Initial Situation Report: Earthquake in Central Myanmar 28 March 2025

Immediate Response
UNOPS Myanmar, with the generosity of our donors, has immediately made available US$10 million for immediate response by our partners. More funding will be allocated in the coming days as needs are assessed.

Overview of the Situation
On 28 March, at 12:50 local time, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, with the epicenter approximately 16 km north-northwest of Sagaing city and 19 km northwest of Mandalay city. The quake caused widespread destruction, collapsing numerous buildings. Twelve minutes later, a 6.4-magnitude aftershock intensified the devastation, further damaging structures in Mandalay and Sagaing.
The six impacted regions—Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Shan, and Naypyidaw—are home to over 28 million people, including an estimated 6.7 million children. Sagaing is home to 1.3 million internally displaced people, adding to the vulnerability of the region. According to USGS reports, approximately 22.67 million people were exposed to strong shaking levels. Initial reports indicate over 1,000 casualties, though verification is ongoing due to blocked roads and disrupted communications.

Impact
● Extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure, and essential facilities, including hospitals, schools, bridges, and cultural sites.
○ Damage includes the collapse of the Old Sagaing Bridge, Ava Bridge, and buildings at Mandalay University, as well as damage to Mandalay Palace and Mahamuni Pagoda.
○ Stilt villages on Inle Lake sustained significant damage.
○ Mandalay International Airport and Nay Pyi Taw Airport were damaged, and the Aung Pan Hotel in Shan State and a mosque in Mandalay collapsed.
● According to the State Administration Council, over 1,000 people have been confirmed dead and over 2,000 injured, with the majority of fatalities in Mandalay. Detailed figures are still being collected. UN personnel in Nay Pyi Taw sustained injuries.
● Significant displacement is expected, particularly in Sagaing, Mandalay, and Shan. ● Beyond damage to buildings and infrastructure, there is concern over potential dam bursts. ● Electricity and communications are disrupted in parts of the country.

UNOPS Response
UNOPS Myanmar is prepared to support affected communities by addressing the extensive damage and facilitating swift recovery. Our response, in close collaboration with the broader humanitarian community, includes:
➔ An initial US$10 million in emergency funding is being allocated to partners for immediate response, with further funding planned to meet evolving needs.
➔ Funds will be used to provide cash and food assistance, non-food items, shelter, water, sanitation, waste management and clean up, healthcare including mental health.
➔ Conducting rapid assessments through partners to determine the full extent of the damage and needs.
➔ Mobilizing our teams and resources to provide immediate relief.
➔ Coordinating with UN agencies, local partners, and other humanitarian organizations, actively participating in coordination meetings and information-sharing and working to avoid duplication of eff orts and maximize the impact of our response.
➔ Leveraging UNOPS expertise in infrastructure to assess and prioritize the repair of critical infrastructure.

Challenges/Needs
● Data verification is ongoing, and access to the epicenter region of Sagaing is limited.
● Telecommunications and road access in Sagaing are severely disrupted.
● Urgent needs include shelter, food, clean water, medical supplies, and emergency healthcare.
● Concerns over potential dam collapse in Bago.

Contact
For further inquiries, please contact: Helene Thor helenet@unops.org