Families still reeling after devastating earthquake in Myanmar
Powerful earthquake a further blow to children and families.
The devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar in March 2025 killed more than 3,600 people and injured over 5,000. Millions of people in earthquake-affected areas remain in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, grappling not only with the devastation of the quake, but also with the ongoing impacts of conflict and insecurity.
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Updated 25 July 2025
What happened?
On 28 March 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, and was quickly followed by a powerful aftershock of magnitude 6.4. The disaster ravaged vast areas where more than 17 million people live, including 5.6 million children — many already facing conflict, displacement, and deprivation. Many children remain separated from their families, or unaccompanied in the aftermath.
Homes, schools, and critical infrastructure sustained severe damage. Tens of thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed. More than three months since the earthquake, many children are still sleeping outdoors in overcrowded and unsafe conditions — exposed to harsh weather, disease, and ongoing psychological distress
Vital power, communications and transport infrastructure were also disrupted for many communities, while the destruction of health facilities significantly reduced access to essential nutrition services, including lifesaving interventions and preventive services for acute malnutrition.
The earthquake and aftershocks struck communities already grappling with conflict, mass displacement, and deepening poverty – further intensifying a crisis that had already left more than 6.5 million children in need of humanitarian assistance across the country.
How is UNICEF responding?
UNICEF teams remain on the ground in the hardest-hit areas, working hand-in-hand with local community partners to deliver life-saving support where it’s needed most. From safe water and healthcare to education, nutrition, and child protection, UNICEF teams are reaching children and families across affected areas — but the scale of need remains immense. So far, UNICEF support has included:
- Delivering life-saving supplies, including medical kits, tents, and nutrition products.
- Providing temporary access to safe water – primarily through the rapid delivery of water purification supplies – and supplying critical hygiene items.
- Distributing essential learning packages and roofing sheets for temporary learning spaces.
- Providing mental health and psychosocial support through child-friendly spaces, community outreach, and trained volunteers.
