A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar last Friday, causing widespread destruction. To put this into perspective, the Newcastle earthquake in the 1980s measured only 5.6. The impact of this disaster is immense.
“We’re expecting the death toll to rise significantly,” said Kelsea Clingeleffer, International Programs Coordinator at Baptist World Aid. “So far, over 1,000 people have died, and 4,000 more are injured.”
Many hospitals have been damaged or destroyed, leaving medical teams overwhelmed. With communications down, gathering a full picture of the situation remains challenging.
Why Myanmar Needs Urgent Help
The earthquake also affected parts of Thailand, but Myanmar was the epicenter. The country was already in crisis before the disaster struck.
“Myanmar has been dealing with active conflict since the military coup in 2021,” Kelsea explained. “A third of the population was in need of humanitarian aid before the earthquake. Now, the needs are even greater.”
Years of U.S. aid cuts and ongoing conflict have made recovery efforts even more difficult. That’s why relief efforts are focusing on Myanmar, where the need is greatest.
Immediate Needs on the Ground
Survivors need urgent support to rebuild their lives.
“People need clean water, shelter, blankets, cooking supplies, and medical aid,” Kelsea said. “But another critical need is psychosocial support, helping people process the trauma of what they’ve been through.“
Aftershocks continue to shake the region, adding to people’s fear and uncertainty. Many survivors are sleeping on the streets, with some even receiving medical care outdoors.
“Buildings have collapsed, and entire floating villages are gone,” Kelsea shared. “And this is all happening during record-high temperatures.”
Health Risks and Medical Challenges
Medical services are stretched thin. Many hospitals are destroyed, and those still operating are overwhelmed.
“Without clean water, infection rates rise quickly,” Kelsea warned. “Dehydration, diarrhea, and mosquito-borne diseases are major concerns. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable.”
The Role of the Church and Aid Organizations
Baptist World Aid and other humanitarian groups are working with local partners to ensure aid reaches those who need it most.
“It’s inspiring to see the global church supporting the local church in times of crisis,” Kelsea said. “Churches in Myanmar were already helping their communities before this disaster, and they’ll continue to do so long after.”
Long-Term Recovery and How You Can Help
The road to recovery will be long.
“People pay attention to disasters for a short time, but communities live with the impact for years,” Kelsea noted. “We’re committed to working alongside them for the long term.”
Baptist World Aid and other organisations are focusing on sustainable solutions. This includes rebuilding healthcare, providing long-term nutrition support, and ensuring clean water access.
You can help by donating to organisations like Baptist World Aid, spreading awareness, and praying for the people of Myanmar. Your support makes a difference in restoring dignity and hope to those affected.