Myanmar Earthquake Flash Update #3 (As of 3 April 2025)

Highlights

• Six days after the catastrophic earthquakes struck Myanmar on 28 March, search and rescue operations remain ongoing as responders continue efforts to locate survivors beneath collapsed structures.

• According to publicly available figures, more than 3,000 people have died, nearly 5,000 have been injured, and over 370 remain missing nationwide.

• It is estimated that the earthquakes have affected more than 17 million people across 57 of the country’s 330 townships.

• The hardest-hit areas remain without electricity and water, while telecommunications and internet access are severely disrupted, cutting off affected communities from essential services.

Situation overview

Following the devastating earthquakes on 28 March, search and rescue operations remain ongoing in Myanmar as responders continue efforts to locate survivors beneath collapsed structures. While many have been rescued, the death toll continues to rise. According to publicly available figures, more than 3,000 people have died, nearly 5,000 have been injured, and over 370 remain missing nationwide. However, actual figures may be higher due to underreporting, as widespread telecommunications disruptions persist. It is estimated that the earthquakes have affected more than 17 million people across 57 of the country’s 330 townships. Among them, more than 9 million were severely affected by the highest tremble.

The hardest-hit areas remain without electricity and water, while telecommunications and internet access are severely disrupted, cutting off affected communities from essential services. Power shortages have also impacted the Yangon Region and other affected areas, despite these locations experiencing less structural damage. Road access between Yangon and central Myanmar remains possible but requires detours, significantly delaying aid deliveries. Commercial flights to Mandalay International Airport remain suspended, with a planned flight on 4 April to assess operational conditions. Currently, only charter and cargo flights are permitted to land at Nay Pyi Taw Airport. Humanitarian operations are scaling up rapidly, with needs assessments underway, mobilization of aid workers and relief supplies in progress and international fundraising efforts intensifying. Initial Rapid Needs Assessments (RNA) covering 326,000 people across 13 townships in Bago Region, Mandalay Region and southern Shan State indicate that priority needs include food, drinking water, health care, cash assistance and emergency shelter. Among those assessed, 76 per cent have yet to receive any assistance.

Humanitarian actors continue to advocate for unhindered access to deliver life-saving assistance to those in urgent need. The coming days will be critical in determining the full scale of the disaster’s impact and the response required to meet the needs of millions affected.