Title: Myanmar Earthquake Aftermath: Thousands Still in Crisis Weeks Later
More than three weeks after powerful earthquakes struck central Myanmar on 28 March, the humanitarian situation remains dire. At least 3,700 people are confirmed dead, with 4,800 injured and 129 still missing. However, aid agencies caution that the actual death toll is likely much higher due to underreporting and persistent difficulties in data collection.
Since the initial quake, over 140 aftershocks—some registering up to magnitude 5.9—have further destabilized the region. According to a recent bulletin from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), these ongoing tremors are taking a severe psychological toll, especially on children and displaced families.
“Frequent and strong aftershocks continue to rattle central Myanmar almost daily, deepening fear and uncertainty,” OCHA reported. Many families are still forced to sleep outdoors, vulnerable to the elements, disease, and venomous animals.
Efforts to deliver aid have been hampered by the unstable conditions, and experts warn that aftershocks could persist for months due to Myanmar’s tectonic volatility.
Basic Needs Still Unmet
The humanitarian crisis extends far beyond the initial destruction. More than 4.3 million people are now in urgent need of access to clean water and proper sanitation. The earthquakes destroyed key infrastructure, including over 42,000 latrines, and widespread power outages have left many without access to pumped water.
With clean water systems out of commission, residents have turned to potentially contaminated sources, significantly raising the risk of waterborne diseases. Malnutrition, particularly among children, is becoming increasingly worrisome as food insecurity deepens and nutritional support remains disrupted.
Education has also suffered, with hundreds of classrooms damaged or destroyed. As the new school year approaches in June, repairs and restoration of hygiene facilities are critical to ensuring a safe learning environment for returning students.
Agricultural Devastation Threatens Food Security
The earthquakes struck at a critical time—during Myanmar’s dry season—in an area that plays a vital role in the country’s agriculture. The affected regions account for approximately one-third of Myanmar’s cereal production and 80% of its maize output.
Farmland and agricultural infrastructure have been heavily damaged, putting the upcoming monsoon planting season and future harvests in jeopardy.
“Livelihoods have been upended due to widespread damage to farmland, essential infrastructure and income-generating businesses,” OCHA stated.
In Mandalay, one of the hardest-hit regions, UNICEF teams are working with local communities to provide clean water and educate residents about water purification methods.
Humanitarian Response Under Strain
Despite harsh conditions, humanitarian organizations and local responders have reached more than 240,000 people with emergency aid, including food, medical supplies, and other essentials, as of 18 April. Over 100 tonnes of medical supplies have been distributed, and mobile health units are providing trauma care and mental health support in the worst-affected areas.
Still, OCHA emphasizes that the scale and urgency of the disaster require significantly more resources, access, and coordinated support.
To address the growing needs, the United Nations launched a $275 million emergency appeal last week with the goal of assisting an additional 1.1 million people with life-saving aid. This comes on top of a $1.1 billion humanitarian response plan announced in December 2024, aimed at helping 5.5 million of Myanmar’s most vulnerable populations affected by conflict and chronic hardship.
As the crisis stretches on, humanitarian agencies stress the need for accelerated response efforts to prevent further suffering and help communities begin the path to recovery.
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