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With a magnitude of 7.7, the 28 March earthquake was the strongest to hit Myanmar in nearly eight decades.
On 28 March 2025, Myanmar was struck by a catastrophic magnitude 7.7 earthquake, the biggest since 1946. It caused widespread destruction and a severe crisis across several regions. In the immediate aftermath, the Myanmar Information Management Unit (MIMU), a vital United Nations service hosted by UNDP, played a crucial role in supporting evidence-based decision-making. Within hours, MIMU had an emergency webpage ready, providing essential data and coordination support. We spoke with Ole Schack Hansen, Manager of MIMU, and Naing ‘Lin’ Kyaw, Communication and Reporting Officer, to learn more about their response.
How did MIMU respond right after the earthquake?
Lin: The earthquake struck at around 12:50 p.m., and by that same afternoon, our emergency page was live. We quickly compiled and shared critical information. Within three hours, we had basic impact maps, leveraging pre-existing population data, historical maps of previous earthquakes, and initial reports coming in. Our ICT colleague produced an interactive webmap with images and geolocation of damage, while GIS colleagues prepared an intensity map. These provided a first glimpse of the situation. Our team collated baseline data, such as administrative boundaries, infrastructure locations (roads, hospitals, schools) and population density figures based on the 2014 census, which remains the most comprehensive nationwide population dataset.
Within hours of the earthquake in Sagaing, the Myanmar Information Management Unit (MIMU) created an interactive web map documenting reported damage to support response operations.
What role does MIMU play in helping organizations communicate during the disaster?
Ole: MIMU was born back in 2007 out of the need for reliable, quality data. Over the years it has grown into a central hub for data and information management, which is crucial in a disaster response. We provided a neutral and accessible platform – our emergency webpage – where UN agencies and international NGOs and local civil society organizations could get up-to-date information. Not just the initial impact assessments and maps, including those produced by MIMU, but also information on infrastructure, and evolving needs assessments as they became available from partners. MIMU has a very wide reach through our e-mail list, Viber channel and website, so as we gather data, we create a crucial one-stop repository, where all can share their resources and find and use others’.
How did MIMU ensure the information shared was accurate and timely?
Lin: We employed a multi-layered approach. We cross-verified information from media reports, communications from our extensive network of partners, and preliminary satellite imagery. Our dedicated team worked very long hours in those early days, validating data before disseminating it through our established networks, reaching well over 4,000 humanitarian and development personnel, as well as dedicated online coordination platforms. We serve all UN agencies, and approximately 75 percent of our direct users are civil society organizations. In the immediate aftermath we produced maps in connection with the earthquake's epicentre, with overlays of population data at the lowest possible administrative unit with census data, allowing organizations to quickly make rough estimates of the numbers of people potentially affected.
What tools and methods did MIMU use to collect and analyse data?
Lin: Geospatial tools, including geographic information systems (GIS) software, analysis of satellite imagery, which we obtain through various partnerships, are central to our work. The MIMU P-code system is fundamental in geospatial analyses. It acts like a highly specific geographical identifier, assigning a unique code to each village tract, township and upwards across Myanmar. This is vital in a country with multiple languages and where many villages share similar names. We presented data through static maps initially, quickly followed by interactive online dashboards using Javascript libraries that allowed users to zoom in on specific areas. With the help of the P-code system it was simple and quick to add additional layers of geospatial information such as roads, bridges, health facilities and high voltage electricity lines correctly and to make rough estimates of the extent of infrastructure damage.
How did MIMU use geospatial data in its disaster response strategy?
Ole: We overlaid population figures with health facilities, roads, schools, hazard maps, and earthquake intensity estimates to gain a better understanding. This helped identify densely populated areas facing severe impact and potential access issues due to damaged infrastructure as well as identifying remote heavily affected areas that are far from medical facilities. We used social media and scraped news and media websites to generate early 'heat maps' of potential damage, providing an initial layer of information before formal assessments.
What challenges is MIMU facing in accessing or verifying field data?
Lin: The earthquake caused considerable damage to roads and communication networks, making physical access difficult and real-time communication unreliable in many areas. We relied on satellite imagery for an initial overview, and high-resolution satellite imagery is extremely expensive, so we are grateful for collaborations with the Japanese Space Agency via Sentinel Asia and other international partners who often provide crucial satellite imagery and data during disasters. However, satellite imagery needs to be complemented by ground-level information. To bridge this gap, we relied on local reports, personal sources and private citizens. We used social media monitoring, being mindful of the need to verify information from these sources. The lack of comprehensive and regularly updated baseline data at very localized levels also posed a challenge. Proper baseline data, detailing pre-disaster conditions, is crucial for effective damage and needs assessment after disasters, as it allows us to accurately measure the change and direct limited resources to where they are needed most effectively.
Geospatial tools, including geographic information systems software and satellite imagery, are central to the work of the MIMU.
What were the biggest logistical and operational challenges?
Ole: These were primarily related to the widespread disruption of communication networks and damage to transport routes. UN colleagues were able to adapt in a few places by using satellite phones where available. The inherent difficulty in verifying data on the ground, particularly in regions that are already facing access limitations due to ongoing conflict or other factors, remains a significant hurdle.
What’s the best part of your work?
Ole: We have 11 incredibly dedicated and technically highly skilled national staff in MIMU. They are deeply committed to this work. Despite operating in a very challenging context, they are constantly innovating, diligently gathering information, and making it readily available to those who need it. MIMU's core role is as a trusted repository and library for Myanmar's development and humanitarian information. National colleagues are extraordinarily qualified and possess an invaluable understanding of the local context, which is crucial for both effective development and humanitarian efforts. Their dedication and expertise are the driving force behind MIMU's ability to respond effectively in crisis.
