On March 28, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Thailand and Myanmar, leaving behind devastation in its wake. The earthquake’s epicenter was located just 10 miles from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, causing severe structural damage, flooding, and significant loss of life. So far, at least 144 people have been confirmed dead, with over 700 injured, and rescue operations are still ongoing.
CZ Steps Up with Crypto Relief
In response to the crisis, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, co-founder of Binance, announced a generous donation of 500 BNB tokens each to Thailand and Myanmar. The funds will be distributed either through Binance and Binance Thailand or another suitable on-chain donation platform, ensuring fast and transparent aid to those affected.
The Growing Role of Crypto in Disaster Relief
Cryptocurrency is proving to be an effective tool in humanitarian efforts. Unlike traditional bank transfers, crypto donations offer instant, low-cost, cross-border transactions, making them a powerful solution in times of crisis.
This isn’t the first time the crypto community has mobilized for relief efforts:
- In February 2023, philanthropist Haluk Levent raised significant crypto donations for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
- In 2023, The Giving Block, a nonprofit crypto donation platform, raised over $1 million for victims of the Maui wildfires.
A Call for Global Support
As the affected communities in Thailand and Myanmar begin rebuilding, international aid remains critical. Myanmar’s military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has publicly requested global assistance to help with disaster relief efforts. With the rapid deployment of funds, crypto donations like CZ’s could play a key role in helping those in need.
