A massive earthquake of 7.7 magnitude that struck Myanmar, a Member State of ASEAN, on 28 March 2025 has caused significant loss of lives, widespread injuries, and severe destruction to the infrastructure and properties in several regions in Myanmar. In response to the earthquake, the Government declared a state of emergency in the most affected areas. The state of emergency covers Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, the northeastern part of Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw (the capital), and Bago Region. As of 6 April, 3,514 people have lost their lives, more than 4,800 have been injured, and 214 people are still missing in affected areas.
The Government of Myanmar has been carrying out relief and rescue operations in coordination with foreign countries to ensure the necessary materials for food, personal hygiene items, and equipment for temporary shelters and temporary hospitals for the quake-affected people in a timely manner. A week-long national mourning period in response to the earthquake was announced on 31 March 2025, and the mourning period spans from 31 March to 6 April 2025. During that period, the national flag was ordered to be flown at half-mast nationwide as a symbol of national mourning.
It is heartening to learn of the additional support of USD 7 million by the United States, in addition to the initial support of USD 2 million for earthquake-affected communities. The Myanmar Embassy in Washington, D.C. wishes to express its deep appreciation to the Government of the United States and the philanthropic organizations that have started mobilizing medical teams and offered life-saving assistance and essential items to the affected people in Myanmar. The Embassy also thanks the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief from the U.S. for lending a helping hand in setting up an emergency field hospital and providing other relief supports.
The Nay Pyi Taw International Airport and the Mandalay International Airport have resumed their functions following disruptions of the recent earthquake. But these two airports have been designated for relief and aid flights only, while the Yangon International Airport continues to serve as the International Entry Port.
As the Government continues its rescue and relief operations in earthquake-impacted areas, international humanitarian aid continues to arrive in Myanmar, delivering necessary assistance and dispatching relief and medical teams for those affected by the earthquake. As of 5 April, rescue teams from 26 countries are working together with the rescue teams from Myanmar. On 5 April, a flight from the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief from the United States arrived in Myanmar. It has brought 22,634 kilogrammes of medical supplies and equipment for setting up an emergency field hospital with surgical rooms, along with 25 medical personnel, including surgeons and nurses. Furthermore, ASEAN Member States are planning to deploy mobile hospitals capable of performing minor surgical operations for the affected people in the earthquake-stricken areas, as well as providing food, personal hygiene materials, and modern machinery for debris clearance.
The Government has unveiled a plan to provide financial aid of K1 million per person for those who have lost their lives due to the earthquake. In addition, the Government will offer assistance based on the extent of the destruction of the buildings, and rehabilitation measures will also be emphasized before the arrival of the monsoon season, which usually starts in the month of June.
Foreign dignitaries from certain countries and the officials from the UN, including the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), have visited Myanmar and offered assistance for the evolving needs in earthquake-hit areas. Myanmar looks forward to receiving continued support from the international community in its long-term recovery and rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities in Myanmar. Well-wishers and philanthropic organizations who wish to contribute their support for the relief and resettlement of the affected people in cash or kind are welcome to contact the Myanmar Embassy via email, as there is an urgent need for relief supplies.
The Myanmar Embassy in Washington, D.C. extended its sincere gratitude to the Department of State, diplomatic missions, and international organizations, as well as some private sector entities, which have expressed their support and solidarity with Myanmar at this difficult time, as a book of condolences was opened until 4 April in a hybrid format at the Chancery of the Embassy.
Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Washington, D.C., 6 April 2025
= = =