A devastating earthquake has left thousands of families in Myanmar without shelter, water, or medical care three weeks after striking the country on March 28. The quake killed at least 3,700 people, injured 4,800 more, and left 129 still missing.
However, humanitarians warn that the true toll is likely much higher due to underreporting and data collection challenges. Over 140 aftershocks have rocked the region since the initial tremors, exacerbating the psychological toll on children and displaced families.
The situation has worsened as many families sleep outdoors exposed to elements and disease risks. The aftershocks have also disrupted response efforts, with fears that they may persist for months due to Myanmar’s high tectonic activity.
Basic needs remain unmet, with over 4.3 million people in need of clean water and sanitation. Water systems were severely damaged, causing widespread power outages and forcing residents to rely on unsafe sources. Malnutrition is a growing concern among children as food insecurity worsens.
The earthquakes have dealt a significant blow to Myanmar’s agricultural sector, particularly during its dry season. The hardest-hit regions produce a third of the country’s cereal output and four-fifths of its maize production. Damage to farmland and infrastructure threatens food production ahead of the monsoon planting season.
Humanitarian agencies and local responders have reached over 240,000 people with aid, but more needs to be done to address the scale and urgency of the disaster. The United Nations has launched a $275 million appeal to reach an additional 1.1 million people with urgent aid.
Source: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/04/1162401