On Friday the 28th of March, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar. Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) members are taking immediate steps to respond to the crisis.
“In the first 24 hours, we are already seeing the magnitude of the impacts from this earthquake. The devastating images coming out of Myanmar show that the scale of this may be truly horrific” said Naomi Brooks, ACFID Humanitarian Lead.
Several ACFID members have teams in Myanmar who have started to work on response options – including work to get accurate initial assessments regarding the scale of damage and needs.
Myanmar has been under military rule since 2021, with a protracted internal conflict ravaging the country following the coup of the democratically elected government. The military leaders have indicated in initial comments that at least 144 people have died and hundreds more have been injured. It is expected these numbers will grow rapidly as news filters out from the communities impacted.
Prior to the earthquake, Myanmar was already facing significant humanitarian challenges with 19.9 million people requiring humanitarian assistance. This included 6.3 million children and 15.2 million people who are food insecure. The humanitarian response in Myanmar has been severely impacted by the global shock to humanitarian funding in 2025, disrupting critical aid to many highly vulnerable populations.
“The people of Myanmar have already suffered so much over the past few years. The international community must come together at this moment and urgently respond to ensure that aid is received by those who need it most,” said Ms. Brooks.
“The provision of aid must reach all groups of Myanmar affected and not be politicized in this response. Humanitarian personnel must have safe and direct pathways to ensure they are able to reach those most vulnerable.”
“We remain in solidarity with the various Australian diaspora groups from Myanmar in Australia through this tragedy.”
ACFID members will be working to collaborate with the Australian Government to respond to this tragedy.
Australians who are able and willing to donate can visit https://emergencyaction.org.au/myanmarearthquake for more information.
For media inquiries, contact Naomi Brooks at advocacy@acfid.asn.au this weekend.
For more information or to arrange an interview after this weekend please contact ACFID Media at media@acfid.asn.au or call 0401 721 064.