Press Release

Statement on the Earthquake Response by the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. on behalf of the United Nations Myanmar Country Team

31 March 2025

Yangon – The United Nations in Myanmar expresses its profound sorrow at the immense loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the powerful earthquakes that struck central Myanmar on 28 March. The scale of the disaster is vast, with entire communities devasted, critical infrastructure damaged and many in urgent need of assistance. The latest reports indicate significant loss of life, widespread injuries, and many still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue. However, the full scale of the disaster remains unclear.

“Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” said Mr. Marcoluigi Corsi, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for Myanmar “. The UN and its partners are urgently mobilizing to support emergency response efforts and stand ready to assist all affected communities wherever they are.”

The earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.4 in magnitude, struck near Mandalay and Sagaing, with impacts felt across Bago, Magway, Nay Pyi Taw, and parts of Shan State. Hospitals in affected regions are overwhelmed, and communication and transport routes have been severely disrupted. Thousands are sleeping in the open, fearful of aftershocks and unable to return to damaged homes.

“Even before this earthquake, nearly 20 million people in Myanmar were in need of humanitarian assistance,” Mr. Corsi emphasized. “This latest tragedy compounds an already dire crisis and risks further eroding the resilience of communities already battered by conflict, displacement, and past disasters.”

The Humanitarian Country Team is actively conducting rapid needs assessment missions in coordination with UN agencies, humanitarian partners, local authorities and community-based organizations. Particular attention is being paid to the needs of women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected in such disasters. Beyond the immediate response, this crisis highlights the urgent need to strengthen efforts towards recovery and to invest in measures that help communities withstand future shocks.

UN agencies and humanitarian partners have allocated together an initial $15 million to support the lifesaving response and mobilized pre-positioned supplies. They are deploying emergency medical teams, shelter materials, and critical WASH and food aid.

“We have a significant presence in Mandalay and surrounding areas, and we are doing everything we can to reach people in need despite serious logistical challenges,” Mr. Corsi said. “But much more will be required in the days and weeks ahead. The people of Myanmar need the steadfast support of the entire international community – now more than ever.”

The United Nations calls for unimpeded humanitarian access for humanitarian convoys, medical personnel, and assessment teams to all affected regions, regardless of location or control.

Moreover, the United Nations urgently appeals to donors to swiftly provide necessary and flexible funding to scale up the response.

More than ever, timely support is critical to prevent further deterioration of the crisis.