On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, leaving behind widespread devastation. The disaster, which claimed at least 144 lives in Myanmar and eight in Thailand, has created a dire humanitarian crisis. As the full extent of the damage continues to unfold, the global Catholic community is called to respond with prayer, charity, and aid.
The Impact in Myanmar: A Nation Already in Crisis
Myanmar, already suffering from civil war and political instability, bore the brunt of the earthquake’s destruction. According to Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military leader, the quake resulted in at least 144 deaths and 730 injuries. However, he warned that “the death toll and injuries are expected to rise.” (AP News)
Rescue teams in Mandalay, Naypyitaw, and other hard-hit areas are struggling to reach survivors. Reports indicate that a dam burst, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and multiple roads were severely damaged, cutting off essential routes for aid delivery. The military-controlled government declared a state of emergency in six regions, but given Myanmar’s ongoing conflict, the effectiveness of relief efforts remains uncertain. (AP News)
Christian organizations on the ground have expressed deep concern for the victims. Julie Mehigan, head of Asia, Middle East & Europe for Christian Aid, emphasized the urgent need for assistance: “This disaster will have left people devastated and in need of drinking water, food and shelter. Myanmar is one of the least developed countries in the world. Even before this heartbreaking earthquake, we know conflict and displacement has left countless people in real need.” (AP News)
Chaos and Tragedy in Bangkok, Thailand
The earthquake also caused widespread panic and destruction in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, where it is rare for such powerful tremors to be felt. In a terrifying scene, a 33-story high-rise under construction collapsed, killing at least three people and leaving 90 missing. The Bangkok city hall declared the city a disaster area, allowing emergency responders to mobilize quickly. (AP News)
Eyewitnesses described the moment the quake struck. Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland, recalled: “All of a sudden the whole building began to move. Immediately there was screaming and a lot of panic.” Others reported seeing high-rise buildings swaying, cracks appearing in roads, and water spilling from rooftop pools. (AP News)
A Call to Prayer and Action
As Catholics, we are called to respond to the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Christ. In times of tragedy, prayer, generosity, and acts of charity become powerful ways to show the love of Christ.
- Pray for the victims and survivors – We must pray for those who have lost loved ones, those who are injured, and the rescuers working tirelessly to save lives. Let us invoke the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the patroness of Myanmar, to comfort the afflicted.
- Support humanitarian efforts – Consider donating to emergency response funds to provide food, water, medical care, and shelter to those in need.
- Offer Masses and Spiritual Support – Many churches hold special Masses for disaster victims. Encouraging your parish community to offer Mass intentions and organize collections can make a tangible difference.
As we witness the devastation, let us be reminded of Christ’s call to love and serve our neighbors. May this tragedy move hearts toward compassion, generosity, and unwavering faith in God’s providence. Let us pray that God’s mercy and healing may be upon the people of Myanmar, Thailand, and all those affected by this catastrophe.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
