Two weeks after a devastating series of earthquakes struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025, more than 3,600 people are confirmed dead, 4,800 injured, and 141 still missing. Over two million people are in urgent need of assistance and protection.
The earthquake and repeated aftershocks have caused extensive destruction across the Mandalay and Sagaing regions. Homes, health facilities, and essential infrastructure have collapsed; roads and bridges are damaged or blocked, and prolonged power and water outages are affecting entire communities. With many areas still cut off, delivering aid remains a significant challenge.
Families who have lost everything are now sheltering outdoors, exposed to temperatures exceeding 42°C and early seasonal rains. The approaching monsoon brings further danger, with flooding and contaminated water sources expected to increase already serious health risks.
“Families are experiencing enormous distress, loss, and fear,” says Caroline Brennan of Catholic Relief Services, currently in Myanmar. “Their focus is on feeding their children and keeping them safe from disease and harm, especially when living outdoors.”
Health concerns are growing. Displacement, overcrowding, and lack of clean water are creating conditions for a public health emergency. Cholera and other waterborne diseases are a growing threat, particularly for those already weakened by food shortages. Hygiene kits, safe water, and sanitation are urgently needed to prevent the spread of illness.
The earthquake has also severely affected food security. Many of the most affected communities were already struggling with displacement, conflict,t and the impact of a typhoon in late 2024. The earthquake struck at the start of the lean season, when food stocks are low and families are already under pressure. Markets have been disrupted, and farming areas have been impacted. Preliminary reports indicate that around 3.7 million hectares of cropland and more than 3.6 million cattle and buffalo have been affected. The impacted regions account for a large share of Myanmar’s maize, rice, and livestock production. Damage to irrigation systems, especially in the central dry zone, is expected to affect the next planting cycle and delay recovery.
Beyond the physical losses, the emotional impact is becoming more visible. Families are living with grief, fear, and exhaustion, many after being displaced several times by conflict or past disasters. Crowded shelters, lost loved ones, and an uncertain future are all adding to the strain.
In the middle of this crisis, the local Church has remained a steady presence in affected communities. Through years of service, care, and connection, it holds strong relationships that are helping bring people together, coordinate support, deliver emergency aid, and offer emotional and spiritual care to families facing uncertainty and loss.
With support from Caritas members across the network, local Church teams have carried out assessments and reached displaced families with essential supplies. These have included fortified biscuits, high-energy packs, dried noodles, tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets, kitchen sets, clean water through Aquatabs and buckets, hygiene kits, and cash assistance to help cover basic needs. Looking ahead, priorities for emergency efforts will include food, shelter, clean water, hygiene, cash support, livelihoods, and psychosocial care.
