Myanmar earthquake: humanitarian needs are huge as thousands confirmed dead
Update April 3 2025: DEC Appeal Launched
A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday 28 March, reportedly killing over 2,700 people and injuring over 4,500. With hundreds of people 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. Please help with a donation now.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) launches appeals during times of monumental suffering, like we are seeing now in Myanmar. 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.
DEC member charities, including the British Red Cross, are responding right now across the affected region. But we need your help – the more money we can raise, the more people we can reach with vital support.
Please donate to the DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal today, if you can.
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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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. 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?
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.
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 the DEC 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.