Attachments
FAST FACTS
- On Friday, March 28, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar.
- The quake’s epicenter was 17 kilometers west of Mandalay, with shock waves felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand.
- As of April 23, more than 3,700 people had been confirmed dead, while thousands have been injured and at least 129 people remain missing.
OUR RESPONSE
- International Medical Corps has deployed an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Type 1 Mobile near a destroyed hospital northeast of Nay Pyi Taw to provide essential primary healthcare services to people affected by the quake. The team is providing care to about 100 patients per day.
- International Medical Corps is partnering with three local organizations to expand health, mental health and psychosocial support, and water, sanitation and hygiene services in affected areas in Nay Pyi Taw and other cities.
- International Medical Corps has previously responded to emergencies in Myanmar, including Cyclone Nargis in 2008, and flooding in 2014 and 2015.
On Friday, March 28, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar. The epicenter was located about 11 miles (17 kilometers) west of Mandalay—Myanmar’s second-largest city, with a population of more than 1.2 million—with shock waves felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, more than 700 miles to the south. So far, more than 3,700 people have been confirmed dead, thousands have been injured and at least 129 people remain missing. Casualty and damage reports are expected to rise as assessments continue and access to remote areas improves.
The quake caused widespread destruction, particularly in the Mandalay region and parts of the Magway and Sagaing regions. Many buildings—especially older homes, religious sites and public facilities—collapsed or sustained severe damage. Damage to infrastructure and landslides triggered by aftershocks have restricted access in some of the hardest-hit areas. Power outages and telecommunication disruptions have left communities isolated, further complicating emergency response efforts.
Political instability in Myanmar has also hindered humanitarian response efforts. The country has been plagued by civil unrest and conflict since 2021, making it difficult for humanitarian aid to reach affected regions. Some areas are restricted and conflict zones remain dangerous for aid workers.
In addition, the impacts of the earthquake on Myanmar’s food resources will be felt in the coming months. The Mandalay area contributes one-third of the country’s cereal production and four-fifths of its maize output, and is home to nearly two-thirds of the national cattle and buffalo population. This disruption in food supply will not be easily resolved, as the monsoon season is approaching, and the agricultural season is already on a tight timetable.
Humanitarian needs are extensive. Immediate priorities include urgent medical care, emergency shelter, food, clean drinking water and functioning sanitation.