On Friday, March 28th, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar in Southeast Asia and was immediately followed by a powerful 6.7-magnitude aftershock.
The earthquake has caused widespread damage throughout the region, forcing multiple families to evacuate their buildings due to the extensive damage and risk of collapse. More than 3,700 people have been confirmed dead, thousands have been injured, and at least 129 people remain missing. The quake caused widespread destruction, particularly in the Mandalay region and parts of the Magway and Sagaing regions. Many buildings—especially older homes, religious sites and public facilities—collapsed or sustained severe damage. Damage to infrastructure and landslides triggered by aftershocks have restricted access in some of the hardest-hit areas. Power outages and telecommunication disruptions have left communities isolated, further complicating emergency response efforts.
On March 31, International Medical Corps deployed an Emergency Response Team to the region to coordinate with international and local agencies, as well as government ministries, to deliver critical health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) assistance to affected populations. for services, International Medical Corps received authorization to deploy an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Type 1 Mobile unit—a self-sufficient outpatient health facility that can serve more than 50 patients a day. We established the EMT at the site of a destroyed 300-bed general hospital northeast of Nay Pyi Taw, where—due to the damage to the hospital—medical professionals had been forced to treat a surge of injured patients outdoors under extreme conditions, lacking essential resources and in daily temperatures exceeding 100°F (37.8°C).
To expand our reach and impact, International Medical Corps is also working with three local organizations to operate five mobile medical units (MMUs) to expand services in heavily damaged areas around Nay Pyi Taw and in other cities. The MMUs aim to serve an average of 500 people daily, addressing immediate healthcare needs.
Your support can help bring urgently needed relief to survivors of this deadly earthquake today. By supporting this project or creating a giving opportunity of your own, you can make a lifesaving difference for affected families affected in Myanmar.
*Please Note for recurring donations: Once we have determined that the community can continue to respond to the after-effects of this emergency without us, we will scale back our response efforts. At that time, we will redirect your future donations where they are needed most to help us respond to future outbreaks of conflict, disease or disaster.
