On March 28, 2025, Myanmar was struck by two powerful earthquakes that devastated large parts of the country. The first, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake, hit at 12:50 PM with its epicenter near Mandalay. Just 12 minutes later, at 1:02 PM, another strong quake of 6.7 magnitude struck Sagaing, worsening the destruction. This catastrophe has resulted in thousands of deaths, tens of thousands of injuries, and widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and cultural heritage sites.
The Devastation Across Myanmar
The earthquakes have severely impacted multiple regions, with significant destruction reported in:
- Mandalay, KyaukSe, Innwa & Sagaing: Many buildings have collapsed, Maha Myat Muni Pagoda (significant cracks), Kuthodaw Pagoda (damaged stupas) and the Old Sagaing Bridge was destroyed, cutting off crucial access to the Sagaing Region. The New Sagaing Bridge has also sustained cracks, further limiting transportation.
- Nay Pyi Taw & Pyinmana: The capital and its surroundings suffered structural damage, with reports of collapsed buildings and damaged roads.
- Yamethin, Inlay, Pyawbwe & Amarapura: These towns and surrounding villages have been devastated, with many homes reduced to rubble. In Inle, traditional wooden monasteries and homes were destroyed.
- Monumental Losses: Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage has taken a heavy blow. The U Bein Bridge in Amarapura, the Sagaing Hill monasteries, and several ancient pagodas in Mandalay and Sagaing have either collapsed or sustained serious damage.
- Infrastructure Damage: The airports in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw have suffered damage, disrupting flight operations and delaying aid efforts. Additionally, cracks on the Yangon-Mandalay Highway have slowed down the transportation of emergency supplies and rescue teams.
Rising Death Toll and Urgent Needs
The confirmed death toll has surpassed 3,000, with thousands more injured. Many remain trapped under the debris, while hospitals struggle to provide adequate care due to damaged infrastructure and power shortages. The earthquake has also displaced tens of thousands, forcing them into temporary shelters with limited resources.
Current Critical Challenges
- Access to Clean Water: The destruction of water supply systems has resulted in severe shortages of drinking water.
- Sanitation Crisis: Makeshift tent cities lack proper sanitation, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
- Communication Blackout: Internet services have been disrupted across Myanmar, including in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. The military junta has not lifted VPN restrictions, making it difficult to get information in and out of the country.
- Limited Electricity: Power outages continue in many affected areas, further hindering rescue and relief operations.
- Limited Shelters: With countless homes and buildings collapsed, thousands of families have been left without proper shelter. Many are forced to sleep on the streets, exposed to extreme weather conditions, including scorching daytime heat increasing the risk of illness and further suffering.
International Aid and Rescue Efforts
The global community has responded swiftly, with rescue teams and humanitarian aid arriving from China, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the U.S., Australia, the UK, India, South Korea, Ireland, Japan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, UAE, Indonesia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Turkey, Nepal, Belarus, EU and other nations. Their assistance has been crucial in recovering victims from collapsed structures and providing immediate relief.
- China has sent a 37-member search and rescue team equipped with advanced technology.
- Russia dispatched two aircraft carrying 120 medical personnel and emergency responders.
- India has delivered over 15 tons of essential humanitarian aid.
- The United States has pledged $2 million in assistance and deployed a team of experts to coordinate relief efforts.
Despite these generous efforts, the scale of the disaster means that more help is still desperately needed. The people of Myanmar deeply appreciate the outpouring of support but urge the international community to continue providing assistance.
How You Can Help
The road to recovery will be long and challenging. To ensure aid reaches those who need it most, we ask that donations be made only to reliable international organizations such as the Red Cross, UNICEF, WHO and other trusted humanitarian agencies. This helps prevent funds from being misused by the military regime and ensures direct assistance to local communities.
Urgent Needs Include:
- Food and clean water to prevent malnutrition and dehydration.
- Medical supplies and emergency healthcare for the injured.
- Temporary shelters and sanitation facilities to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Search and rescue operations to save those still trapped under debris.
A Call for Continued Support
During this heartbreaking time, every bit of help, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. Every donation, every volunteer effort, and every show of solidarity brings hope to the people of Myanmar.
We, the people of Myanmar, are incredibly grateful for the kindness, generosity, and immediate response from countries, humanitarian organizations, and individuals worldwide. Your support has provided life-saving aid to thousands who are struggling to survive in the aftermath of this disaster.
But the journey is far from over. The affected communities still face immense challenges, and continued support is crucial to rebuild lives, restore homes, and provide essential needs. We humbly ask the global community to keep Myanmar in their thoughts and extend whatever help they can.
The My Local Passion team stands with all families who have lost loved ones and livelihoods in this tragedy. Together, with the power of unity and compassion, we can help the community rise again.
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