A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, with its epicenter  located just 17 km from Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, home to approximately 1.5 million people. The tremor caused widespread devastation, with multiple buildings collapsing, roads blocked by debris, and critical infrastructure severely damaged. 

Over 1,002 deaths and 2,306 injuries have been reported. These numbers are expected to rise as assessments continue and rescue efforts expand across affected areas. The earthquake has impacted millions, with an estimated 3.14 million people living within 50 km of the epicenter and 1.3 million exposed to severe shaking. Those residing within 20 km of the epicenter—approximately 560,000 people—face the highest risk of displacement, injury, and loss of life. 

Tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, nearly 900 km away, triggering panic and evacuations from high-rise buildings. A major aftershock, measuring 6.4 in magnitude, also struck compounding the destruction and further endangering those in the affected regions. The State Administration Council has declared a state of emergency in six of the worst-affected areas: Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, northeastern Shan State, Naypyidaw, and Bago. Initial reports indicate significant humanitarian needs, with people requiring urgent medical assistance, shelter, food, and clean water.

ActionAid's local partners are coordinating a rapid emergency response to reach those most affected as quickly as possible. In a country already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced by conflict and instability, the scale of this tragedy is unprecedented. Working with our partners in the most affected areas, like Mandalay and Sagaing, we are urgently assessing the damage and will be working with communities who have been most acutely impacted.

ActionAid’s work in Myanmar

ActionAid has been working with local partners in Myanmar since 2006. Through our partners we provide humanitarian relief, tackle gender-based violence and enable participation in democratic processes. Our work has a strong focus on women’s economic empowerment including access to seed banks and loans for women farmers. We also support national civil society organizations and grassroots groups led by women and young people.