Taiwan’s Red Cross, Religious Groups, and Businesses Mobilize Support for Myanmar

Following the catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, March 29, 2025, Taiwan has pledged financial aid and humanitarian support to help the affected regions recover.

The Taiwan Red Cross Society has announced a US$50,000 donation to support emergency relief efforts, while Buddhist organizations, businesses, and humanitarian groups are also stepping up to provide assistance. The earthquake has left at least 1,700 dead, 3,400 injured, and 300 missing, with the numbers expected to rise in the coming days as rescue operations continue.

Taiwan Red Cross Donates US$50,000 for Emergency Aid

The Taiwan Red Cross Society confirmed in a statement on Sunday, March 31, 2025, that the funds will be directed toward emergency aid, medical care, and disaster relief efforts in collaboration with:

• The Myanmar Red Cross
• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

The IFRC has launched a global emergency appeal to raise 15 million Swiss Francs (US$17.03 million), with 30% allocated for immediate relief and 70% for long-term reconstruction.

Areas Most Affected by the Earthquake

The powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar, impacting major cities and regions, including:

• Naypyidaw (the capital city)
• Mandalay (Myanmar’s second-largest city)
• Sagaing, Magway, and Bago regions
• Northeastern Shan State

Myanmar’s Red Cross estimates that 50,000 families have been affected, with 10,000–20,000 families expected to receive immediate relief aid.

The earthquake also impacted parts of China and Thailand, prompting an emergency meeting between IFRC members and humanitarian groups to coordinate international response efforts.

Taiwanese Buddhist Groups Provide Financial and Logistical Support

In addition to the Taiwan Red Cross, several Buddhist organizations in Taiwan and Southeast Asia have pledged additional support:

Fo Guang Shan Monastery

• The Fo Guang Shan Monastery’s regional branch (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India) announced a donation of 140,000 Malaysian ringgit (US$31,553.6) to purchase essential supplies for 1,000 families in towns near Mandalay.
• The Fo Guang Shan headquarters has also allocated an additional US$30,000 for disaster relief and reconstruction efforts.
• The monastery will coordinate transportation between Yangon and central Myanmar to help search and rescue teams from Taiwan access the disaster zone.

Dharma Drum Mountain Charity Foundation

• Dharma Drum Mountain, a Taipei-based Buddhist organization, announced it will send a delegation to Myanmar to assess the most urgent needs in the affected areas.
• The group plans to deliver medical and relief supplies using Taiwanese businesses operating in Myanmar.

Taiwanese Businesses and Airlines Step Up for Relief Efforts

With logistics and transportation disrupted, Taiwanese businesses and airlines are stepping in to ensure that aid reaches the affected communities:

Taiwanese Businesses in Myanmar

• Taiwanese companies operating in Myanmar have offered warehouses and transportation networks to distribute relief supplies.
• Businesses are working closely with Myanmar’s Red Cross and humanitarian groups to provide food, drinking water, and shelter materials.

China Airlines Offers Free Cargo Transport for Relief Supplies

• Taiwan’s China Airlines announced it will ship emergency relief supplies to Myanmar and Thailand free of charge.
• This will facilitate the urgent delivery of medical supplies, food, blankets, and tents to earthquake victims.

Myanmar’s Rising Death Toll and Challenges in Disaster Response

As of Sunday, March 31, 2025, the Myanmar government has reported:

• 1,700 confirmed deaths
• 3,400 injured
• Over 300 missing

However, the actual toll is expected to rise significantly as more bodies are recovered from collapsed buildings and landslides in rural areas.

Key Challenges in Myanmar’s Disaster Response

• Damaged Infrastructure: Many roads, bridges, and hospitals in central Myanmar have sustained serious damage, slowing down relief operations.
• Power Outages & Communication Failures: Electrical grids have been knocked out in several towns, making coordination difficult.
• Risk of Disease Outbreaks: Myanmar Red Cross has warned of waterborne diseases and infections due to damaged water systems and sanitation infrastructure.

The Myanmar government and humanitarian groups are urgently working to provide temporary shelters, medical supplies, and clean drinking water to prevent further casualties.

International Humanitarian Response and Future Outlook

Global Aid Efforts

• The United Nations (UN) has pledged additional humanitarian support, with food, medical teams, and emergency funds.
• The ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Center (AHA) has mobilized resources to assist Myanmar.
• Japan, South Korea, and European countries have expressed willingness to provide financial aid and relief supplies.

Taiwan’s Commitment to Disaster Relief

Taiwan’s quick response and financial assistance reflect its ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid and international cooperation. Given the severity of the disaster, Taiwan may increase its aid package in coordination with global relief agencies.

The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining Myanmar’s path to recovery and rebuilding.

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