Myanmar Earthquake Flash Update No.1 - UNICEF

Highlights

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake (Center: 21.85°N, 95.95°E) struck Myanmar on Friday 28th March 2025 at 12:50 pm (local time). According to Automated Disaster Analysis and Mapping (ADAM), the estimated population within 50 km from epicentre is 898,875. The quake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city of more than a million people. An aftershock of magnitude 6.4 (21.60°N, 95.95°E) was registered at 13:02 (local time). The most affected areas are in the centre of the country, in the Mandalay region as well as Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Magway, Sagaing and Shan.

It is reported that at least 694 people have died and over 1,600 injured. These numbers are expected to rise further as search and rescue operations continue, with many individuals still potentially trapped under debris.

Latest reports indicate that public infrastructure has been damaged including roads, bridges and public buildings. Nearly 1,600 houses, 670 monasteries, 60 schools, and three bridges are reported to be damaged. There are concerns for the structural integrity of large-scale dams. Electricity and telecommunications are down or intermittent in many of the earthquake affected areas. Operations have been halted at Naypyidaw and Mandalay airports while road access from Yangon to Mandalay remains passable. UNDSS has reported that UN common premises in Naypyidaw, Myanmar were impacted and that some UN personnel have sustained injuries.

As the situation continues to evolve, UNICEF teams are on the ground, working closely with UN agencies, clusters, partners and stakeholders to assess the situation and to mobilise immediate response. UNICEF has prepositioned supplies that are available for dispatch to the earthquake affected areas. UNICEF has active partnerships in the affected areas and is engaging with partners to respond to the immediate life-saving needs.