ADRA Responds to Massive Earthquake as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

A partially collapsed brick building in central Myanmar bears the scars of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28, 2025. The disaster left thousands displaced and in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical aid. Relief efforts are ongoing as humanitarian agencies, including ADRA, respond to the crisis.

Myanmar Union Mission

ADRA Responds to Massive Earthquake as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Edward Rodriguez

In the wake of a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is actively engaged in emergency response efforts to aid thousands of survivors grappling with the disaster’s aftermath.

Centered near Mandalay with tremors felt as far as India, China, and Thailand, the earthquake has caused significant destruction to homes, hospitals, schools, and places of worship. Authorities have confirmed at least 1,600 deaths, more than 3,400 injuries, and 130 individuals reported missing. Over 6.1 million people were affected, compounding the challenges of an already vulnerable population of nearly 13 million in need prior to the quake.

ADRA has launched a rapid needs assessment across the worst-hit areas, including Mandalay, Southern Shan, Bago, and Sagaing, revealing a critical shortage of emergency shelter, food, clean water, sanitation, and medical care.

Hundreds of families are now displaced and forced to live in open or unmanaged spaces, placing women, children, and the elderly at heightened risk. At least 40 aftershocks have compounded fears, leading many to remain outdoors for safety. Hospitals in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, and other regions are overwhelmed, lacking adequate supplies and capacity to manage the influx of injured.

Amid damaged roads, disrupted communication lines, and the constant threat of aftershocks, ADRA pressed on. The team worked hand in hand with local partners and community leaders, navigating debris-strewn villages and unstable terrain to understand the most urgent needs of those affected. Every conversation, every step taken through the rubble, was part of a mission to bring timely help to the vulnerable.

Initial data from 19 villages in Southern Shan revealed that over 7,000 people are residing in temporary shelters. More than one-third of local schools and half of sanitation facilities have been partially or completely destroyed. Several health centers have also reported critical damage and depleted supplies.

While some markets remain partially open, essential goods and services have seen steep price increases, further limiting access for affected families.

Guided by a deep sense of purpose, ADRA moved with compassion and urgency, committed to serving humanity so all may live as God intended. In every act of relief—whether distributing food, assessing damage, or comforting the displaced—the team carried with them the mission to bring hope and help to communities facing the weight of crisis.

Supporters and partner organizations are encouraged to continue praying for the people of Myanmar and to assist in ways that can bring relief, healing, and restoration.

Edward Rodriguez

New Administrative Leaders Elected to Serve Southern Asia-Pacific Division

General Conference Secretariat Team Elected for 2025–2030

Division Presidents Elected to Lead World Church Regions for 2025–2030

Pastor Roger Caderma Re-elected as Southern Asia-Pacific Division President

Paul H. Douglas Elected as Treasurer of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church

Erton Köhler Elected GC President: A New Era of Unity and Mission Begins

Erton C. Köhler Elected as President of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church

Delegates Vote against Amendment to Discuss 2015 Statement on Immunization

Delegates Approve 11 New Union Missions into the Seventh-day Adventist Church

How Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Elect Its Leaders?

Global Mission on Display in President Ted Wilson’s 2025 Report

Singapore Team Supports Cambodian Adventist Schools and Churches

Adventist Church in Vietnam Joins Harvest 2025 Initiative

MVC Breaks Ground for Hemodialysis Building, Strengthens Commitment to Health Ministry

East and West Indonesia Couples Unite to "Cherish the Love"

Manila Adventist College Celebrates Top 7 PTLE Achievement

Hands That Speak: Deaf Ministry Missionaries from the Philippines Head to GC Session

Pathfinder Camporee in Cambodia Draws Over 600 Youth Leaders

Adventist Hospital Penang Elevates Interventional Care with New Imaging System

ADRA Responds to Flood-Hit Communities in South Philippines

Adventist Pastors in Cambodia Gear Up for Online Outreach

Adventist Medical Center-Bacolod Expands Patient Care With 26 New Beds

Adventist Church in Northern Sabah Breaks Ground for New Headquarters

COMMLAB Empowers Adventist Hospitals to Strengthen Brand and Mission Identity

Churches in Southern Asia-Pacific Commences with Phase 2 of Harvest 2025