MYANMAR EARTHQUAKE
People Helped
Humanitarian Needs
At 12:30 PM local time on March 28th, 2025, a violent 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook Myanmar. It was the largest earthquake to hit the country in more than 100 years and killed 3,700 people, injured 5,000, and damaged or destroyed more than 65,000 structures including homes, schools and hospitals. More than 75,000 people have been displaced by the earthquake and are staying in makeshift camps or with relatives or friends.
The earthquake compounded a protracted crisis in Myanmar, coming on top of armed conflict, political instability, and other natural disasters like large-scale flooding and heatwaves in 2024. People affected by the earthquake are exposed to multiple risks including exposure to extreme heat and heavy rainfall, health risks from crowded conditions, lack of food and clean water, and psychosocial stress and trauma.
Humanitarian Response
Drawing on their long-term experience and established presence in Myanmar, five members of the Humanitarian Coalition are responding with immediate life-saving assistance with support from the Government of Canada and individual donations to the Humanitarian Coalition. Responses are in the worst-affected areas of the country including Mandalay, Sagaing, and Southern Shan.
CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Plan International Canada, Save the Children and World Vision Canada are working alongside local partners to provide water purification tablets and hygiene kits; construct or repair latrines; distribute cash assistance for basic needs like food, shelter and medical needs; and provide protection services including psychological first aid and information on gender-based violence services. The risk of violence to women and girls often rises during disasters, when people are forced to flee their homes and lose their traditional support systems and resources.
Our response to small and medium-scale disasters is co-funded by Global Affairs Canada, the member agency delivering the assistance, and donations to the Humanitarian Coalition. Your gift will help us be ready for the next disaster. Donate today.