Myanmar earthquake emergency - UNHCR response to urgent needs of displaced people and host communities

Overview

On 28 March, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing severe loss of life and widespread destruction, reducing homes and civilian infrastructure to rubble.

The epicentre was located approximately 16 km north-northwest of Sagaing City and 19 km northwest of Mandalay. A strong aftershock of 6.4 magnitude followed at a depth of 10 km in the same area. The tremors were felt across Thailand, India, Bangladesh, and China.

In Myanmar, an estimated 20 million people live in earthquake-affected areas and have been impacted to varying degrees. By 3 April, the death toll had surpassed 3,000, with over 4,500 people injured. As search and rescue efforts continue, these figures are expected to climb.

Myanmar’s de facto authorities have declared a state of emergency in Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, and Bago Regions, as well as Shan State (South) and Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, and have issued a request for international aid.

The disaster has struck in the midst of an ongoing conflict that has persisted for over four years, devastating areas that host 1.55 million of Myanmar’s 3.5 million IDPs. This catastrophe compounds an already dire humanitarian crisis, deepening the hardships faced by both displaced and local communities in areas where humanitarian access remains severely restricted