A pair of earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.4 in magnitude, struck central Myanmar, particularly affecting areas northwest of Sagaing. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Saturday that local hospitals are overwhelmed and health infrastructure has sustained significant damage.
The regions impacted include Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Northeastern Shan, and Sagaing. Internet services have been disrupted in Mandalay, the largest city, while both land and air transport routes have been severely affected. Health organizations are preparing to send mobile surgical and medical teams, along with field hospitals, to provide essential medical care to those injured by the earthquakes. Reports indicate that hundreds of individuals are trapped under the debris of collapsed structures, including at least 50 construction workers in Bangkok, Thailand, who remain unaccounted for. In Mandalay, approximately 90 people are believed to be trapped beneath the rubble of a single apartment building. Damage assessments report that around 1,690 homes, 670 monasteries, 60 schools, and three bridges have been affected, raising concerns regarding the safety of large dams in the region.
Myanmar has been embroiled in a severe civil conflict following a military coup in February 2021, which ousted the pro-democracy government. The military has called for international assistance in light of the extensive destruction and loss of life. Meanwhile, opposition groups have reported that airstrikes have continued in the Sagaing area following the earthquakes.
In response to the crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to deploy Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) to Myanmar due to reports of inadequate medical supplies, including trauma kits, blood bags, anaesthetics, mobility aids, and essential medications. Marcoluigi Corsi, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar, expressed his solidarity with the Burmese people in a statement on Saturday, emphasizing the urgent mobilization of support for emergency response efforts.
Corsi noted that Myanmar was already facing a severe humanitarian crisis prior to the earthquakes, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and frequent disasters. He highlighted the pressing need for international support, as around 20 million individuals have been affected by the seismic events. He stated that the UN and partner agencies have a strong presence in the regions impacted by the disaster and can utilize pre-positioned aid to facilitate immediate assistance despite logistical challenges.
Before the earthquakes, nearly 19.9 million people were already in need of aid, and only five percent of the 2025 humanitarian response plan had been funded. Corsi reminded that the population had also suffered from significant flooding about seven months ago and a devastating cyclone in 2023.
Trevor Clark, the regional chief of emergency operations for UNICEF, warned that the earthquake has compounded the difficulties faced by children in an already critical situation. He noted that homes and vital infrastructure have been damaged, necessitating urgent relief efforts. UNICEF is currently delivering lifesaving supplies and seeks immediate support to enhance its response capabilities, including tents, hygiene kits, and health supplies.
The head of OCHA has already allocated $5 million from the Central Emergency Relief Fund, and the UN procurement agency, UNOPS, announced the release of $10 million for emergency response, thanks to donor contributions.
For those wishing to contribute, a donation link for the UN emergency appeal for Myanmar is available.
