March 28, 2025 — A major earthquake, measuring 7.7, has shocked Myanmar, with tremors felt in Thailand and Bangladesh. International Rescue Committee (IRC) teams, together with local partners, are working to understand the extent of the damage in central Myanmar and Shan State and preparing to provide emergency assistance.
Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in six regions, and at least 80 people are reported to have died. Prior to the earthquake, much of the country experienced regular electricity shortages, which will be exacerbated alongside disruption in transport and road infrastructure. The number of displaced is not yet known but IRC teams in Myanmar anticipate that humanitarian needs will include medical assistance, shelter, emergency items such as blankets, food, clean water, and cash support.
Mohammed Riyas, IRC Myanmar Director, said,
“The impact of the earthquake in Myanmar is likely to be severe, with possibly thousands of displaced people in need of urgent shelter, food and medical aid. We fear it may be weeks before we understand the full extent of destruction caused by this earthquake, as communication network lines are down and transport is disrupted. The damage to infrastructure and homes, loss of life, and injuries sustained by communities affected should not be underestimated.
“The IRC is monitoring the situation and working closely with partners to understand how communities have been affected with a view to launching an emergency response. Search and rescue operations are underway.
“There are already more than 19 million people in humanitarian need in Myanmar, which ranked third in the IRC’S annual Emergency Watchlist 2025. People across the country are affected by widespread violence, with many living in displacement camps or experiencing food insecurity. The health system has been decimated by conflict, overwhelmed by outbreaks of cholera and other diseases. The added stress of meeting the needs of those who have been injured in the earthquake is going to cause unparalleled strain on already stretched resources.”
The IRC initiated an emergency response in Myanmar following Cyclone Nargis in 2008. The IRC has worked with local partners to expand its activities since then, serving people who have been affected by the escalating conflict since February 2021, as well as marginalized and stateless communities displaced previously.