Myanmar Earthquake Flash Update #1 (As of 29 March 2025)

Highlights

• On 28 March, two powerful earthquakes struck central Myanmar, with epicentres near Mandalay and Sagaing cities.
  A number of aftershocks have since been reported.
• Initial field reports indicate that upwards of 1,000 people have died, over 2,200 people have been injured and more than 200 people remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.
• The UN and humanitarian partners are mobilizing to support emergency response efforts and stand ready to assist all affected communities.
• The Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated an initial US$5 million for life-saving assistance in Myanmar.
• Coordination efforts are underway to conduct rapid needs assessments and scale up emergency response.

Situation overview

On 28 March, at around 12:50 PM local time, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, with its epicentre near Mandalay and Sagaing cities at a shallow depth of 10km. The tremors were felt across the country and beyond.

Another 6.4 magnitude earthquake further south followed within minutes.

Preliminary reports indicate that upwards of 1,000 people have been killed and over 2,200 others injured, while approximately 200 others are missing in central and northwestern Myanmar. The majority of the deaths were reported in the Mandalay area. The State Administration Council (SAC) has declared a state of emergency for Bago Region, Mandalay Region, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Sagaing Region and parts of Shan State and called for international assistance.

The earthquake caused widespread destruction of homes and severe damage to critical infrastructure. Initial reports indicate that Mandalay International Airport (with commercial flights cancelled until further notice), major bridges, roads, universities, hotels, historical and religious sites and public service buildings in urban and rural areas have been heavily damaged or destroyed. Thousands of people are spending the nights on the streets or open spaces due to the damage and destruction to home or fearing further quakes.

Supply infrastructure and communication towers were severely impacted, electricity and water services were disrupted, including in Yangon Region. Landline, mobile and internet networks remain unstable. Damage to the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay expressway led to service disruptions, with cracks and surface distortions, forcing highway buses to halt operations. As the full scale of the disaster unfolds, urgent humanitarian assistance is needed to support those affected.

Humanitarian needs

• In central and northwestern Myanmar, hospitals in Mandalay, Magway, Nay Pyi Taw and Sagaing are struggling to cope with the influx of people injured during the earthquake. Humanitarian emergency supplies and humanitarian partners were mobilized to support affected communities in Mandalay. A convoy of 17 cargo trucks carrying critical shelter and medical supplies from China is expected to arrive on 30 March.
  National cluster coordinators are working to ensure the efficient delivery of assistance. Humanitarian partners, the UN, INGOs and local NGOs are planning to conduct an inter-agency joint assessment and implement an immediate response, using available resources already in Mandalay.
• In southern Shan, multiple townships, including Kalaw, Hopong, Hsihseng, Langkho, Lawksawk, Nyaungshwe, Pinlaung, and Taunggyi, have been affected. Search and rescue operations are ongoing by local community groups, while partners conduct rapid needs assessments. As of 29 March, at least 51 people lost their lives, over 70 were injured, and over 1,200 houses, three school buildings, one hotel, and several religious structures were damaged or destroyed. Nyaungshwe, Kalaw, and Pinlaung are among the hardest-hit areas. Immediate humanitarian needs include for clothing, blankets, kitchen sets, emergency shelters, WASH items, and food assistance.

Humanitarian efforts

• The Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated $5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support urgent response efforts.
• Humanitarian partners are mobilizing to assist affected communities and stand ready to scale up support.
• Coordination efforts and advocacy for access to affected areas are being strengthened.
• Health partners are preparing to deploy mobile surgical and medical teams, along with field hospitals, to provide urgent life-saving care,

Key challenges and gaps

• Telecommunications and internet disruptions continue to hinder humanitarian communications and operations.
• Damaged roads and debris are obstructing humanitarian access and complicating needs assessments.
• Hospitals and health facilities have sustained extensive damaged or destruction.
• A severe shortage of medical supplies is hampering response efforts, including trauma kits, blood bags, anaesthetics, assistive devices, essential medicines, and tents for health workers.

For further information, please contact:

Sajjad Mohammad Sajid, Head of Office, sajid@un.org

Vanessa May, Deputy Head of Office, mayv@un.org

Christina Powell, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, powell4@un.org, +95 9797007866 (Phone), +34 644 39 3247 (Signal)