Myanmar Humanitarian Update No. 46 | 23 May 2025

This independent update, covering humanitarian developments up to 23 May, is produced by OCHA Myanmar under its global mandate, in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UN agencies. Response figures are based on self-reporting by organizations to clusters.

HIGHLIGHTS & KEY MESSAGES

• Myanmar continues to face significant humanitarian challenges, driven by recurrent disasters, persistent conflict, and grave protection risks, with an estimated 3.5 million people displaced across the country.
• Two powerful earthquakes on 28 March caused extensive damage in both populated cities and rural areas, leading to loss of lives, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and disruptions to livelihoods.
• Humanitarian needs in Myanmar have reached record levels, with 19.9 million people identified as needing assistance, and an additional 2 million now in urgent need following the earthquakes.
• Civilians continue to flee their homes due to fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various non-state armed group, with the conflict restricting access to life-saving assistance and essential services for affected communities.
• A surge in aerial attacks and shelling since around mid-April has led to significant civilian casualties, including many children.
• Humanitarian partners have provided critical assistance to 1.5 million people during the first quarter of 2025, despite challenges such as short falls and access restrictions.
• To date, the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) is only 7.8 per cent funded, while the Earthquake Addendum stands at 17.2 per cent. Increased funding and the timely disbursement of pledged contributions remain crucial to scaling up life-saving assistance and reach the most affected communities.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

People of Myanmar face escalating crisis amid earthquake devastation and protracted conflict

The humanitarian situation in Myanmar remains critical, with recent earthquakes further exacerbating existing challenges. The twin earthquakes – measuring 7.7 and 6.9 magnitude – that struck central Myanmar on 28 March caused widespread destruction across Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Southern Shan, and to a lesser extent, Bago, Magway, and Eastern Shan. More than 3,800 people are reported to have died, with many more believed to be missing beneath the rubble. Thousands of houses, health facilities and essential infrastructure have been severely damaged or destroyed, leaving many homeless and forced to shelter in precarious and unsafe conditions.

The disaster occurred during Myanmar’s hottest months, increasing risks of dehydration and heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and skin rash, for those whose homes were damaged or destroyed. Early rains and strong winds ahead of the usual monsoon season further threaten the health and safety of people living in makeshift shelters. The earthquakes also impacted key agricultural areas, disrupting livelihoods. Damage to farmland, irrigation systems, and local businesses has placed additional pressure on income-generating activities and food production, with potential long-term implications on food security and economic recovery.

Notwithstanding the devastating earthquake, armed conflict persists and is deepening the crisis in Myanmar, with a record 3.5 million internally displaced persons. Several major armed groups involved in the conflict publicly announced unilateral ceasefires for April following the earthquakes. However, hostilities persist with reports of recurrent clashes, including aerial attacks and shelling, across multiple states and regions. Since mid-April, an increase in aerial attacks and shelling has resulted in significant civilian casualties, including children, across the regions and states of Bago, Chin, Kayah, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Rakhine, Sagaing, and northern and southern Shan. Stronger protection measures remain critical to safeguarding affected communities. All parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and aid workers and ensure the safety of them unconditionally. Furthermore, the ongoing instability continues to drive further displacement in several states and regions, particularly in southeastern and northwestern Myanmar.