Tremors rippled across Myanmar and neighboring countries following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28, 2025. The quake's epicenter was located in Myanmar, but the tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, over 600 miles from the epicenter. In the Thai capital, residents experienced intense shaking and evacuated high-rise buildings, with CARE Thailand's office among those affected.
In Myanmar, significant damage was reported in major cities including Mandalay, Sagaing, Yangon, Naypyitaw, Aungban, Nyaung Shwe, Kyaukse, Magway, and Taunggyi. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse, debris to litter streets, and historic landmarks, such as the Ava Bridge, to sustain damage. An estimated 6.1 million people live in the affected areas.
As of March 31, 2025, the situation remains dire, with the government declaring a state of emergency in six regions. The death toll has reportedly reached 1,700, but the full extent of casualties and displacement remains uncertain. It may take weeks to assess the overall damage and impact on the population.
“This powerful quake struck a country already in crisis, with 19.9 million people in need of humanitarian assistance,” said Arif Noor, CARE Myanmar Country Director. “The response remains significantly underfunded, and this disaster has only worsened an already fragile situation. CARE and our partners are urgently assessing the damage and preparing to support affected communities.”
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has reported staggering humanitarian needs on the ground. Many people in the earthquake-hit areas urgently require medical care, clean drinking water, tents, food, and other basic necessities. An IRC staff member in Mandalay described the overwhelming situation in hospitals, stating, "Hospitals are overwhelmed with trauma cases, and many hospital buildings are unusable. Patients are being treated on beds placed outside due to fears of buildings collapsing." This sentiment echoes the challenges faced by communities already struggling with health issues exacerbated by ongoing conflict.
Before the earthquake, Myanmar was already facing a humanitarian crisis, with 19.9 million people in need of assistance and 3.5 million people displaced due to violent conflict. The health system has been severely impacted by both the conflict and diseases like cholera, complicating the response to this latest disaster.
In response to the earthquake, IRC partners have begun distributing essential support to affected communities, including water, hygiene kits, and critical medical assistance. A mobile medical health team is en route to Mandalay, carrying essential medicines to provide life-saving aid. The IRC has been active in Myanmar since 2008, following a devastating cyclone, and the country is currently ranked third on the IRC's Emergency Watchlist due to the worsening humanitarian crisis.
As people in Myanmar grapple with the aftermath of this disaster, humanitarian organizations are calling for support. The IRC is actively responding to critical needs, and their partners are working to provide essential supplies and services to those affected. The situation remains fluid, and as assessments continue, more information about the extent of the damage and the needs of the population will emerge.
For those looking to assist, the IRC encourages individuals to contribute to their efforts in Myanmar. They are distributing vital resources and providing medical care to those in need. To learn more about how to help, individuals can connect with the IRC through their social media platforms.
The earthquake in Myanmar serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities in crisis, particularly in a nation already struggling with humanitarian issues. As the international community rallies to provide support, the resilience of the people affected will be tested in the coming weeks and months.
