Devastating earthquake in Myanmar: ICRC responds to help people on the ground
Thousands of people have been confirmed dead, with many more injured, and countless others displaced or missing after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on 28 March. Rescue operations are ongoing after the quake left a trail of destruction across several regions, including Mandalay, Sagaing and Shan State – compounding the suffering of people in areas already grappling with armed conflict, violence and instability.
Entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble. Homes, hospitals, schools, bridges, and essential infrastructure have been destroyed. Many people have lost access to health care, clean water, and even the ability to contact their loved ones. In some areas, temperatures are soaring above 40°C, intensifying the suffering of those left without shelter.
Reaching those in urgent need
Amid this devastation, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), together with the Myanmar Red Cross Society and Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, is delivering life-saving support.
Our priority is to reach those in urgent need across the region, ensuring that families receive essential aid during this difficult time.
In Mandalay, where the ICRC has an operational sub-delegation with 45 staff, teams have been on the ground from the outset – working side-by-side with local responders and coordinating with health authorities to reach those in urgent need.
Emergency medical aid for the injured
On 30 March, just two days after the quake, a joint Red Cross convoy left Yangon carrying vital emergency supplies. This included:
- Six emergency health kits, each capable of covering the medical needs of 10,000 people for three months
- 600 body bags for the dignified recovery and identification of the deceased
- Support for Myanmar Red Cross emergency teams conducting search-and-rescue and first aid operations
Essential items for those helping on the front lines
After discussions with frontliners and analyzing the situation on the ground, we have provided the following essential items to assist in their work:
- Helmets and heavy duty gloves,
- Ropes, goggles, and items to assist in the search
- Stretchers to carry the wounded.
Safe Water, Sanitation and Disease Prevention
Access to clean water is critical in any emergency. To reduce the risk of cholera and diarrhoea outbreaks, the ICRC and Myanmar Red Cross are:
- Deploying water treatment units in Mandalay, Sagaing and Nay Pyi Taw to reach 2,500 people
- Distributing chlorine tablets and repairing water systems
- Training local staff to safely operate water treatment systems
Providing Shelter and Essential Supplies
ICRC emergency stocks pre-positioned near the epicenter are now being mobilized to support communities left with nothing. These include:
- Food rations (rice, pulses, and oil)
- Tarpaulins and essential household kits
- Plans for distributions are already underway to reach the most vulnerable families
Helping Families Reconnect
In crises like this, families are often torn apart. The ICRC and Red Cross partners are ready to help people reconnect with missing loved ones through the Restoring Family Links programme.
Urgent help needed in Myanmar
Following the devastating earthquake that has struck Myanmar and bordering regions,t he scale of destruction is overwhelming — many are injured, displaced, or missing, with casualty numbers rising by the hour. With your support, we can bring life-saving aid where it’s needed the most.
Thank you for your generous support.
