MAF Responds to Earthquake Devastation in Myanmar
After a 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused devastation across Myanmar, a MAF vehicle reached the capital Naypyitaw to bring hope.
A catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake—Myanmar’s largest in over a century—has caused widespread destruction, killing an estimated 3,000 people and injuring thousands more. Over 10,000 buildings have collapsed or been severely damaged, with the true scale of the disaster still unfolding.
The epicentre was near Sagaing Township, west of Mandalay, but the effects were felt far and wide, including in the capital Naypyitaw. In the wake of this tragedy, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) has been mobilising its Disaster Response efforts to support those affected.
MAF’s initial response began with a truckload of emergency supplies delivered to Naypyitaw, where people are trying to rebuild their lives amid severe damage. Many families are now living in temporary shelters—some on the floors of monasteries, others next to their collapsed homes beneath mosquito nets and tarps.
Deeram Khong, MAF’s General Manager in Myanmar, led the team that delivered the aid and witnessed the devastation firsthand.
“I was filled with mixed emotions as we entered the town—joy at returning after five long years, and deep sadness at seeing the immense destruction the earthquake had brought upon the once-beautiful Naypyitaw,” Deeram said. “The most significant destruction we witnessed today was at key government buildings. Nearly all the buildings are in ruins, and it will take a long time to repair or rebuild them.”
What would normally be a four-to-five-hour drive from Yangon took longer due to temporary road closures. The team brought bottled water and instant noodles and managed to deliver supplies to staff at four government ministries with whom MAF has longstanding partnerships. Most of the water was left with a MAF representative to continue distributing to affected communities.
Deeram shared: “Many people are now sleeping on the floors of a monastery and some are sleeping right next to their ruined buildings with mosquito nets and tents under unbearable temperature raging around 40 degrees Celsius. Three out of the four locations we visited requested a water purification system, even if it’s just a small set-up so that they don’t have to worry for drinking water. We took water samples from all three sites in case we can help or find a partner who can help.”
To meet this urgent need, MAF has purchased and installed a water filtration system to provide clean drinking water for around 1,000 people in Naypyitaw, with a second system also acquired for future use. These filtration units are a vital step in helping to prevent the spread of disease and ease the burden on families in crisis.
MAF’s Global Director of Disaster Response Rick Emenaker, Country Director for Myanmar Chad Tilley, and engineer Terry Fahey have since joined Deeram in Yangon to support ongoing relief planning. Together, they are preparing a larger delivery of supplies for distribution to communities in greatest need.
MAF remains committed to serving the people of Myanmar during this critical time—working both directly and through trusted partners—to bring hope and help where it’s needed most.
Please continue to pray for those affected by this disaster and for the continued efforts of the MAF team as they bring practical support and compassion to communities recovering from crisis.