Myanmar earthquake 2025: Rescue efforts continue as humanitarian crisis deepens
The latest news on the Myanmar earthquake and how the Red Cross is responding, as rescue and recovery efforts continue
Staff and volunteers from the Myanmar Red Cross Society respond to a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. PHOTO: MRCS.
Donate to the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal
Last updated 31 March 2025
On 28 March 2025, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar at approximately 1:10pm local time, its epicentre located 17 kilometres southeast of Mandalay. The Sagaing and Mandalay regions have both been significantly impacted.
On Sunday 30 March, another 5.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded northwest of Mandalay, at 3.38pm local time.
The earthquake’s impact has been felt across the region, with tremors felt as far afield as China, India, Vietnam and Thailand. In Bangkok, nearly 800 kilometres from the epicentre, high-rise evacuations were carried out after a skyscraper under construction collapsed in the Chatuchak district.
The latest news on the Myanmar earthquake:
- 1,644 people have been killed, with a further 3,408 injured
- 139 people remain missing
- Hospitals in Mandalay, Magway, Nay Pyi Taw, and Sagaing are struggling to cope with the influx of injured people
- In Sagaing Township, it is reported that over 70 per cent of structures have sustained significant damage, including the destruction of the largest bridge connecting Sagaing and Mandalay
- The affected areas are currently facing extreme temperatures of above 40 degrees Celsius, increasing risks for both affected communities and emergency responders.
What is the Red Cross doing to help people in Myanmar and Thailand?
- Teams from the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) responded immediately. With volunteers throughout the country, MRCS has been supporting in search and rescue efforts and providing healthcare through mobile clinics and ambulances.
- With electricity and network lines down in affected regions, MRCS responders are facing enormous challenges but continue to do their best to reach the people impacted.
- MRCS has a long-standing local presence and are uniquely placed to respond. They are being supported by the wider Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, to coordinate a large-scale humanitarian response.
- At the British Red Cross, we immediately made funds from our Disaster Fund available and have now launched the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal to support the response.
- The Thai Red Cross Society (TRCS) is also working hard to support to those that need it.
Where was the epicentre of the Myanmar earthquake?
Myanmar is located in the north-western part of mainland South East Asia. Its capital is Naypidaw. It is bordered by China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh and India, with the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal located to its south and south-west.
The earthquake's epicentre was near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city.
A map shows the epicentre of the earthquake. IMAGE: British Red Cross.
Myanmar earthquake: images of the impact
Myanmar Red Cross Society staff attend a collapsed building. PHOTO: MRCS.
Staff and volunteers from the Myanmar Red Cross Society respond. PHOTO: MRCS.
IFRC update on humanitarian situation in Myanmar
Myanmar earthquake update
Marie Manrique, acting Head of Delegation for the IFRC in Myanmar, gives an update on the situation.
02.04mins
On Sunday, 30 March, three days after the initial earthquake Marie, Manrique, acting Head of Delegation for the IFRC in Myanmar gave an update from Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, 357 miles south of the epicentre at Mandalay.
"What we're seeing right now is unexpected and I can't imagine what that means for those living in those areas [affected]," she said.
"People in the city of Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, have not had electricity or running water since the day of the earthquake."
Marie goes on to describe how the IFRC has scaled up support for the Myanmar Red Cross in response to the earthquake and that their teams are focusing on "life-saving activities" during the emergency phase, as well as looking to the future.
She said: "[We will be] strengthening the resilience and working on what would be community-based disaster-risk reduction so that these things, if they happen again in the future, the communities themselves are better prepared."
How to help people affected by the Myanmar earthquake
The best and quickest way to help support those affected by the Myanmar earthquake is to donate to the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal. Donations will go towards helping people on the ground who need our support.
Funds raised by our Myanmar Earthquake Appeal will support the work of the Myanmar Red Cross Society and wider Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Our immediate concerns are reaching people trapped under rubble, emergency healthcare, providing safe shelter, food and water.
We know from responding to earthquakes around the world that humanitarian needs can grow fast, especially as the extent of the damage becomes better known.
In the longer-term, people will need support to rebuild their homes and their lives, the Red Cross and Red Crescent will be there to support communities for as long as we’re needed.