Myanmar Earthquake Appeal

In March, 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 extensive damage in multiple cities, leading to the collapse of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. Myanmar declared a state of emergency and appealed for international aid. Countless lives were affected by the earthquake, adding to the existing humanitarian needs of nearly 20 million people.

• The disaster claimed the lives of over 3,800 people and injured more than 5,000.
• Aftershocks continued causing further fear and devastation.
• Before the earthquake, around 20 million people in Myanmar were already in need of humanitarian assistance. The earthquake added another layer of suffering to an already fragile situation.
• The earthquake led to more destruction of infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and schools. People who were already struggling now face additional challenges in terms of shelter, food, and healthcare.
• Communication networks in Myanmar were also been significantly impacted by the earthquake. Many areas, especially rural ones, experienced 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.

Oxfam in Myanmar with local partners set up an immediate emergency response underway in the aftermath of the earthquake, to reach those most affected.

First-response supplies – including hygiene kits, dignity kits, and family kits – were dispatched to the worst-affected areas to meet immediate needs and support survivors through the critical period.

The team continues to deliver other vital assistance to affected communities such as food, water, and cash assistance across Mandalay, Sagaing, and other areas, as well as support with early recovery efforts.

In some affected areas, Oxfam and local partners have set up communal kitchens to deliver meals, provide shelter supplies such as tarpaulins, blankets, and mosquito nets.

Local partners, team members, and volunteers have been key in this emergency response and recovery, ensuring no one is left behind.

Your donation has helped get life-saving and dignity-giving supplies to earthquake survivors in Myanmar.

As part of the 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.

Early recovery efforts include working alongside communities on longer-term activity such as construction of water and sanitation facilities, including toilets, water tanks and water supply systems.

For every £1 you donate to this emergency appeal, we will allocate 9p of your donation to cover general support and running costs. There is a small chance that we will raise more money than is needed for this appeal. If this happens, we’ll spend any additional funds on other Oxfam projects – wherever the need is greatest.