Myanmar is reeling from the powerful earthquake that struck the country on Friday, March 28. One month after the deadly earthquake that devastated central Myanmar, there’s a pressing need for humanitarian assistance in a country simultaneously grieving and dealing with new concerns, including the impending cyclone and monsoon seasons.
Following the devastating earthquake, the country has experienced a total of 157 aftershocks in one month.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the 7.7 magnitude earthquake’s epicentre was located 16 km (10 miles) northwest of the town of Sagaing. The first earthquake struck at about 12.50 pm local time (6.20 am GMT), while the second came 12 minutes later, with a 6.4 magnitude. Since 1912, it was Myanmar’s strongest earthquake.
A month after Myanmar’s fatal earthquake, the humanitarian needs of hundreds of thousands of survivors remain severe, exacerbated by airstrikes apparently carried out by the military government despite ceasefires intended to aid relief work. Myanmar’s military State Administration Council (SAC) on April 2 announced a ceasefire to support humanitarian relief efforts.
According to the official daily Myanma Alinn, the death toll from the earthquake has climbed to 3,763, with 5,107 people injured and 110 people missing as of April 25.
According to a report in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, over 50,000 buildings have been destroyed, while many are at risk of collapse. More than 198,000 individuals have been displaced and continue to live outdoors in soaring temperatures.
Immediate humanitarian help remains critical, and the IFRC’s operations are now pivoting to address early recovery needs. This involves providing more permanent shelter that meets people’s basic requirements, long-term access to water and sanitation and assistance in restoring damaged livelihoods.
These requirements are becoming a major focus of the IFRC’s operations, working alongside the Myanmar Red Cross Society and Red Cross and Crescent partners, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
According to Nadia Khoury, Head of Delegation of the IFRC in Myanmar, “Initial assistance and comprehensive coverage of needs are essential to enable people to begin rebuilding their lives and livelihoods in a context where time is of the essence.”
According to a United Nations report, published on April 18, the earthquakes killed at least 3,700 people and injured 4,800 individuals.
Since the initial tremor, over 140 aftershocks — some as high as magnitude 5.9 — have hit the region, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on April 18.
According to the OCHA bulletin, the most vulnerable populations still lack safe shelter, adequate water and sanitation, reliable energy, healthcare, and other important services. “Frequent strong aftershocks continue to shake central Myanmar almost daily, increasing fear and uncertainty,” it added.
