Earthquakes cause devastation in Myanmar – please help
Last updated: 30/03/2025
On Friday 28 March, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, at approximately 1pm local time (6am in the UK). On Sunday 30 March, another 5.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded northwest of Mandalay, at 3.38pm local time (9.08am in the UK).
The situation is evolving by the hour, but we know that the humanitarian needs are immense. Many people are without safe shelter, access to clean water, or healthcare. Families have been separated. Communication networks are down. Infrastructure is in ruins.
While the extent of the damage is still emerging, we know that tragically, the numbers of fatalities and those impacted will rapidly increase.
Our teams were on the ground immediately responding to this crisis. But we need your help – the more money we can raise, the more people we can reach with vital support.
Please donate to the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal today, if you can.
What we know so far
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The epicentre of the 7.7M earthquake was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city.
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Mandalay and Sagaing are the two regions that have been hit hardest. Sagaing is home to 1.3 million internally displaced people.
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Initial estimates suggest that over 18 million people live within the earthquake's impacted area.
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There’s been widespread destruction, including the collapse of multi-storey buildings and key infrastructure, and damage to bridges, main roads and airports.
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Tremors were felt as far as Thailand, China, India, and Vietnam.
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In Bangkok, nearly 800 kilometres from the epicentre, high-rise evacuations took place as a skyscraper under construction collapsed in the Chatuchak district.
What is the Red Cross doing to help?
Teams from the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) responded immediately. They are on the ground now helping with search and rescue efforts and providing support to those affected, including emergency healthcare, distributing aid, and supporting families who have been separated.
They’re also working to connect hospitals and clinics with emergency blood donations to support those who are severely injured. With electricity and network lines down in affected regions, MRCS responders are facing enormous challenges but continue to do their utmost to reach people impacted.
The Thai Red Cross Society is also working tirelessly to get support to those who need it.
Please donate now and support people in Myanmar.
How to help people affected by the Myanmar earthquakes
The best and quickest way to help support those affected by the earthquakes is to donate to our Myanmar Earthquake Appeal. Donations will go towards helping people in Myanmar who need our support.
This is a fast-moving situation. We’ll continue to update this page with more information from local teams on the ground about what’s happening and how you can support the people of Myanmar.