Binance Co-Founder Donates 500 BNB to Thailand and Myanmar After Devastating Earthquake
Following a catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand, Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has pledged 500 BNB in aid to each country to support relief efforts. The natural disaster, which caused extensive damage to infrastructure and widespread flooding, has claimed at least 144 lives, according to The Guardian.
Zhao announced the donations in a March 28 post on X, expressing concern for the safety of those affected. If a third-party on-chain donation platform cannot be secured, the funds will be distributed directly via Binance and Binance Thailand.
The earthquake struck at around 1:20 PM local time on March 28, with its epicenter located just 10 miles from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Rescue operations are ongoing as first responders continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble. As of now, more than 732 people have been reported injured, and the death toll is expected to rise.
Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has appealed to the international community for assistance, urging countries to contribute whatever aid they can to support recovery efforts.
Cryptocurrency has increasingly proven to be a powerful tool for mobilizing humanitarian aid in times of crisis. With low fees, rapid settlement times, and cross-border capabilities, digital assets offer an efficient way to support disaster-hit regions.
In previous global emergencies, crypto played a crucial role in relief efforts. After the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria in February 2023, Turkish philanthropist Haluk Levent used crypto donations to fund immediate response efforts. Similarly, The Giving Block, a platform facilitating crypto donations for nonprofits, raised over $1 million for victims of the Maui wildfires in 2023 and launched a recent emergency campaign for those affected by the January wildfires in California.
As the world watches the unfolding situation in Myanmar and Thailand, the global crypto community once again shows how digital finance can help bridge gaps in traditional aid delivery.
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