Earthquake Leaves Death, Suffering, Destruction; Convoy Responding, Prayers Needed

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar in Southeast Asia around 12:50 p.m. local time on Friday, March 28, leaving over 3,085 dead, 4,715 injured, and 341 missing. Eleven minutes later, a 6.4 magnitude aftershock was recorded. Communication and electricity networks are down, and roads and bridges have incurred damage, complicating relief efforts.

Myanmar has issued a state of emergency in six regions and noted, “many civilians were killed and injured.” Many hospitals are overwhelmed by the number of those seeking aid. Flood concerns are rising after a dam in Mandalay burst, leading to rising water levels in low-elevation areas.

The tremors were felt 600 miles away in Bangkok, Thailand, killing 21 people, injuring 33 people, and leaving 78 people missing after a skyscraper under construction collapsed. Currently, there is no tsunami threat.

“Our prayer during this unsettling time is that people in Bangkok would find Christ as a solid rock in their lives while they face an earthquake like none experienced in the past 95 years,” said Daniel Klepel, Assemblies of God World Missions global worker to Thailand.

The earthquake resulted from strike-slip faulting between the India and Eurasia tectonic plates. Continued aftershocks are expected for the days and weeks to come. Convoy of Hope is responding to the region.

All Assemblies of God World Missions personnel are accounted for and safe. Two Myanmar Assemblies of God fellowship buildings are destroyed. Three Myanmar Assemblies of God fellowship buildings have incurred damage. Three local Myanmar Assemblies of God congregation members have died as a result of the earthquake.

As the number of those declared dead or missing continues to rise, join the Assemblies of God in praying for Myanmar and Thailand. Pray for those who have lost their homes and loved ones. Pray for protection from aftershocks and for rescue and relief efforts to reach those in need. Pray for believers and AGWM workers showing Christ’s love in times of crisis. Pray for the Assemblies of God fellowships who have lost faithful members and incurred damage to their churches.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NIV).