Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Mounts as Aftershocks Persist
A series of devastating earthquakes that struck central Myanmar on March 28 has left a trail of destruction and despair in its wake, with the confirmed death toll standing at 3,700 people, and a further 4,800 injured, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The true extent of the disaster, however, is likely to be far higher due to underreporting and ongoing challenges in collecting and verifying data.
The initial tremors were followed by over 140 aftershocks, some measuring as high as 5.9 in magnitude, which have exacerbated the psychological toll on children and displaced families. "Frequent strong aftershocks continue to shake central Myanmar almost daily, increasing fear and uncertainty," OCHA warned in a bulletin issued on Friday. Many families are still forced to sleep outdoors, exposed to the elements and at risk of disease and venomous insect and snake bites.
The aftershocks have also hindered response efforts, with concerns that they may persist for months given Myanmar’s location in a highly tectonically active region. The situation is further complicated by the fact that over 4.3 million people urgently require clean water and sanitation, as the earthquakes severely damaged water systems, collapsed over 42,000 latrines, and caused widespread power outages that have halted water pumping in many areas.
The damage to water systems has forced residents to rely on unsafe sources, heightening the risk of waterborne illnesses. Malnutrition is also a growing concern, particularly among children, as food insecurity worsens and nutrition support becomes harder to deliver. Education infrastructure has also been severely impacted, with hundreds of damaged classrooms requiring clearance, repair, or rebuilding, and clean water, toilets, and basic hygiene facilities restored before students can safely return.
The earthquakes struck during Myanmar’s dry season, in one of the country’s most important agricultural belts. The hardest-hit regions are responsible for a third of the country’s cereal production and four-fifths of its maize output. Damage to farmland and supporting infrastructure now threatens food production just as the monsoon planting season approaches. "Livelihoods have been upended due to widespread damage to farmland, essential infrastructure, and other income-generating businesses," OCHA said.
As reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), despite difficult conditions, humanitarian agencies and local responders have reached over 240,000 people with food, medical supplies, and essential items, as of April 18. Over 100 tonnes of medical supplies have been delivered, and mobile health teams are providing trauma care and psychosocial support in the hardest-hit areas. However, OCHA emphasised that despite these efforts, the scale and urgency of the disaster demand far greater action, resources, and access.
In response to the crisis, the United Nations launched a $275 million appeal last week to reach an additional 1.1 million people with urgent aid. This request is on top of the $1.1 billion humanitarian response plan launched in December 2024 to help 5.5 million of the most vulnerable people suffering the effects of conflict and long-standing hardship. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the road to recovery will be long and challenging for the people of Myanmar.
The images coming out of the region are heart-wrenching, with UNICEF staff members and villagers working together to demonstrate the use of water purification tablets to communities in Mandalay, one of the regions hardest hit by the disaster. The international community must continue to rally behind the people of Myanmar, providing vital support and resources to help them rebuild and recover in the face of this devastating disaster.
Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
