Myanmar Earthquake: How to Help
Project HOPE is responding to the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, which has caused catastrophic damage, a significant loss of life, and created urgent humanitarian needs.
>> Read our latest situation report
>> Our statement on mobilizing a response
What We Know
- A deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake has struck Myanmar with early reports pointing to catastrophic damage
- Prior to the earthquake, nearly 20 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance and over 3 million people were internally displaced
- WASH services, medication, and food are expected to be disrupted
- The U.S. Geological Survey has forecasted a death toll of over 10,000 and warned of potential landslides.
- The mental health impacts of earthquakes can be severe for children and leave a lasting impact
On Friday, March 28, 2025, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook Myanmar, followed by strong aftershocks measuring 6.4-magnitude. This marks the strongest earthquake experienced in Myanmar in over 100 years. The current death toll is already increasing into the hundreds and will likely climb once news is received from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city, which is close to the epicenter of the earthquake. The United States Geological Survey has estimated the likely death toll to exceed 10,000 individuals, if not more.
Reports of extensive damage are starting to come out of Myanmar, though the full extent is not yet known due to the lack of working communication systems and electricity. In Mandalay, multiple buildings, a bridge, and a monastery have collapsed. The disaster may be compounded in lowland areas after reports of a dam having burst near Mandalay.
Mandalay General Hospital is operational and has been receiving such a high influx of patients that dozens are being treated in the parking lot in over 100-degree temperatures. A shortage of supplies has been reported at hospitals near the epicenter of the earthquake and a state of emergency has been put in place across six central states of Myanmar including Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Easter Shan, Mayway, and Naypyidaw.
The local government has requested assistance from the international community and the United Nations system has already activated a response. The earthquake was felt as far as China and Thailand, where assessments of potentially damaged buildings are being conducted. In Bangkok, an apartment tower collapsed, trapping over 100 construction workers below. Rescue efforts in Bangkok continued through the night.
“This is a historic earthquake in a country that has long had a history of adversity — where millions were already displaced and tens of millions were already in need of humanitarian aid — making the consequences of this disaster even more catastrophic.”
– Arlan Fuller, Director of Emergency Response
Project HOPE is Responding
Project HOPE has local staff on the ground in Myanmar responding in the face of urgent health and humanitarian needs. Our local staff are coordinating with local partners and humanitarian coordination mechanisms in advance of an imminent deployment of aid personnel and relief supplies.
Project HOPE’s partner, SAMU, is on standby to deploy mobile medical teams as a certified World Health Organization Emergency Medical Team and a search-and-rescue team, if specifically requested by the government of Myanmar. Project HOPE has deployed SAMU in prior earthquake responses to provide search and rescue capabilities, including to Türkiye and Morocco.
Project HOPE’s Emergency Response Team is preparing to rapidly implement health-supporting activities, including but not limited to the deployment of health workers and the delivery of essential medicines, medical supplies, and other critical resources.
Project HOPE has responded to several earthquake disasters in recent years including the 2023 Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria, the 2023 earthquake in Morocco, and the 2022 earthquake in Indonesia.
