Myanmar
The Red Cross teams are on the ground following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar.
Last updated: 3 April 2025
On 28 March, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar. Thousands have been killed, with countless more injured or missing.
On Sunday 30 March, another 5.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded northwest of Mandalay. At least 13 aftershocks have been reported so far.
The situation is still developing, but we know that the humanitarian needs are serious and urgent. Our teams are already on the ground responding to this crisis.
Donate to the DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal
Many communities in Myanmar are still struggling to recover from catastrophic flooding that impacted half the country six months ago.
Myanmar has been going through political crisis and widespread civil unrest since 1 February 2021. Escalating violence and clashes between security forces and demonstrators have meant a steep rise in casualties in all 17 states of the country.
Myanmar is in desperate humanitarian crisis.
Myanmar - Key Facts
- The epicentre of the 7.7M earthquake was near Mandalay, the country’s second largest city.
- There has been widespread destruction, the collapse of multi-storey buildings and damage to bridges and key infrastructure.
- An estimated 18.3 million people live within the are impacted by the earthquake.
- In Sagaing, home to 1.3 million internally displaced persons, over 70% of structures have sustained significant damage.
- Over 2.7 million people are internally displaced in Myanmar.
- Myanmar ranks 149th on the Human Development Index.
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement response
The British Red Cross, for the past 10 years, has supported the Myanmar Red Cross community resilience programme in Rakhine state. This support enabled the Myanmar Red Cross to implement actions in livelihoods, cash and voucher assistance, first aid and disaster risk reduction.
Myanmar is vulnerable to climate and environmental changes, often manifested in extreme weather events. The Myanmar Red Cross is investing into Early Warning Early Action by utilising local resources and improving impact forecasting.
They’re also playing a significant role in promoting climate change awareness, engaging in related activities, working with communities in states and regions exposed to climate change hazards, and advocating for environmental sustainability.
The Red Cross runs primary healthcare services for communities and emergency health services to reach people in need, including in areas affected by conflict.
The Red Cross’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services include emergency and longer-term interventions, including behavioural change promotion, with a focus on menstrual hygiene management.
The Red Cross is continuing its humanitarian efforts in Myanmar, ensuring access to essential services such as healthcare, basic necessities like food and non-food items, cash-based interventions and reuniting families.
Donate to the DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal
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