Gender-Impact Flash Update: Myanmar Earthquake No. 1

BACKGROUND

On Friday 28 March 2025, central Myanmar was struck by two powerful earthquakes, causing widespread destruction. A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit near Mandalay and Sagaing at around 12:50pm local time. Minutes later, a second quake measuring 6.4 struck further south. Both earthquakes were shallow and occurred close to major cities, making the impact especially severe. Affected areas include Mandalay, Sagaing, Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Magway, and parts of Shan State.

Initial reports indicate that more than 2,800 people have died and more than 4,600 are injured.¹ Thousands of people have been displaced, with many now sleeping outside in makeshift conditions due to damaged homes or fear of aftershocks.

Critical infrastructure has been severely damaged, including health facilities, airports, major roads and bridges, and power and water systems.

This disaster intensifies the challenges for Myanmar’s women and girls, who were already living through conflict, political instability and economic collapse. Even before the earthquake, more than a third of Myanmar’s people—including 10.4 million women and girls—needed urgent humanitarian aid. The earthquakes add another layer of hardship as they face unsafe conditions, disrupted health services, and heightened risks of gender-based violence and exploitation—especially girls separated from their families. Prioritizing the safety, dignity, and leadership of women and girls is essential to ensuring an effective, inclusive response that leaves no one behind.