The regions most hit are Bago, Magwe, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Northeastern Shan, and Sagaing.
Communication lines, including the internet, are down in Mandalay, and transportation routes, both land and air, are significantly disrupted.
In response, health organizations are preparing to deploy mobile surgical and medical teams, along with field hospitals, to provide crucial medical care to the earthquake surviving victims.
Reports indicate that hundreds of people are trapped under debris in various collapsed buildings. Notably, at least 50 construction workers in Bangkok, Thailand, have gone unaccounted for.
In Mandalay, over 90 individuals are reportedly trapped under the rubble of a single apartment building.
Myanmar has been in the grip of a brutal civil conflict following a military coup in February 2021, which led to a severe crackdown on democracy protesters.
The military regime has appealed to the international community for emergency aid due to the widespread destruction and loss of life. However, opposition groups have indicated that airstrikes have continued in the aftermath of the quake, including strikes in the Sagaing region.
UN aid response intensifies
The World Health Organization (WHO) is making efforts to deploy Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) to Myanmar, given the reports of inadequate medical supplies, including trauma kits, blood, anesthetics, and other essential medical and surgical supplies, as well as shelter for healthcare workers.
Marcoluigui Corsi, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar, expressed his deep solidarity with the Burmese people “during this tragic time.”
“The UN and its partners are urgently mobilizing to support emergency response efforts and are ready to assist all affected communities wherever they are,” he stated.
Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by ongoing conflict and natural disasters. Mr. Corsi emphasized that the support of the international community is crucial at this moment.
Assistance already in place
In a conversation with UN News from Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, Mr. Corsi highlighted that approximately 20 million people have been affected by the earthquake. He noted that the UN and partner agencies have a strong presence in the affected areas around Mandalay and the capital Naypyidaw, with critical supplies already pre-positioned for immediate aid distribution.
“Although logistical challenges persist, we are able to deliver assistance as planned,” Corsi stated.
The country faces multiple concurrent crises, affecting 19.9 million people even before the earthquake struck, with only five percent of the 2025 humanitarian response plan funded.
Recent flooding and a devastating cyclone in 2023 have further eroded the resilience of the Burmese people and their communities.
“The people of Myanmar need the support from the entire international community now more than ever,” Corsi urged.
Children confront an even greater crisis
Trevor Clark, the UNICEF regional chief of emergency operations, highlighted that the earthquake has subjected children to even greater hardship, amidst an already dire situation.
“Critical infrastructure is damaged, and urgent aid is required. UNICEF is already providing lifesaving supplies and needs immediate support to expand its response efforts,” Clark stated.
UNICEF is sending necessary supplies such as tents, hygiene kits, recreational kits, and health materials. They are ready to bring in more resources, pending support from partners.
Significant financial contributions have been made available, including $5 million from OCHA’s Central Emergency Relief Fund and an additional $10 million announced by UNOPS on Saturday for emergency response.
More updates on this story will follow…
Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2025/03/1161701
