Photo credit: news.un.org
On March 28, a series of earthquakes struck central Myanmar, resulting in a staggering loss of life, with estimates indicating at least 3,700 fatalities and over 4,800 injuries. The situation remains dire, as 129 individuals are still unaccounted for. Humanitarian experts caution that the actual number of casualties might be significantly higher, attributing this to underreporting and ongoing obstacles in accurately gathering data.
Following the initial quake, the region has experienced more than 140 aftershocks, including some as strong as magnitude 5.9. These ongoing tremors are not only continuing to threaten physical safety but are also having profound psychological impacts, particularly on children and families who have been displaced. A recent report issued by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted these concerns.
“Frequent aftershocks continue to shake central Myanmar almost daily, increasing fear and uncertainty,” the report noted. The ongoing risk has led many families to seek shelter outdoors, leaving them vulnerable to various hazards, including weather elements and potential diseases from insect bites.
In addition to the immediate physical threats, the earthquakes have severely hindered relief efforts. Experts warn that aftershocks could continue for several months, given Myanmar’s position in a tectonically active zone.
Essential Needs Largely Unmet
In the wake of the earthquake, more than 4.3 million individuals are in urgent need of access to clean water and sanitation. Infrastructure damage has significantly affected local water systems, with over 42,000 latrines collapsed and widespread power outages undermining water pumping capabilities.
The destruction of reliable water sources has compelled residents to resort to perilous alternatives, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Compounding this issue is the rising concern of malnutrition, especially among children, as food insecurity intensifies and nutritional support efforts face growing hurdles.
The educational sector has not been spared from the devastation. With the new school year approaching in June, hundreds of damaged classrooms require urgent attention, including repairs and the establishment of essential facilities such as access to clean water and proper sanitation before students can safely return.
Threats to Food Security
Striking during Myanmar’s dry season, the earthquakes have wreaked havoc in one of the nation’s critical agricultural zones, where the most affected areas contribute significantly to the country’s cereal and maize production. The damage inflicted on farmland and crucial infrastructure poses a serious threat to food production, particularly with the monsoon planting season looming.
“Livelihoods have been upended due to widespread damage to farmland, essential infrastructure, and other income-generating businesses,” OCHA emphasized.
Humanitarian Efforts Strained
Amid these challenging circumstances, humanitarian organizations and local responders have managed to provide aid to over 240,000 people, delivering food, medical supplies, and essential items as of April 18. Over 100 tonnes of medical supplies have been distributed, and mobile health teams are now active in providing trauma care and emotional support in the worst-hit areas.
However, the magnitude and urgency of the crisis necessitate significantly more action, resources, and access to meet the needs of those affected, OCHA remarked. In response, the United Nations recently launched a $275 million appeal to reach an additional 1.1 million individuals requiring urgent assistance. This appeal supplements an existing humanitarian response plan of $1.1 billion initiated in December 2024, aimed at helping 5.5 million of the most vulnerable populations enduring the impacts of prolonged conflict and hardship.
Source
news.un.org