Disaster in Myanmar: Over 10,000 dead after devastating earthquake!

Disaster in Myanmar: Over 10,000 dead after devastating earthquake!

On March 28, 2025 at 12:50 p.m. local time, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand. The epicenter was near the city of Sagaing, known not only for its historic architecture but also as a refuge for hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the civil war. Reports of widespread destruction in several cities are difficult to reach the public because information from Myanmar is limited.

Emergency relief organizations are warning of a possible rising number of victims, which, according to the US Geological Survey, could be in the thousands. Currently, over 1,000 people have been confirmed dead in Myanmar and 30 are missing, while the number of victims could potentially rise to over 10,000. At least three deaths have been officially reported in Thailand, with media reporting up to 10 dead and 101 missing in Bangkok. The Thai Meteorological Office recorded further, albeit weaker, tremors after the quake.

The humanitarian crisis is deepening

The effects of the earthquake are particularly devastating in a country that has suffered from unstable conditions since the military coup in February 2021. The military junta is now asking for international support to respond to the urgent needs. The need for clean drinking water, safe shelter, food, medical care and psychological help is enormous. Before the earthquake, nearly 20 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance and around 3.5 million people are displaced within Myanmar.

The aid organization Diakonie Catastrophe Aid has contacted partner organizations and initially provided 50,000 euros, while Malteser International is planning to provide immediate aid of 250,000 euros for affected people immediately after the earthquake. The organization also emphasizes that the use of local partners to provide food, clothing and hygiene items will be crucial.

International reactions

The international community responds to the humanitarian disaster: the European Commission activates the Copernicus satellite service to assess the consequences of the earthquake. The EU is also providing 2.5 million euros for emergency aid. Russia is sending 120 experienced rescuers, doctors and search dogs to Myanmar, while China is offering a disaster response team with specialized equipment. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has also contacted government officials in Myanmar and promised help.

In addition to rescue and relief efforts, there are worrying reports about the integrity of dams on the Irrawaddy River, the breach of which could have serious consequences for the region. In Bangkok, the tremors caused a high-rise building under construction to collapse, further aggravating the situation. The search for missing people continues here and some subway lines need to be checked for damage.

The situation remains tense and the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar could worsen dramatically as a result of further developments. Experts are working to alleviate the humanitarian emergency as quickly as possible, but the challenges in a conflict-affected environment are enormous. The urgency of donations and support to help those affected could not be higher.

For more information and to help, those interested can support the aid organizations via their websites: exxpress.at, diakonie-katastrophenhilfe.de, malteser-international.org.