Ten days after two powerful earthquakes rocked central Myanmar, the country is facing a spiralling humanitarian emergency, with over 3,500 lives lost and nearly 5,000 injured, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The twin quakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.4 in magnitude, struck on 28 March near Mandalay and Sagaing at a shallow depth, impacting more than 17 million people across 58 townships. Over 9 million were exposed to the strongest tremors, and more than 200 people remain missing.
Entire communities have been flattened, forcing thousands to shelter in makeshift camps amid extreme heat and early rains. Critical infrastructure, including homes, schools, health centres, and roads, has been severely damaged or destroyed. Aid groups warn that the looming monsoon season could worsen conditions for displaced people living outdoors without adequate shelter.
Rapid needs assessments show food, drinking water, emergency shelter, health care, and cash assistance as top priorities. Yet nearly half of those surveyed have yet to receive any aid.
The scale of destruction has overwhelmed the health system. Over 13,000 people are estimated to need trauma care, with more than 2,000 seriously injured. Sixty-six health facilities have been destroyed or damaged, and the threat of waterborne diseases looms as safe water and sanitation collapse in many areas.
In Mandalay and Sagaing, families are living in overcrowded public buildings with limited hygiene facilities, sparking serious protection concerns, particularly for women and children. Humanitarian partners are deploying mobile psychosocial teams and distributing dignity kits to mitigate risks.
While food assistance has reached some 74,000 people, heavy rains have disrupted distributions. Transport bottlenecks, poor road access, and limited storage capacity further complicate relief efforts.
Despite these challenges, over 52 health partners and dozens of NGOs continue providing life-saving services. The international community has pledged $93 million for the response, and 31 Urban Search and Rescue teams have been operating on the ground.
As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of the earthquake amid an already fragile humanitarian landscape, OCHA warns that immediate, sustained support is essential to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
