Myanmar earthquake: humanitarian needs are huge as 1,600 people confirmed dead
Last updated: 31/03/2025
A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday 28 March, killing over 1,600 people and injuring 3,400. With over 100 missing, the full scale of the disaster is still unfolding. Communities are in urgent need of aid as the number of people affected continues to rise.
The humanitarian needs are immense. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of injured people and many are without safe shelter, access to clean water, or healthcare. Families have been separated. Communication networks are down. Infrastructure is in ruins.
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.
Donate now, if you can, to support people after the Myanmar earthquakes
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:
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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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An estimated 18.3 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, including the largest bridge connecting Sagaing to Mandalay.
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Tremors were felt as far away 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.
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Hospitals in Mandalay, Magway, Nay Pyi Taw and Sagaing are struggling to cope with the influx of injured people.
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. They are also facing extreme heat with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius.
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 and Thailand?
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 around the clock 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 vital 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 emergency. 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.