Myanmar: Three weeks after the earthquake, the emergency persists

31/03/2025

On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, followed by almost daily aftershocks. The epicenter, located between Mandalay and Sagaing, has left millions in distress. The toll continues to rise: over 3,700 people have died, 4,800 are injured, and 129 remain missing. For many displaced families, life remains dangerously fragile—and the looming monsoon season only adds to the urgency.

Living under plastic sheets, exposed to heat and disease

Three weeks on, thousands of families are still sleeping outdoors, without proper shelter or sanitation. With scorching heat, early rains, and no access to clean water or toilets, health risks are mounting. Children, the elderly, and vulnerable individuals are especially at risk as waterborne illnesses spread and healthcare systems are overwhelmed.

We’re now living by the roadside under a plastic sheet. There’s no safety. My two-year-old won’t eat since the quake—he only breastfeeds. When it rains, we get soaked, and many fall sick.

Daw Htet Htet, displaced from Mandalay

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A crisis that touches every aspect of life

The devastation stretches beyond homes. Over 3.7 million hectares of farmland have been damaged, threatening the livelihoods of entire communities. Roads, markets, and irrigation systems are down, and economic recovery is stalling.

Meanwhile, hundreds of schools have been destroyed or severely damaged. With the school year set to resume in June, families urgently need temporary learning spaces and restored hygiene facilities.

Caritas responds

Caritas International is working hand-in-hand with its local partner, Caritas and the Church in Myanmar to respond to urgent needs across the most affected areas. Caritas is providing:

Emergency kits including shelter materials, hygiene items, food and drinking water
Direct cash assistance to families to cover basic needs
Technical assessments for transitional shelters and repairs to damaged water systems

Families have lost everything. Their focus is on survival—feeding their children and keeping them safe from disease, especially with the monsoon approaching. We must act now to prevent a second disaster.

Caroline Brennan, ofthe Catholic Relief Services (CRS), from the field.

Your support is crucial to respond to the emergency

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps provide life-saving assistance to people who have lost everything. Your support means direct aid—safe shelter, food, water, and a chance to rebuild.

Donate online or via bank transfer to BE 88 0000 0000 4141, with the reference “5115 Myanmar”.