IOM Flash Appeal Myanmar Earthquake Response (29 March 2025 - 30 June 2025)

SITUATION OVERVIEW

On 28 March 2025, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake occurred in Mandalay, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 km. Myanmar was hit by a strong aftershock of 6.4 magnitude around 12 minutes after the initial quake. It ruptured along the Saga- ing Fault and was the largest to hit Myanmar in more than a century. The State Administrative Council (SAC) 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. While the full impact of the earthquake is still being assessed and search and rescue efforts continue, initial assessments show that hundreds of thousands of people have been affected, with more than 2,000 people confirmed dead and thousands more injured. Tens of thousands of buildings have completely or partially collapsed, including religious and government buildings, schools, and homes.

The death toll is expected to rise in the coming days as search and rescue operations continue. Prior to the earthquake, the number of displaced populations already stood at over 3.5 million, and the impact of this disaster is expected to further worsen the already dire displacement situation in Myanmar. Affected populations are exposed to multiple risks, including family separation, loss/damage of civil status and documentation, exploitation and abuse including child protection risks, trafficking in persons and psychosocial stress and trauma. Their immediate needs include shelter, Non-Food Items (NFIs), food and health support, alongside critical protection and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) as well as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services are also crucial to the response. With information still being collected to assess needs and with communication still difficult in many affected areas, the estimated number of those affected is expected to change. The figures in this appeal will thus be revised as and when needed in coordination with all relevant partners.