Kuala Lumpur, 28 March 2025 – A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake has struck central Myanmar, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. The tremors were felt across the region, including Thailand, Bangladesh, India, China, and Laos, with significant damage reported in Bangkok. In Myanmar, hospitals are overwhelmed, buildings have collapsed, and thousands are now without shelter, medical care, or access to basic necessities. With a state of emergency declared in multiple regions, urgent action is critical.
MERCY Malaysia is deeply concerned about the scale of this disaster, particularly as Myanmar was already grappling with ongoing conflict, extreme heatwaves, and severe haze. The earthquake has pushed already vulnerable communities to the brink, with damaged infrastructure further complicating aid delivery. A rapid, coordinated response is essential to prevent further loss of life.
With a presence in Myanmar since 2008, MERCY Malaysia is actively assessing the situation through its regional office and working with partners on the ground to identify urgent needs. Drawing on MERCY Malaysia’s extensive disaster response experience- including our efforts during Cyclone Nargis, MERCY Malaysia is committed to delivering swift and effective humanitarian assistance. Immediate priorities include emergency medical care, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and strengthening community resilience.
To ensure a well-coordinated and inclusive response, MERCY Malaysia will work closely with regional and international humanitarian networks, including the Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN), the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), and Rakan NADMA. As the first NGO in Asia to achieve WHO-EMT Type 1 Global Classification, MERCY Malaysia remains committed to enhancing emergency medical response and advancing disaster risk reduction (DRR) to protect atrisk communities.
Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of MERCY Malaysia, urgently calls for international support: “The people of Myanmar are facing yet another devastating crisis and cannot be left to endure this alone. MERCY Malaysia stands ready to respond, but humanitarian aid must be a shared global effort. We urge governments, humanitarian organizations, and the international community to act immediately to ensure aid reaches those who need it most.”
MERCY Malaysia also urges all authorities and parties to the conflict to allow immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas, ensuring that life-saving aid reaches those in need without delay.
MERCY Malaysia will be mobilizing resources to support affected communities and calls upon the public and international stakeholders to stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar. As the situation evolves, we will continue providing updates on our response efforts and ways to contribute.
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