Japan
A forest fire broke out in Ofunato, a city in Iwate Prefecture, burning nearly 2,900 hectares (7,170 acres) and forcing more than 4,000 residents to evacuate. It was the most severe wildfire the region had seen in 30 years. Tzu Chi volunteers from Tokyo conducted a disaster assessment on March 15. Relief distributions followed on April 5 and 6, with cash aid provided to 65 affected families, benefiting a total of 193 people. Each household received between 100,000 and 200,000 yen (US$710–1,420), depending on family size. Blankets and shawls were also provided.
Myanmar
A powerful earthquake struck Sagaing Region at 12:50 p.m. on March 28, registering a moment magnitude of 7.7 and a Richter magnitude of 8.2. Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, was near the epicenter and sustained severe damage. The disaster claimed over 3,600 lives, injured 4,800 people, and displaced nearly 200,000. Tzu Chi volunteers in Myanmar quickly responded, preparing relief supplies and traveling to the disaster zone to evaluate needs and distribute aid, including drinking water, rice, cooking oil, folding beds, mosquito nets, straw mats, hygiene supplies, medical supplies, solar lamps, and emergency cash. A cash-for-work program was also launched to build temporary shelters at 17 locations for monks, affected families, and firefighters. Meanwhile, volunteers in Malaysia and Taiwan supported the relief effort by preparing and airlifting relief supplies such as folding beds, while fundraising campaigns were launched in 22 countries and regions to assist survivors. ★More information
Taiwan
Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital has partnered with the New Taipei City Fire Department on an Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation program since November 2018. Between November 2018 and January 2025, this partnership saved 113 patients, achieving a survival rate of 26.1 percent—comparable to international figures such as 25.8 percent in the Asia-Pacific region and 24.5 percent in North America. More than 90 percent of survivors were discharged fully conscious.
Thailand
The 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development, organized by the United Nations, took place from February 25 to 28 at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok. Tzu Chi representatives from Taiwan and Malaysia attended the forum and were invited to showcase items developed by Tzu Chi, including the privacy cubicle and the multifunctional folding bed, often used in the foundation’s disaster relief efforts.
Malaysia
On April 1, a natural gas pipeline leak triggered an explosion and fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor. Hundreds of nearby homes were damaged. In response, Tzu Chi Kuala Lumpur and Selangor launched emergency relief efforts, with doctors from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association providing medical consultations and acupuncture treatments for evacuees. On April 6, 239 Tzu Chi volunteers began home visits to offer comfort, assess needs, and distribute gift packs, reaching 432 households. They entered the hardest-hit areas on April 13 to compile aid recipient lists, and on April 20, distributed cash cards to 260 households. In total, 551 gift packs were delivered following the disaster.
Indonesia
In early March, heavy rainfall led to river overflow and severe flooding in Bekasi Regency, West Java Province, affecting over 30,000 households. Tzu Chi promptly began relief efforts, offering hot meals, daily necessities, and free medical services. With the month of Ramadan commencing in March, Tzu Chi had planned gift pack distributions at 45 locations to reach over 20,000 households. In response to the flooding, an additional 17,500 packages were prepared.
Australia
The Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) Global Forum 2025, themed “Overcoming Barriers: Transformative Healthcare,” took place at the Tzu Chi Brisbane Community Centre from February 28 to March 2. The forum brought together professionals and volunteers from around the world to share insights on issues including how to promote healthcare equity. TIMA Australia has provided free clinics for underserved communities since 2002, holding 199 events to date and providing care in over 14,000 patient visits.
Argentina
An intense wildfire broke out in El Bolsón, a town in the province of Río Negro, at the end of January, destroying more than 200 homes. Tzu Chi volunteers traveled a great distance from Buenos Aires, the national capital, to assess the damage in the disaster area, and again later to deliver relief. In mid-March, they distributed gift cards, school supplies, and blankets to 179 households to help them through this difficult time.
Portugal
In September last year, a wildfire struck São Pedro do Sul in north-central Portugal. The following month, eight Tzu Chi volunteers from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland visited the area to evaluate the impact and received a list of 152 affected households from the city government. On February 22 this year, Tzu Chi held a distribution in São Pedro do Sul, providing gift cards that recipients could use at a supermarket chain.
Mozambique
Cyclone Jude swept into Nampula Province on March 10, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Tzu Chi volunteers carried out disaster assessments in the area from March 20 to April 2. Food distributions began on April 17, with plans to support 7,013 households. Each package included 36 kilograms of corn flour, beans, peanuts, and salt. Additional supplies—such as rice, beans, and cooking oil—were provided by the World Food Programme.
Madagascar
Tropical Storm Jude made its second landfall in Madagascar on March 15, affecting the southern region and displacing more than 10,000 people. After surveying the aftermath, volunteers held five rice distributions from March 19 to April 5, aiding over 1,200 households in seven villages.
