Update on the situation in Myanmar following the earthquake
On 28 March 2025, Myanmar was hit by an earthquake of a magnitude not seen in a century (7.7 on the Richter scale), mainly affecting the central part of the country along a north-south axis. It destroyed or damaged many residential buildings, particularly in the Mandalay metropolitan area. More than 35% of the city’s buildings were affected, with some neighbourhoods completely destroyed by explosions following the collapse of buildings. Residents were left homeless, unable to return to their homes. They needed water, food and temporary shelter on pavements, in stadiums and other open spaces. The danger of collapse was all the greater as there were more than 200 aftershocks of varying intensity, further weakening the buildings for several weeks after 28 March. Programme managers asked us to distribute food aid and drinking water, but also autonomous electrical equipment (solar panels), as electricity was needed to pump water and provide light at night to keep people safe.
Today, 25% of people are still living on the streets in temporary shelters, unable to return to their homes or leave the city to live elsewhere. The work of assessing buildings, demolishing them and then rebuilding them will take a long time, and the authorities will struggle to carry out this work, just as they have been unable to effectively manage the rescue efforts and allow humanitarian aid to be delivered. The military authorities wanted relief and renovation/construction work to be concentrated in Nay Pi Daw, the capital, which was also badly affected, although this was not reported. The earthquake was even named the ‘Mandalay earthquake’ to divert attention from the capital. The work of humanitarian workers and international organisations was hampered by communication and connection difficulties, transport problems and a lack of administrative authorisation. Furthermore, despite the declaration of a mutual ceasefire, the military continued its bombing, particularly in the area affected by the earthquake, and opponents continued their resistance.
The consequences of this disaster are compounded by existing difficulties, such as inflation, daily struggles to survive (a total of 20 million people in the country, or 35% of the population, are in need of humanitarian aid), and the number of internally displaced persons, which is expected to reach 4 million by the end of 2025. This earthquake comes at a time of fear, mistrust and multiple difficulties due to civil unrest. It is fair to say that the people of Myanmar did not need this natural disaster, which is traditionally believed in Buddhism to be a manifestation of the spirits’ anger. Nevertheless, a great outpouring of generosity from certain wealthy classes within the country has emerged to support communities in need.
Children of the Mekong was able to act in its own way – i.e. in a targeted and rapid manner, drawing on its local network – and respond to some of the requests. Around 14,000 people received aid totalling €163,485 thanks to an emergency fund set up by a large number of individual donors.
Thank you for your generous support following the earthquake in Myanmar.
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