, and various international organizations from different countries have made rescue efforts in the earthquake-affected areas. However, people are in desperate need of relief and assistance across the 47 affected townships while several still remain trapped under debris.
Despite the current situation in the country, the military continues to launch attacks on affected areas in Magwe Divison. It has rejected the unilateral ceasefire proposed by the shadow National Unity Government. Airstrikes continue in Chin State, and reports have emerged that the military even fired at a Chinese convoy delivering aid for earthquake victims.
Amid the rising death toll, the military has announced that it will proceed with the Thingyan festival from April 13 to April 16, 2025— albeit without the usual singing and dancing.
Updates from our local partners
According to local partners, people in the affected areas are suffering from diarrhoea and shortness of breath. Many water sources have been damaged, making clean drinking water unavailable. Locals and social workers report high levels of anxiety, mood swings, and insomnia due to the trauma after the earthquake and ongoing aftershocks.
In addition, reports have surfaced of police and pro-armed groups forcibly seizing the relief supplies intended for earthquake victims in Sagaing. This has further heightened fear and paranoia among the populations, many of whom are already struggling with mental distress and trauma.
Our local partner, Min Naing*, shared: “We are able to give aid like rice, drinking water, and mosquito nets to 80 families in need. We will distribute solar lamps shortly, once they arrive.”
Another local partner, Zaw Lin*, said: “In some areas there is phone network coverage, while in others, there is none. Even people living in the same city are unable to connect with or check on the well-being of kith & kin in other localities. People can be seen clearing rubble from the streets and doing their best to cope with the damage.
“I visited our volunteer Bro. Aung* and his family. They were very happy to see us and thanked us for our visit. They were actively helping their church members with restoration work.”
Zaw Lin also visited another partner’s church in Central Myanmar. The building's wreckage damaged a neighbour’s roof. The church leaders and pastor’s family are now concerned about repairing both their church and their neighbour’s property. The church will need to be checked by engineers to assess its structural safety for future use.
“We also visited Mrs. Aye*, another partner. Their church is old and developed cracks because of the earthquake, so they evacuated and set up a shed where believers could gather for fellowship.”
Mrs. Aye shared: “There are people helping us with food, so we’re not worried about meals. But I am concerned about the livelihoods of our church members, as many businesses and workplaces have shut down due to the earthquake.”
Zaw Lin added, “There are many who are staying by the roadside without proper shelter. This is a major concern because if it rains, waterborne diseases could spread due to the lack of proper toilets and access clean water.”
He also added, “In some places, the smell of rotting flesh is unbearable. Many damaged buildings and debris remain on the ground, with dead bodies still buried and trapped underneath. There are very few rescuers available, despite the overwhelming need.”
Christian survivors express, “We want to thank our brothers and sisters for their prayers and concern. We feel comforted and not isolated.”
Please pray for Myanmar. Thank you for your ongoing prayers.
Please pray for the people of Myanmar who have been deeply affected by the earthquake. May they find comfort, strength, and the help they need to rebuild their lives.
Please pray for the military authorities that they would support the distribution of aid instead of creating obstacles in the process.
Pray that the bombings and gunfire would cease, so that peace may be restored in the affected communities, allowing people to rebuild their lives safely.
Pray for the health of believers, as diseases have already begun to spread due to decomposing bodies trapped beneath the rubble. The situation may worsen as rainfall is expected this month in some areas of Myanmar. The World Health Organization (WHO) has already warned about the risk of a disease outbreak in the country.
Pray for wisdom and discernment for church leaders, as they cope with damage to their churches and seek ways to support their affected church members.
Pray that the local partners remain strong and in good health, as they make extra efforts to provide aid and help those in need.
Pray for the people who have lost their houses, especially as many areas will soon experience rainfall, which could further complicate their situation.
Pray for the safety of local volunteers and partners, as they travel to deliver relief and extend support to the affected communities.
*Names changed for security purposes
Weekly prayer emails
You can keep praying for Myanmar and the many other countries where Christians face persecution by signing up for regular Open Doors emails. You’ll find prayer requests, inspiring testimonies and latest updates from our brothers and sisters who share our faith but not our freedom.
urgent appeal
The devastating earthquake in Myanmar comes after years of conflict and persecution have already made the country a very difficult place for followers of Jesus.
Your gift of HK$110 could provide a month of urgent assistance and relief to three believers in Myanmar.
