UNICEF Myanmar Earthquake Flash Update No.3

Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs

On Friday 28 March 2025, two powerful earthquakes – the first of magnitude 7.7 hit at 12:50 pm (local time), swiftly followed twelve minutes later by a second of magnitude 6.4. Both earthquakes occurred at a depth of 10 km, centred approximately 16 km north-north-west of Sagaing city, and 19 km north-west of Mandalay city, Myanmar’s second largest city. Strong tremors were also felt in neighbouring countries, including Thailand. According to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrological (DMH), as of 1 April, over 200 aftershocks were recorded in Myanmar and surrounding areas. According to the latest official figures, over 2,700 people are confirmed dead, more than 4,500 have been injured and over 440 are reported missing. While rescue teams are continuing to search through the rubble, the chances of finding survivors in the debris is rapidly diminishing. A state of emergency was declared for the worst affected areas of Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Shan South and East and Sagaing. Significant destruction has been reported, including the collapse of homes, offices, mosques, monasteries, and critical public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water supply and electricity networks, communications towers and schools. Three hospitals have been destroyed and 22 have been partially damaged. Health cluster partners report a scarcity of medical supplies, including trauma kits, blood bags, anaesthetics, assisted devices, and essential medicines. 1 The full extent of the damage in more remote areas remains unknown due to weak connectedness and delays in communication. In Mandalay, 17 of the region’s 28 townships experienced severe shaking. 2 The multiple aftershocks are disrupting ongoing rescue operations and causing immense fear and distress to traumatized children and their families as well as further damage, with more buildings collapsing in Mandalay with further aftershocks in past days. The earthquake compounds the protracted crisis brought on by four years of armed conflict, previous climate-related disasters (large-scale flooding and heatwaves in 2024, among others) and public health emergencies. The earthquakeaffected areas in Myanmar, including the Sagaing region, are currently facing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F). Daily highs have reached up to 44°C (111°F), creating severe conditions for both affected communities and responders. Five of the earthquake-affected areas – Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Shan and Sagaing – have reported acute water diarrhea/cholera cases since the outbreak began in June 2024 and according to a multifactor priority index assessment by WHO3 , continue to be at high risk of further cases. Given the earthquakeinduced displacement and impact on access to safe water and sanitation and hygiene facilities and materials, there is a significant risk of diarrhoeal disease outbreaks.