Myanmar earthquake: thousands need medical aid and shelter as monsoon season approaches
Update April 17 2025
Aid is still urgently needed to support people affected by the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday 28 March.
The earthquake reportedly killed over 3,600 people and has injured over 5,500, adding further turmoil to a country already facing enormous challenges.
The humanitarian needs are immense. Thousands of people are without safe shelter, access to clean water, or healthcare. Families have been separated. Infrastructure is in ruins.
We need your help – the more money we can raise, the more people we can reach with vital support.
What's happening in Myanmar?
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). At least 13 aftershocks have been reported so far.
Key events:
-
The epicentre of the 7.7M earthquake was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city.
-
Mandalay and Sagaing are the two regions that were hit hardest. Sagaing is home to 1.3 million internally displaced people.
-
An estimated 18.3 million people live within the earthquake's impacted area.
-
There’s been widespread destruction, including the collapse of multi-storey buildings and key infrastructure, including the largest bridge connecting Sagaing to Mandalay.
-
Tremors were felt as far away as Thailand, China, India, and Vietnam.
-
Hospitals in Mandalay, Magway, Nay Pyi Taw and Sagaing are struggling to cope.
The earthquakes have struck when there is already a dire humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, making food shortages and the lack of clean water worse. Many communities are still struggling to recover from catastrophic flooding that had impacted half the country.
People who were already suffering have now lost homes, loved ones, and access to basic services.
What is the Red Cross doing to help people in Myanmar?
Teams from the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) responded immediately, helping with search and rescue efforts. With temperatures rising and the monsoon season approaching, humanitarian needs are at a tipping point. The focus now is on scaling up the response to provide safe temporary shelter, access to clean water and food, as well as medical care and support to reunite separated families.
Recovery will be a long and difficult process. It will take many years to fully recover from this disaster. 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.
Please donate now to the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal.
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 appeal. Donations will go towards helping people in Myanmar who need our support.
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.