Last updated 25 September 2025
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025, causing further suffering for families and communities already facing severe humanitarian challenges.
The initial earthquake significantly affected the regions of Sagaing and Mandalay in Myanmar, with an estimated 17.2 million people living within the impact area. Hundreds of aftershocks, including one measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale, deepened the already dire humanitarian situation.
This crisis has touched millions of lives. 3,600 people were killed by the earthquake, a further 5,561 were injured and over 120,000 houses were damaged or destroyed. Families were separated and left without shelter, clean water or food. Some who still had homes were too traumatised to return for fear of further aftershocks causing more buildings to collapse. 640 healthcare facilities were damaged, with the system struggling to cope with the aftermath of the earthquake.
“20 million people live in the earthquake core zone, and these are people living in an environment where there's been conflict and unrest. The country has a lot of food insecurity and there was flooding last year. This is a crisis on top of a crisis and there are very many vulnerable people in Myanmar.” Richard Blewitt, executive director for International, British Red Cross.
Recovery will be a long and difficult process for the communities affected. The Myanmar Red Cross Society, supported by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, will be there to help with recovery for as long as we’re needed.
You can help support the long-term recovery of communities in Myanmar by donating to the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal.
Your donation will help people in Myanmar get the support they need. In the aftermath of the earthquake, teams from the Myanmar Red Cross Society responded immediately, helping with search and rescue efforts, as well as providing healthcare and humanitarian aid including food, water and shelter. 670 volunteers were mobilised locally allowing them to respond effectively and quickly.
As of September 2025, they have reached:
168,861 people with clean water and sanitation.
156,836 people with essential household items.
101,967 people with cash assistance.
86,470 people with essential medical care.
The British Red Cross is contributing to this essential recovery work. The best and quickest way to help those affected by the earthquakes is to donate to our appeal.
Long-term support in Myanmar
Recovery will be a long and difficult process - it will take many years. When the earthquake struck, communities were already recovering from unprecedented floods caused by Typhoon Yagi in July 2024. The Myanmar Red Cross Society, supported by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, will be there to help for as long as we’re needed.
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Gift Aid claimed on donations received in response to this appeal will be used to fund the whole of our work. In the event there are surplus funds raised for this appeal these will be used for the general charitable purposes of the British Red Cross.
An initial allocation of £250k has been made from the Disaster Fund to the IFRC Emergency Appeal. We will continue to monitor how much has been raised to the Disaster Fund to determine future allocations.
Image credit: Myanmar Red Cross
