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Myanmar

​​​Devastating earthquake in Myanmar

Myanmar Red Cross first responders stand in front of a collapsed building.Photo credit: Myanmar Red Cross Society

On March 28, two powerful earthquakes struck central Myanmar, reducing thousands of homes, schools, and hospitals to rubble. More than 1.35 million people have been affected, with more than 200,000 displaced.

Several months later, devastation remains. Damaged buildings are still being cleared, and many people are still living in camps or camp-like structures, unable to return to their homes.
 

How the Myanmar Red Cross and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement are helping people impacted

The Myanmar Red Cross Society continues to lead the response with support from Red Cross Red Crescent Movement Partners and is providing vital support to the most impacted communities.

Myanmar Red Cross personnel are:
  • Providing pre-hospital care including first aid, transporting people to nearby hospitals, and donating medications and supplies to hospitals and clinics.
  • Operating mobile health teams to further support in impacted areas, providing both physical care, and mental health and psychosocial support.
  • Distributing relief items, including blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, shelter kits, mosquito nets and kitchen sets, as well as food.
  • Distributing gender and age-specific items such as dignity kits, infant kits and delivery kits.
  • Constructing latrines and promoting hygiene awareness.
  • Operating water purification units and distributing safe-drinking water.
  • Distributing cash assistance.
  • Helping reconnect separated families in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The Myanmar Red Cross Society is the oldest humanitarian organization in Myanmar. Their deep local presence and trust within communities make them uniquely positioned to respond.

While immediate, life-saving assistance is essential, we must also plan for long-term recovery. This response will take months of coordinated effort, and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is committed to supporting those impacted for the long haul.
 

How the Canadian Red Cross is supporting the response

The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of supporting the Myanmar Red Cross Society. To support the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement response to the earthquake, the Canadian Red Cross has provided funding and expertise in shelter; protection, gender and inclusion; security; and planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. We also provided more than 3,000 tarpaulins thanks to funds raised through the 2025 Myanmar Earthquake Appeal.

The Canadian Red Cross is grateful for the Government of Canada’s contribution to support the Red Cross Red Crescent response following the earthquake in Myanmar.