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SITUATION OVERVIEW
On 28 March 2025, at 12:50 local time, an earthquake with of a magnitude of 7.7 on the Ritcher Scale was recorded in Myanmar. The epicenter, at a depth of 10 km, was located about 16 km north-north-west of Sagaing city, and 19 km north-west of Mandalay city, Myanmar’s second largest. Strong tremors were also felt in Thailand, and Yunnan Province, China. Myanmar has experienced at least 13 aftershocks, with registered magnitudes between 4.3 to 6.7.
Based on initial reports, the regions and states most affected are Sagaing, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Southern Shan, and Bago.
As of 29 March 2025, the official death toll stood at over 1,600, with 3,408 people injured2 and over 200 people missing. According to early modelling by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the final death toll could surpass 2 https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c4gex01m7n5t 10,000 people 3. Initial estimates indicate that 18.3 million people, 4.04 million households, and USD 77.5 billion in infrastructure are concentrated within the affected area. The earthquake compounds the protracted crisis generated by armed conflict, political instability and disasters (large-scale flooding and heatwaves in 2024, among others).
Information from the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) emergency operations centres and branch offices reveals extensive infrastructure damage. In Sagaing Township, it is reported that over 70% of structures have sustained significant damage. Many residential buildings have either completely collapsed or were severely damaged. Two bridges between the Yangon – Naypyidaw highways were reported as being damaged, risking the disruption of critical transportation routes between Yangon and the most affected regions. Public buildings, including religious sites such as pagodas in Southern Shan, and mosques and monasteries in Mandalay and Bago, were reported to have collapsed, trapping people inside. The extent of the damage has yet to be verified.
There are only three international airports available to receive major cargo planes. Mandalay International (VYMD-MDL) and Naypyidaw International (VYNT-NYT) is uncertain in terms of operational status while Yangon International (VYYY-RGN) remains open but is far from the earthquake area.
Telecommunications were severely disrupted, especially in the three most affected areas, Sagaing, Mandalay and Shan state, with no internet connectivity and limited phone lines. MRCS buildings across the affected areas were also damaged. Some buildings at the MRCS Headquarters in Naypyidaw and the Emergency Operation Centre and warehouse in Mandalay were reported to have sustained damages and are currently non-operational.
The earthquake-affected areas in Myanmar, including the Sagaing Region, are currently facing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F). Daily highs have reached up to 44°C (111°F), creating severe conditions for both affected communities and responders. The peak of the hot season is expected to be in April and May, with temperatures set to increase further. The intense heat adds to the hardship of those displaced or living in temporary shelters, posing serious health risks and logistical challenges for ongoing humanitarian operations.