Families are seeking shelter in open spaces as they pick up the pieces of their homes. Hospitals are overwhelmed with those who are injured and in critical condition. Damaged infrastructure is slowing relief efforts.
In this blog, learn more about what is happening in Myanmar, how Compassion is responding to the needs of impacted children and how you can help.
How are Compassion’s local partners responding?
How can I help children in Myanmar?
Last updated: April 23rd, 2025
What is happening in Myanmar?
On Friday, March 28th, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, with tremors that also reached neighbouring Thailand and southwest China. The official death toll in Myanmar has now reached over 3,600 and over 5,000 have been injured. In Thailand, at least 22 people have lost their lives. Overall, around 3 million people, including children and other vulnerable persons, have been significantly impacted or completely displaced from their homes.
The aftermath of the earthquake has been extreme. Hospitals and clinics in the region have been overwhelmed by the demand for urgent medical care. Families who have lost their homes are now seeking shelter in open spaces, as the possibility of aftershocks causing further damage to indoor spaces remains. In addition to the impact on lives and housing, relief efforts are facing the challenge of navigating damaged infrastructure such as roads and severed telephone lines.
How are Compassion’s local partners responding?
Harry Wathittayakul, Compassion Thailand’s National Director, has reported that all children in the sponsorship program remain safe and unaffected by the situation. While Compassion will continue to monitor the wellbeing of children and families involved in its program in both Myanmar and Thailand, the current focus of our partners is on providing emergency aid to other communities in the hardest-hit areas. Their familiarity and deep-rooted presence in the area allow them to respond quickly to urgent needs. Currently, these needs include access to food, water, healthcare, emergency shelter and hygiene supplies.
While providing immediate relief, Compassion’s national office and local partners have also made an initial assessment of the impact of the disaster. This assessment will help Compassion and its local partners develop specific interventions to provide appropriate support and aid to affected communities.
Throughout the response, Compassion will continue to collaborate closely with its local partners to discuss and adjust the way relief and recovery support is delivered.
Learn more about what makes Compassion’s approach to disaster response effective and how it has been put into action in this blog.
How can I help children in Myanmar?
Pray
For children:
- That God would provide for the needs of the most vulnerable and bring safety in the aftermath of the earthquake
- That God would protect and comfort each child with His love
For the Church:
- That the Church would have the capacity and resources to support people in need, being a tangible example of God’s love
- That the Church around the world would be moved with compassion to give generously and keep Myanmar in prayer
For Christ’s presence
- That Jesus would move hearts with compassion and be present for all who are impacted—children, caregivers, relief workers and pastoral figures
Give
You can come alongside our local partners in Myanmar and Thailand to ensure that children and families have access to essential resources like clean water and food when they are needed most.
Help earthquake survivors rebuild their lives and find hope in this time of need.
