Massive Earthquakes Strike Myanmar: Over 1,600 Dead as UN Ramps Up Emergency Response
Two powerful earthquakes—measuring 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude—have devastated central Myanmar, affecting regions northwest of Sagaing. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Saturday that hospitals in the affected regions are overwhelmed and that critical health infrastructure has sustained extensive damage.
The impact spans across Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Northeastern Shan, and Sagaing regions. Communication infrastructure has collapsed in several areas, with internet services down in Mandalay. Both land and air travel routes have been severely disrupted, hindering emergency response efforts.
Healthcare providers and humanitarian partners are urgently mobilizing resources, including the deployment of mobile surgical and medical teams and the setup of field hospitals aimed at providing emergency and life-saving care to those injured in the disaster.
Trapped Under Rubble
Initial reports indicate that hundreds of people remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Among them are at least 50 construction workers in Bangkok, Thailand, who are currently unaccounted for. In Mandalay alone, over 90 residents are believed to be buried in the debris of a fallen apartment building.
Authorities have also reported structural damage to around 1,690 homes, 670 monasteries, 60 schools, and three bridges. There is growing alarm over the stability of several large-scale dams in the quake-affected areas.
Ongoing Civil Unrest Compounds Crisis
Myanmar, which has been engulfed in civil conflict since the military coup in February 2021, now faces an even more dire humanitarian emergency. The military government has appealed for urgent international assistance. Yet, opposition groups report that military airstrikes have continued in some regions, including in Sagaing, even after the quake.
UN Strengthens Emergency Operations
In response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating the deployment of Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) into Myanmar. These teams are expected to provide trauma kits, blood transfusion supplies, anesthesia, medical equipment, essential medications, and tents for health workers.
Marcoluigi Corsi, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, expressed his condolences and support for the people of Myanmar in an official statement. “The UN and its partners are urgently mobilizing to support emergency response efforts and stand ready to assist all affected communities wherever they are,” he stated.
Corsi emphasized that the country was already facing grave humanitarian challenges prior to the disaster. “Myanmar had been reeling from an ongoing crisis due to conflict and natural disasters. The people now face an even more urgent need for the full support of the international community.”
Existing Aid Stockpiles Help Initial Effort
Speaking to UN News from Yangon, Corsi noted that approximately 20 million people have been affected by the earthquakes. Fortunately, humanitarian organizations already have a significant presence in the affected areas, such as Mandalay and Naypyidaw, and can draw from pre-positioned aid stockpiles despite logistical difficulties.
He also pointed out that Myanmar had recently experienced devastating floods and a cyclone in 2023. “The resilience of communities continues to be eroded,” Corsi said, calling for increased international aide. “Now more than ever, the people of Myanmar need global support.”
Children Among the Most Vulnerable
Trevor Clark, UNICEF’s Regional Chief of Emergency Operations, warned that children are facing increasingly dire circumstances in the wake of the catastrophe. “This earthquake has intensified the suffering of children already living in crisis. Homes and infrastructure are destroyed, and urgent aid is needed,” Clark said.
UNICEF is actively distributing lifesaving materials including tents, tarpaulins, hygiene and health kits, and recreational supplies for children. Clark emphasized that UNICEF stands ready to bring in additional supplies, but urgent financial support is required to expand their efforts.
Funding and Support Already Underway
To jumpstart the emergency response, OCHA’s Central Emergency Relief Fund has released $5 million. Additionally, UNOPS announced a $10 million contribution from donor funds to support partner organizations on the ground.
The extensive damage and urgent needs following the 7.7 magnitude quake underline the critical need for swift and coordinated international humanitarian assistance.
Click here to donate to the UN emergency appeal for Myanmar.
Photo Caption: Widespread structural damage caused by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in central Myanmar.
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