UK for UNHCR Launches Urgent Appeal After Devastating Myanmar Earthquake ​

London, 28 March 2025 – A 7.7-magnitude earthquake has struck central Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is on the ground assessing the impact and preparing to deliver lifesaving aid—but urgent funding is needed.

The earthquake, which struck near Sagaing and Mandalay, was followed by an aftershock of 6.4 magnitude soon after. Several buildings have reportedly collapsed in Mandalay city, roads are damaged, and six regions have declared a state of emergency.

Myanmar is home to 3.6 million internally displaced people, many of whom were already struggling due to ongoing conflict. The worst-hit areas—central and northwest Myanmar—are home to 1.6 million displaced people.

“People who have already lost so much are now facing another disaster and more suffering,” said Mark Hopkinson, UK for UNHCR’s Fundraising Director. “The need for support has never been more urgent.”

The earthquake’s tremors were also felt in Thailand, including in areas where over 80,000 refugees from Myanmar live in temporary shelters along the border.

UK for UNHCR is urgently appealing for donations to help provide lifesaving support. Without additional funding, food, clean water, medical care and emergency shelter will be severely limited. To donate and find out more, visit unrefugees.org.uk/help-myanmar

ENDS

About UK for UNHCR

UK for UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency’s national partner for the UK, building solidarity, fostering partnerships and raising funds in the UK to help deliver global humanitarian relief for refugees through UNHCR’s work. unrefugees.org.uk

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. It delivers life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, helps safeguard fundamental human rights, and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. UNHCR also works to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. www.unhcr.org

UK for UNHCR is a registered charity in England and Wales (registered charity number 1183415).