Friends of Burma, Inc. Newsletter Spring 2025
Many unfortunate things are continuously happening in Myanmar. As we all know, Myanmar faced a terrible earthquake in March. The KBC Hospital team is actively reaching out to provide essential support to the earthquake victims in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions. Following the recent devastating earthquakes, these communities are facing significant challenges, including loss of homes, insufficient access to clean water, and limited medical care. They urgently need assistance in the form of food, shelter, and medical supplies. Your contributions can play a crucial role in helping these individuals rebuild their lives and recover from this disaster.
Devastation in central Myanmar due to 7.7 magnitude earthquake
Myanmar Recent News
The situation is profoundly concerning as the death toll continues to rise in both Myanmar and Thailand following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay city on 28 March.
The area between Mandalay and Naypyidaw experienced five additional earthquakes with magnitudes up to 4.8. The AHA Centre reports 3,603 fatalities, 141 missing persons, and 4,817 injured in Myanmar, with nearly 200,000 displaced, including 40,896 in 127 temporary shelters. On 13 April, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Mandalay region at a depth of 7.7 km, located about 34 km north-northeast of Meiktila and 78 km south of Mandalay. As of 12 April, the death toll in Myanmar has risen to 3,648, with 134 still missing and 4,817 injured. About 200,000 remain displaced, with 42,118 in 134 temporary shelters. (ReliefWeb)
This powerful quake has resulted in widespread destruction, leaving thousands in anguish and uncertainty, with many still unaccounted for. As emergency responses are initiated, the urgent need for shelter and support for those displaced has become increasingly critical. The ongoing aftershocks and challenges in accessing affected areas further complicate the crisis, highlighting the pressing demand for immediate assistance and resources to facilitate recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous donors”
KBC Hospital team reaching out to earthquake victims
We thank God for guiding the KBC Hospital team as they tirelessly serve the earthquake victims in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions. The dedication and unwavering commitment of the KBCH team members shine through as they invest their time and energy into this vital mission.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous donors whose support has made this crucial effort possible. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.
Because of your generosity, we were able to supply clean water, food and urgently needed supplies to those who need help, regardless of age, religion, or ethnicity.
Water and food distribution
Caring for the young, the elderly, and the injured
Many have lost their homes or are afraid to go back to their homes and were living on the ground under the shade. FOB provided funds to a local organization to provide help by either distributing food items or cash (inside an envelope) to purchase needed items. You have given hope to those who need hope at this difficult time.
People have made makeshift places to care for those injured while others were afraid to go back to their homes and slept on the ground.
Some People were wondering how to continue life. Buildings were crumbling to the ground and people were thinking what’s next?
Ava bridge has collapsed and preventing help to reach to some in need.
Many survived but do not have proper shelter.
Suffering is widespread
There is also civil war inside the country and people are fleeing everywhere to avoid being caught in the middle of the fighting. Some of your gifts were also used to help alleviate suffering in the internally displaced people community.
Internal Displaced People's Camp near the border of India and Burma.
Your generous gifts also help support a Long-term Care Hospital in the Thai-Burma (Myanmar) border area to provide healing for the community. The staff include specialists in surgery, orthopedics, pathology, anesthesia, psychiatry, and dentistry, along with a dedicated team of medical officers, nurses, technicians, and support staff. The goal of the hospital is to offer high-quality, accessible healthcare, particularly to those affected by conflict, with services ranging from maternity care, surgery, and dental services to mental health and pharmacy support.
Surgical procedure to save life and reduce suffering
Patients waiting to receive care at the hospital
Contribution to Backpack health worker team was made possible by your generous gifts.
Carrying patient to receive care from Backpack health worker team in the remote area of Burma
Backpack health care team in action
Your generous gifts have allowed us to empower women and communities to earn income and help support their families
1. Tabitha Mros Traditional Weaving Women Group These women are from Mros ethnic group and they are internally displaced people from Rakhine state. After fleeing the conflict in their area with little or no belongings, they are facing many challenges in a strange land. Our local leader organized them and provided some funding through FOMGB.
Mro women weaving, and sorting yarns
Our local leader bringing rice and cooking oil to the Mros community.
Other sewing groups
After two years, TG women group was able to support the partial tuition of a theological student with their profit. They continue to operate with their revolving fund of 10,00000Kyats.
Pwo Karen Women Group
From the microcredit loans, they were able to train for sewing bags.
- Donations to earthquake victims (any amount is welcome)
- Donations to KBC Hospital and Matthew 25 Love Clinic (any amount is welcome)
- $17 each for prescription glasses for students at various Seminaries and Bible Schools.
- $300 for a microcredit or Self Help group.
- To provide food or medical care for the vulnerable families (any amount is welcome)
- $360 for children center per child. (We welcome lesser amounts and will combine them)
