Earthquake in Myanmar

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at 1:20 PM local time, causing severe damage to infrastructure and raising fears of a significant human toll. Médecins du Monde teams on the ground are mobilizing to assist the affected population. 

This disaster comes as the country is already facing a multidimensional crisis—political, economic, social, health, and humanitarian.  

“The immediate priority is to meet essential needs: medical care, water, food, and shelter. Our teams in Myanmar report that hospitals are overwhelmed. Starting tomorrow, we will send reinforcements to Mandalay—near the earthquake’s epicenter—to assess needs and provide emergency assistance as quickly as possible. We are also deeply concerned about access difficulties, not only due to the earthquake’s impact but also because of the ongoing armed conflict in the country,” warns Helena Ranchal, Director of International Operations at Médecins du Monde France. 

Médecins du Monde has been present in Myanmar since 2000. All 250 staff members in the country are safe and are preparing to deliver an appropriate response as soon as possible to support the affected population. 

As part of its work in Myanmar, Médecins du Monde strives to promote equitable access to healthcare and rights for all. Our harm reduction programs provide prevention, treatment, and support services for vulnerable groups, including sex workers and men who have sex with men in Yangon, as well as people who inject drugs in Kachin. 

Main photo: © Sai Aung MAIN – AFP

Update: 01/04/2025

On 28th of March 2025, Myanmar was hit by two consecutive earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.4 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was located in the centre of the country, around 50 kilometers east of Monywa. The tremor caused major destruction, including the collapse of the Ava Bridge in Mandalay and the partial destruction of a hospital, which was declared a “mass casualty area”.

Current reports indicate that over 2,000 people died, more than 3,400 sustained injuries, and many people remain unaccounted for nationwide. The actual figures may be higher due to underreporting amidst disrupted telecommunications.

Four days following the earthquake, search and rescue operations continue as responders race against time to save those who are trapped beneath collapsed structures.

No one is accessing structural stability of existing buildings after earthquake and people are very reluctant and fear to sleep in the house. We found people sleeping with nets in the football stadium, street and pavement. We found an estimate that 20% of buildings collapsed in Mandalay city. Local people said that there are many bodies under collapsed buildings. In addition, aftershocks happen very regularly (sometimes every 1h30).

The government has declared a state of emergency in several regions, including Mandalay, Bago, Sagaing, Northern Shan State and Naypyidaw, and has launched an appeal for international assistance. However, There is no facilitation at all for humanitarian response (importation, visas…). Nyapidaw, the capital remains totally closed. No medias is allowed to work in the area.

The partial ceasefire was declared by Myanmar’s anti-coup fighters, led by the People’s Defence Force (PDF), under the shadow “National Unity Government.” This two-week truce, starting on March 30, 2025, aims to facilitate rescue and relief efforts in earthquake-affected areas while pausing offensive military operations, except for defensive actions.

In parrallel, Junta continues to bomb some areas including those impacted by earthquake. On 29th The military carried out airstrikes in Sagaing yesterday, sparking significant protests from civil society organizations (CSOs) and drawing strong condemnation from international communities. Other bombings were done on the 31th at the border between Saging and Kachin killing 38 persons.

Needs

1st needs identified are wound management supply, tents, drinking waters based on the assessment of hospital this morning. Mandalay hospital that we visited is damaged and overwhelmed. Dead bodies management is an issues mentioned several time by partners. Temperature is really hot. The smell of the dead body is present in the city. There is also epidemic risks. Rainy season is about to start , the area is endemic for cholera and malaria.