Last updated: 03 April 2025
Oxfam need your support to reach people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar. This is an urgent appeal for help.
On 28th March 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, with its epicenter 10 miles northwest of Sagaing, near Mandalay. The quake occurred at 12.50 p.m. local time and was followed by a 6.4 magnitude 12 minutes aftershock.
The tremors caused significant damage in multiple cities, leading to the collapse of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. Myanmar has declared a state of emergency and has appealed for international aid. Countless lives were affected by the earthquake, adding to the existing humanitarian needs of nearly 20 million people.
What's happening in Myanmar?
- More than 2000 people are confirmed to have died and thousands of people injured. These figures are expected to increase as more information becomes available from the affected regions.
- Before the earthquake, around 20 million people in Myanmar were already in need of humanitarian assistance. The earthquake adds another layer of suffering to an already fragile situation.
- The earthquake has led to more destruction of infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and schools. People who are already struggling now face additional challenges in terms of shelter, food, and healthcare.
- Communication networks in Myanmar have also been significantly impacted by the earthquake. Many areas, especially rural ones, are experiencing disruptions in phone lines and internet connectivity, making it difficult for people to access vital information. In urban areas, connectivity is minimal and unstable, further complicating relief efforts.
How is Oxfam responding?
Oxfam in Myanmar has an emergency humanitarian response underway, to help people affected by the earthquake.
First-response supplies—including hygiene kits, dignity kits, and family kits—are already being dispatched to the worst-affected areas to meet immediate needs and support survivors through this critical period.
Oxfam’s priority is to save lives, preserve dignity, and prevent further suffering among communities facing unimaginable loss.
"While Oxfam and partners are focused on providing emergency relief, the magnitude of this disaster requires a broader, coordinated global response to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery. The full scale of the earthquake’s destruction is still emerging, but we need swift humanitarian assistance to help survivors begin rebuilding their lives with dignity. ”
Rajan Khosla, Country Director, Oxfam in Myanmar
What your donations will do
Your donation will get life-saving and dignity giving supplies to earthquake survivors in Myanmar. The most urgent needs include emergency shelter food, clean water, sanitation and hygiene kits.
As part of the immediate response, Oxfam and local partners have already reached thousands of families in the worst affected areas by providing bottled water, hygiene and dignity kits, mosquito nets and blankets.