Myanmar Earthquake Emergency
Support communities devastated by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
Last updated 9th April 2025
The earthquake has impacted people who have already experienced widespread conflict, insecurity and flooding in recent times, compounding the already difficult humanitarian situation.
Emergency shelter
to provide safety for those fleeing or left with damaged homes
Relief items
such as blankets, sleeping mats, hygiene kits and solar lamps
Food and clean drinking water
for people on the move
What is the situation in Myanmar?
On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock in the same area and further tremors. Reports indicate that the death toll has surpassed 3,000, with more than 4,700 people injured, and these numbers are expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.
The central and northwest parts of Myanmar are the areas hardest hit by this catastrophe. They host the highest number of internally displaced people in the country –1.6 million people out of the total 3.5 million – due to the conflict that has been going on for over four years.
Throughout 2024, Myanmar experienced intense and widespread conflict, pushing the number of internally displaced people to more than 3.5 million, and forcing over 1.4 million people to flee to other countries, exacerbating the already deteriorating humanitarian situation. This situation is further compounded by climate challenges such as flooding.
In this complex environment, UNHCR and its partners are staying and delivering lifesaving aid – but we need your help to scale up support.
What's happening in Myanmar?
Myanmar continues to face complex, overlapping emergencies. A surge in conflict since October 2023 has increased displacement within the country and movement across the border, and with the recent earthquake, the situation is likely to worsen.
UNHCR and partners are assessing the scope of the impact, but extensive damage has already been reported. The quakes have reportedly led to the collapse of residential and commercial buildings, schools, hospitals and damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges and airports. Communication and electricity networks have also been disrupted.
The central and northwest parts of Myanmar, where the earthquake struck, are home to the highest number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the country. Some 1.6 million IDPs (out of the total 3.5 million in the country) live in these areas. This catastrophe will no doubt exacerbate the hardships that these people are facing.
What about the March 28 earthquake?
On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing significant damage. The epicentre was located about 16 km north-north-west of Sagaing city, and 19 km north-west of Mandalay city. An aftershock of 6.4 M at a depth of 10 km occurred in the same area. The earthquake was felt as far as Thailand, India, Bangladesh and China.
De facto authorities have asked for international aid after the quake as six regions – Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory as well as Bago and Shan State (South) – declared a state of emergency. Media reports indicate that the death toll has surpassed 1,700, with more than 3,400 people injured, and these numbers are expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Are people internally displaced?
3.5 million people are displaced within Myanmar, and 1.4 million are displaced across its borders. This catastrophe will no doubt exacerbate the hardships that internally displaced people have endured, alongside local communities.
Where are people fleeing to?
As well as those displaced within Myanmar, people are also seeking safety from the conflict in neighbouring countries. Refugees risk dangerous sea journeys and long treks through the jungle.
Bangladesh generously hosts over one million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, making it one of the largest protracted refugee situations in the world. Malaysia, India and Thailand also host significant numbers of refugees from Myanmar.
How is UNHCR helping?
UNHCR is on the ground in Myanmar and teams are readying to provide lifesaving protection and assistance, including emergency shelter and essential relief items, for the most vulnerable affected families.
UNHCR teams are visiting severely affected areas, assessing urgent needs and dispatching lifesaving aid to affected communities, including local health facilities. Immediate needs include emergency and temporary shelter, hygiene kits, solar lamps, blankets, sleeping mats and mosquito nets.
UNHCR has been operating in Myanmar since 1993, delivering conflict-sensitive, lifesaving assistance, including shelter, health care, education and protection. However, humanitarian access to many affected areas remains a challenge, in addition to heavily disrupted communication and electricity networks.
Where can I access the latest data and reports?
To access the latest data and reports on UNHCR’s vital work in Myanmar, please visit the Myanmar Operations portal.