On April 2, the Myanmar State Administration Committee reported that the recent powerful earthquake had resulted in 2,886 fatalities, 4,639 injuries, and 373 missing persons. The hardest-hit region, Mandalay, suffered severe damage, with frequent aftershocks continuing to hamper recovery efforts. The local population faces extreme challenges, including disrupted water and electricity supplies, failed communications, intense heat of nearly 40°C, and widespread insect infestations. Damage to the Yangon-Mandalay highway has further complicated the transport of essential supplies, making rescue operations even more difficult.
In response, Chinese organizations swiftly extended assistance to support humanitarian efforts in Myanmar.
The first batch of aid supplies from the Red Cross Society of China entered Myanmar on the 2nd via the Mengding Qingshuihe Port in Yunnan Province and were transported to downtown Mandalay. That same day, a nine-member advance team from the Chinese Red Cross International Rescue Force arrived in Yangon and, after a brief rest, continued to the earthquake zone to assist in disaster relief, water supply, public sanitation, and epidemic prevention.
On the
afternoon of the 2nd, the China Rural Development Foundation, in
collaboration with local partners, used relief materials donated from
China to set up a temporary settlement for displaced residents
(pictured, image provided by the Foundation). This is the first
temporary settlement established by a Chinese social organization as
part of the international relief efforts following the earthquake; it
will later be managed by Myanmar authorities.
“Now we finally have a
place to live—thank you, Chinese friends,” a Myanmar survivor expressed
with gratitude, palms pressed together.
The Myanmar Office of the China Peace and Development Foundation actively contacted local social organizations to support relief operations. Together with the China-Myanmar Economic Cooperation and Development Association, they gathered supplies and, with logistical support from FAW Jiefang Group International Vehicle Co., Ltd., delivered them to Naypyidaw and Mandalay. U Aung Kyaw, Permanent Secretary of Myanmar’s Ministry of Education, extended his gratitude for China’s swift assistance, noting that it reflects the profound friendship between the peoples of China and Myanmar.
After the earthquake, ICBC Yangon Branch and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Yangon Branch quickly activated emergency measures, introducing special financial services and opening green channels to facilitate the transfer of disaster relief funds and support rescue teams working in Myanmar. Strengthening coordination between domestic and international branches, they are providing comprehensive financial support to affected Chinese enterprises. Meanwhile, CITIC Myanmar distributed relief tents, bottled water, instant noodles, and other essential supplies to affected people in Naypyidaw and Mandalay, delivering crucial aid and warmth to the disaster areas.
