UNICEF Myanmar Earthquake Flash Update No. 5

Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs

Ten days on from the devastating 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude earthquakes that hit central Myanmar on 28 March 2025, a series of aftershocks continue to impact the affected areas. According to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrological (DMH), as of 7 April, Myanmar has experienced 96 aftershocks ranging from magnitudes 2.8 to 7.5.

It is now reported that over 3,500 people have died and over 4,800 were injured, while 210 remain missing (as of 6 April).(1) Based on data provided by OCHA, a total of 17 million people live in the 58 earthquake-affected townships in Eastern Bago, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Naypyitaw, Southern Shan and Sagaing, with some 9 million people estimated to be affected by the highest tremble.(2)

On 5 and 6 April, heavy rains were reported across parts of Mandalay and Sagaing, damaging makeshift shelters, causing further misery for those sleeping in the open and raising the risks of disease outbreaks. The southwest monsoon typically brings the rainy season to Myanmar from May onwards. Health and WASH partners have been following up on reported increases in diarrhoea cases in earthquake affected areas, and although no confirmed cholera/acute watery diarrhoea outbreak has been detected, the risk remains extremely high given the continued lack of access to safe drinking water and water for safe hygiene practices, and the significant destruction to sanitation infrastructure.

State media is reporting that the earthquake has damaged some 5,223 buildings, 1,824 schools, 4,817 pagodas and temples, 167 hospitals and clinics, 169 bridges, 198 dams and 184 sections of the country’s main highway. Health cluster partners have so far verified 5 fully damaged health facilities (2 in Bago, 1 in Naypyitaw, 1 in Sagaing and 1 Southern Shan) and 61 partially damaged (35 in Southern Shan, 20 in Bago, and 6 in Naypyitaw).(3)

Results from a Post-Earthquake Disability Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) conducted by UNICEF shows that families with children and persons with disabilities face multiple, overlapping crises after the earthquake. Over half of households interviewed reported to have lost electricity and shelter, nearly half have no safe water, and many experienced lost income and food shortages. These shocks have forced families into precarious outdoor settings (e.g. roadsides or makeshift tents) and stretched their coping mechanisms. Psychosocial distress is widespread as parents and children cope with trauma, aftershock fears, and uncertainty about the future. Moreover, pre-existing vulnerabilities – from previous flooding, conflict-related displacement, or economic shocks – have magnified these needs.

The Disability RNA also found that access to critical services is severely hampered by physical and systemic barriers. Over a quarter of families could not reach health services due to cost, damaged facilities and transport obstacles, while many schools have been damaged and children have lost access to education. Families also identified urgent disability-specific needs: medical care, assistive devices (especially mobility aids), accessible water and sanitation, incontinence and hygiene supplies, and accessible information.

1. AHA Centre Situation Update No. 5 - M7.7 Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand (Sunday, 6 April 2025, 2000 HRS
2. OCHA, Myanmar Earthquake Flash Update #3 (3 April 2025)
3. Myanmar Health Cluster Sagaing Earthquake Situation Report #3, 6 April 2025