Myanmar Earthquake | United Nations Development Programme

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Myanmar Earthquake

On March 28, a powerful earthquake struck along the Sagaing Fault, devastating communities across the Sagaing and Mandalay regions in Myanmar. At least 5 million people have been severely affected, with many in remote areas. Damage to vital transport infrastructure has cut off access to homes, markets, and essential services, worsening an already fragile situation. The disaster unfolds against a backdrop of conflict, displacement, and economic instability, further compounding vulnerabilities. It underscores the urgent need for a localized and adaptive response to address both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts.

UNDP's Response to the Earthquake in Myanmar

UNDP has been working with partners and UN agencies to support recovery efforts.

UNDP response to the earthquake in Myanmar

PDF (888kb)

Understanding Pre-existing Vulnerabilities

UNDP prepared an overview of the pre-existing vulnerabilities in Sagaing and Mandalay. It illustrates how the earthquake laid bare a landscape already marred by conflict, displacement, and economic instability. The article highlights how natural disasters can exacerbate existing hardships, deepening an already multifaceted crisis. For a nationwide picture, a recent analysis provides insights in Myanmar’s Enduring Polycrisis.

Stay up-to-date with this emergency resource page hosted by UNDP in Myanmar, which collects various resources to support an effective emergency response by development and humanitarian actors in Myanmar.

Website layout for Myanmar Information Management Unit with navigation options and a map.

Photo Gallery

A large construction machine operates near a collapsed building, surrounded by debris.

Herd of sheep grazing near a riverbank with a bridge in the background.

A busy outdoor market with shaded stalls and customers gathered under trees.

Collapsed building debris with a crane, workers, and construction site in the background.

How is UNDP supporting early recovery in Myanmar?

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In the news

29 March 2025: BBC News Services: Interview of UN ASG Kanni Wignaraja

31 March 2025: Al Jazeera. Newshour: Interview of UN ASG Kanni Wignaraja

2 April 2025: Al Jazeera. Newshour:Interview of UNDP Myanmar RR Titon Mitra

2 April 2025: BBC World News America: Interview of UN ASG Kanni Wignaraja

3 April 2025: BBC World Newsday: Interview of UNDP Myanmar RR Titon Mitra