7 April 2024
Greetings everyone
Today we can provide a further update following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on Friday March 28.
Images of loss of life and the damage to property and infrastructure have filled our screens. The people of Myanmar are enduring much suffering. The earthquake on top of immense suffering under the ongoing military dictatorship has further compounded the struggles of the Myanmar people, making access to emergency relief, medical aid, and shelter even more challenging. Many are left homeless, traumatised, and struggling to survive amidst the aftershocks, food scarcity, and disrupted communication networks.
We have heard from our partner, the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar (PCM). They write:
“By the grace of God we are safe. The properties of PCM in Mandalay are also safe so far. Although there are cracks in some buildings. We thank God that no lives of PCM member have been lost. We are focusing on the relief work now. Thank you for your prayers.”
The Presbyterian Church of Myanmar recognises the urgent need to respond to the suffering of their fellow citizens. In an emergency, PCM held its Assembly Executive meeting on 2 April 2025 and resolved to take immediate and long term actions to provide relief and recovery assistance. The plans include:
- Allocating ten million kyats as emergency aid to the victims in Sagaing and Mandalay city, in collaboration with registered humanitarian organisations, Chin Pawlpi and Mizo Thalai Pawl.
- Opening the PCM Centre in Mandalay to shelter displaced people, providing water pumping machines and toiletries to ensure their basic needs are met.
- Seeking financial support from ecumenical and partner churches and organisations to resource PCM Centre buildings and sustain relief efforts.
We plan to immediately send funds to assist the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar in this work. We also warmly encourage you to consider giving support to this particular work.
You can make donations to the account below, please reference your donation with your name and Myanmar/Quake. If you require a receipt, please email Katrina.
BNZ Account: 02-0500-0086963-010
Act Name: Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand-GMO
- Rev Wayne Matheson, PCANZ Assembly Executive Secretary, on behalf of PCANZ Global Mission