Cryptocurrency Donations Fuel Myanmar Earthquake Relief

On March 28, 2025, Myanmar was struck by a catastrophic earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, resulting in widespread devastation. The earthquake claimed over 3,600 lives, injured more than 5,500 people, and left 17.2 million individuals living in affected areas. The situation was further exacerbated by the country's military rule, which restricted humanitarian aid and bombed war-torn regions where survivors had fled.

Win Ko Ko Aung, a Burmese refugee now residing in the U.S. and working with the Human Rights Foundation, highlighted the dire situation in Myanmar. He noted that high levels of corruption and strict government control hindered the delivery of traditional aid to those in need. Additionally, many physical banks in the region were destroyed by the earthquake, further complicating the distribution of funds.

In response to the crisis, Aung established a Geyser Fund page to raise bitcoin donations for the earthquake survivors. This initiative aims to bypass traditional financial systems that are currently dysfunctional due to the earthquake's impact. Aung emphasized that bitcoin is one of the few reliable methods to transfer funds from the West to the victims in Myanmar. He is collaborating with vetted community members, digital rights activists, and a reputable foundation based in Thailand to convert the donated bitcoin into local currency and purchase food for the victims.

Specifics regarding the impact of donations were provided by Aung. For instance, 21,000 sats (approximately $17) can cover 25 meals, while 210,000 sats (approximately $170) can provide 250 meals, sustaining a family of four for about three weeks. The almost 2 million sats donated so far have been used to purchase food for those in need, demonstrating the immediate and tangible impact of cryptocurrency donations.

Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, made a significant contribution to the relief efforts by donating 10 ETH to support the victims. This act underscores the potential of cryptocurrencies in facilitating swift and transparent donations, bypassing traditional banking systems that can be slow and cumbersome in times of crisis. Buterin's donation not only provided much-needed financial support but also highlighted the potential of blockchain technology in humanitarian aid.

The response to the earthquake has been swift and comprehensive. In just eight days, the Community Preparedness Initiative managed to reach over 20,000 people with critical relief supplies, including emergency shelter, food, clean water, and medical care. This rapid deployment of resources is a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated relief efforts and the importance of timely intervention in disaster situations.

SCBX Group, a subsidiary of Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited, also played a crucial role in the relief efforts by donating relief bags to the earthquake victims. These bags contained essential items such as food, water, and medical supplies, providing immediate support to those affected by the disaster. The group's contribution underscores the importance of corporate social responsibility in times of crisis and the role that businesses can play in supporting community resilience.

The earthquake has left many families displaced and in urgent need of support. Emergency shelter, food, clean water, and medical care are among the most pressing needs, as well as psychosocial support to help survivors cope with the trauma of the disaster. The cryptocurrency community's response to the earthquake in Myanmar serves as a powerful example of how digital currencies can be used to support humanitarian efforts, providing a new avenue for charitable giving and disaster relief.