On Friday, March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s ancient royal capital. Just 12 minutes later, a 6.4 aftershock followed. Mandalay, home to about 1.5 million people, was among the worst-hit areas.
Tremors rippled across the country and into neighbouring nations. In Thailand’s capital, Bangkok—over 600 miles away—residents felt intense shaking and evacuated high-rise buildings. CARE Thailand’s office was among those affected.
In Myanmar, damage was reported in Mandalay, Sagaing, Yangon, Naypyitaw, Aungban, Nyaung Shwe (Inle), Kyaukse, Magway, and Taunggyi. Buildings collapsed, debris littered streets, and historic landmarks like the Ava Bridge were impacted.
“This powerful quake struck a country already in crisis, with 19.9 million people in need of humanitarian assistance,” said Arif Noor, CARE Myanmar Country Director. “The response remains significantly underfunded, and this disaster has only worsened an already fragile situation. CARE and our partners are urgently assessing the damage and preparing to support affected communities.”
The earthquake struck a nation already facing profound humanitarian needs. Nearly 20 million people in Myanmar require assistance due to ongoing conflict, economic hardship, and displacement. Now, they face a new emergency on top of existing crises.
Your support is urgently needed to provide life-saving aid to the people who need it the most—especially women and girls, who are among the most vulnerable in times of crisis.
