On March 28th, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, destroying buildings and major infrastructure.
Photo cred: IFRC
In the wake of a devastating earthquake in Myanmar, the Red Cross-Red Crescent network has swiftly mobilized to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the affected communities. With widespread destruction across multiple regions, the Myanmar Red Cross Society, supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and other national societies, is leading efforts to provide life-saving relief and early recovery support.
On March 28, a massive earthquake, registering a 7.7 in magnitude, struck central Myanmar, sending tremors as far as India and Vietnam with the strongest being felt in Thailand and Yunnan Province, China. The regions of Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Naypyitaw, Bago and Southern Shan were among the hardest hit. Multi-story buildings crumbled. The historic Ava Bridge, connecting Sagaing and Mandalay collapsed. Whole communities are left in ruins.
Early estimates suggest as many as 18 million people may be without safe shelter, access to clean water or reliable healthcare. Tragically, to date, over 1,600 lives have been lost, more the 3,400 injured and hundreds more reported missing. This catastrophe further compounds the challenges the country has been facing as result of armed conflict, political instability and past disasters including the 2024 flood caused by Typhoon Yagi.
“This is not just a disaster; it is a complex humanitarian crisis layered over existing vulnerabilities,” said Alexander Matheou, regional director for Asia Pacific at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. “Myanmar continues to face internal displacement and food insecurity. This earthquake exacerbates an already fragile situation.”
The Myanmar Red Cross Society immediately activated its Emergency Operations Center and deployed volunteers to the most affected areas of Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyitaw in response to the event and has since deployed additional mobile health teams with mental health and psychosocial support teams soon to follow.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is working to scale up life-saving relief and early recovery support for survivors over the next 24 months including interventions of multipurpose cash grants, livelihood recovery, WASH facility rehabilitation, relief item distribution and health services.
Early-stage damage assessments are underway but damage to roads and infrastructure continues to delay efforts. The movement’s primary focus at the time remains search-and-rescue, providing pre-hospital care and first aid, the distribution of relief items like, blankets, tarpaulins, and hygiene kits, and working closely with the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) to help locate missing family members through the Restoring Family Links program.
“The global community must step forward to support a bold and sustained response,” Matheou added.
With temperatures rising and the monsoon season approaching in just weeks, there is an urgent need to stabilize affected communities before secondary crises emerge. Alongside the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network, the American Red Cross stands ready to support the Myanmar Red Cross.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
