South African killed in Myanmar earthquake, DIRCO confirms
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed on Friday, April 4, 2025, that a South African citizen has died following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar? Asia on March 28.
The victim, an English teacher, was among 11 South Africans affected by the disaster, which has so far claimed over 3,000 lives in Myanmar and more than 20 in neighboring Thailand.
DIRCO’s Head of Public Diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, stated that the woman’s body was recovered from the rubble and that the department is offering consular support to her family while facilitating the repatriation of her remains.
Minister Ronald Lamola extended condolences to the governments and people of Myanmar and Thailand, praising emergency services for their response under challenging conditions.
The quake, which struck near Mandalay, has left thousands injured or missing, compounding the humanitarian crisis in an already conflict-affected region.
