Rescuers search for survivors in damaged government staff housing buildings following an earthquake in Naypyidaw. (NYEIN CHAN NAING/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)
On 28th March 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, with its epicenter 10 miles northwest of Sagaing, near Mandalay. The quake occurred at 12:50 p.m. local time and was followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock 12 minutes later. The tremors caused significant damage in multiple cities, leading to the collapse of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. Myanmar has declared a state of emergency and appealed for international aid. Countless lives were affected by the earthquake, adding to the existing humanitarian needs of 19.9 million people.
More than 1,600 people are reported to be killed and over 3,400 people injured. These figures are expected to increase as more information becomes available from the affected regions.
The situation in all affected regions remains dire, with survivors in urgent need of shelter, clean water, medical care, and protection.
A staff member from Oxfam in Myanmar, currently on the ground in Mandalay, reported firsthand the catastrophic destruction caused by the earthquake: “The ground shook violently beneath my feet. Buildings around me began to collapse, and I could hear the cries of people running. It's impossible to describe the horror and helplessness felt as I watched families desperately trying to escape the destruction. It’s a nightmare for me. People are scared, injured, and in urgent need of aid. The scale of this tragedy is beyond what we could have ever imagined,” she said.
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Oxfam is working closely with local partners to ensure that aid reaches those most in need as quickly and effectively as possible. Our priority remains clear: to save lives, preserve dignity, and prevent further suffering among communities facing unimaginable loss.