Dipesh Shrestha:
Kathmandu, 22 April: A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, with its epicenter near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. This earthquake is considered one of the strongest in Myanmar’s history over the past century. So far, 3,735 people have been confirmed dead, 5,108 injured, and 120 are still missing. The earthquake caused widespread destruction across six regions of Myanmar, including the capital city, Naypyidaw.
Over 65,000 structures — including homes, schools, religious sites, hospitals, and roads — have been destroyed. The earthquake has further worsened Myanmar’s already complex humanitarian crisis, where more than 3 million people have been displaced and nearly 20 million are in need of assistance.
In this tragic situation, international relief efforts are ongoing, but continued aftershocks, lack of resources, and the impending monsoon season have added challenges to rescue and reconstruction operations.
Amidst these circumstances, under the leadership of Christian organizations based in Nepal, a delegation met with His Excellency U Myo Myint Maung, the Ambassador of Myanmar to Nepal, at the Myanmar Embassy in Bhaisepati, Lalitpur. During the meeting, a relief donation was handed over in the form of a check and cash to support the earthquake victims.
The donation was coordinated under the leadership of the United National Nepalese Church Council, with support from the Nepal Christian Society, National Christian Federation Nepal, Nepal National Churches Fellowship, National Church Neji Guthi, and other Christian organizations. The relief amount was collected and managed by Nepal Christian Relief Services.
Major Donor Countries and Contributions
China: Pledged ¥1 billion (approximately $137 million) in humanitarian aid, including medical teams, rescue personnel, and supplies.
United Kingdom: Committed up to £25 million (about $31 million) in humanitarian assistance, supporting food, water, shelter, and medical aid.
Malaysia: Provided RM10 million (around $2.3 million) and deployed 50 disaster relief personnel.
Japan: Pledged $6 million in emergency grant aid and dispatched medical teams along with relief supplies.
South Korea: Announced an additional $2 million in aid.
Sweden: Redirected 158 million kronor (approximately $15 million) for earthquake relief efforts.
Spain: Contributed €2 million (about $2.2 million) in emergency aid.
Finland: Donated €1 million (around $1.1 million).
Sri Lanka: Pledged $1 million in assistance.
Cambodia: Offered $100,000 in initial emergency aid.
Other Notable Contributions
India: Launched “Operation Brahma,” delivering 15 tonnes of relief materials, establishing a 200-bed field hospital in Mandalay, and deploying medical and rescue teams.
Pakistan: Sent over 100 tonnes of relief supplies in two consignments.
Indonesia: Dispatched 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid and 39 military personnel to assist with medical needs and shelter construction.
Bangladesh, Belarus, Canada, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Laos, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, and Taiwan: Provided various forms of aid, including financial contributions, rescue teams, medical assistance, and relief supplies.
