Why your donation matters: Myanmar earthquake worsened an already challenging humanitarian crisis
Last updated 03 September 2025
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025 causing further hardship and suffering for families and communities already facing severe humanitarian challenges.
The initial earthquake significantly affected the regions of Sagaing and Mandalay in Myanmar, with an estimated 18.3 million people living within the impact area. Hundreds of aftershocks, including one measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale, deepened the already dire humanitarian situation
This crisis has touched millions of lives. 3,600 people were killed by the earthquake, a further 5,561 more were injured and over 206,000 people were displaced. Families were separated and left without shelter, clean water or food. Some who still had homes were too traumatised to return for fear of further aftershocks causing more buildings to collapse. 160 healthcare facilities were damaged, with the system struggling to cope with the aftermath of the earthquake.
“20 million people live in the earthquake core zone, and these are people living in an environment where there's been conflict and unrest. The country has a lot of food insecurity and there was flooding last year. This is a crisis on top of a crisis and there are very many vulnerable people in Myanmar.” Richard Blewitt, executive director for International, British Red Cross.
Recovery will be a long and difficult process for the communities affected. The Myanmar Red Cross Society, supported by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, will be there to help with recovery for as long as we’re needed.
You can help support the long-term recovery of communities in Myanmar by donating to the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal.
Where will your donation to Myanmar go?
Your donation will go towards supporting the ongoing lifesaving work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Myanmar. In the aftermath of the earthquake, teams from the Myanmar Red Cross Society responded immediately, helping with search and rescue efforts, as well as providing healthcare and humanitarian aid including food, water and shelter. 670 volunteers were mobilised locally allowing them to respond effectively and quickly.
As of June 2025, they have provided:
- 1.3 million litres of safe drinking water
- emergency shelter assistance to over 156,000 people
- 156,800 household relief items
- cash assistance to over 23,400 households
- 10,508 blankets and hygiene promotion awareness to 4,707 people
The British Red Cross is contributing to this essential recovery work. The best and quickest way to help support those affected by the earthquakes is to donate to our appeal.
Donate to Myanmar – make a difference
Long-term support in Myanmar
Recovery will be a long and difficult process. It will take many years to fully recover from this disaster. When the earthquake struck, communities were already recovering from unprecedented floods caused by Typhoon Yagi in July 2024. The Myanmar Red Cross Society, supported by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, will be there to help for as long as we’re needed.