In Myanmar, an extra 2 million people now need humanitarian assistance, raising the total to 22 million. This follows two powerful earthquakes that struck the country on 28 March 2025.
Tin Aung Thein from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Myanmar said many are still suffering from the quakes’ impact, even a month later. In Mandalay, around 400 households were hit by both the earthquakes and a fire at the same time. Many people are now living in temporary shelters by the roadside, in open spaces, or in community centres.
Thein shared that local volunteer have provided food and basic supplies, but there is still a big need for shelter, food, hygiene kits, and toilets. He explained that most of those affected rely on daily wages to survive and urged the international community to step in.
Christina Powell, another OCHA official, said Myanmar was already facing a serious crisis even before the earthquakes. She warned that people are now more exposed to harsh conditions.
Powell mentioned that the UN and aid groups have been working closely with local organisations. Since the earthquakes, they have helped at least 600,000 people with clean water and sanitation, nearly half a million with food, and more than 100,000 with basic supplies.
Nang Nom Kham from OCHA praised the people’s resilience, saying they continue to look after children and the elderly, even after witnessing such terrible loss and injury around them.
